The Royal wedding: Colourful show by the other red-carpet royalty

Published on Friday 29 April 2011 18:30

THEY took their seats alongside bona fide monarchy, the "celebrity royalty" of modern Britain rubbing shoulders with members of its ancient institution.

In what represented a Who's Who of power and fame, a cavalcade of stars joined the ranks of politicians and aristocracy inside Westminster Abbey to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

While a number of high-profile political figures were left off the guest list, including US President Barack Obama and former prime ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, the calibre of showbiz guests only intensified widespread media coverage.

As befits their status, the celebrity members of the congregation donned designer outfits to shine on the red carpet outside the abbey. Most, though, paid heed to the event's sense of decorum by favouring less flamboyant attire in a fashion parade dominated by fascinators and morning suits, where popular colours included fuchsia, royal blue and purple.

• 360 photo: Royal couple on the balcony at Buckingham Palace

David Beckham and his wife Victoria drew the loudest cheers from onlookers when they arrived at the abbey shortly after 9:20am. The former Manchester United and England footballer wore a dark grey Ralph Lauren morning suit, his OBE pinned to his right lapel.

The singer and fashion designer, pregnant with the couple's fourth child, wore a subtle midnight blue boat-neck tunic dress from her latest collection. She accessorised the outfit with a Philip Treacy hat and a pair of specially customised Christian Louboutin shoes.

In a statement after the ceremony, the couple described the service as "beautiful and heartfelt", describing Miss Middleton - now the Duchess of Cambridge - as "wonderfully elegant".

Sir Elton John arrived with his partner, David Furnish, just before 10am. The singer-songwriter, who sang at the funeral of Princess Diana, eschewed his customary flamboyance, the pair opting for elegant morning coats. Both men received loud cheers from wellwishers. Asked if they had a message for the couple, Mr Furnish said: "We wish them a lifetime of happiness."

While the majority of guests plumped for darker colours, some celebrities stood out in bright outfits. Socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson chose a striking cobalt blue Deborah Milner dress, her slim-fitting cowl-neck sheath matching her Philip Treacy hat, leather gloves and studded platform shoes.

Other celebrities included singer Joss Stone, TV presenter Ben Fogle, film director Guy Ritchie and comedian Rowan Atkinson. Sporting guests included Australian Olympic swimming gold medallist Ian Thorpe and former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward.

The political world also put on a show. Prime Minister David Cameron wore a morning suit, while his wife Samantha shunned a hat in favour of a borrowed headpiece and necklace by Erickson Beamon for Erdem. She wore a 495 Burberry London emerald teal knee-length dress, and 75 Aldo shoes, with a borrowed shawl.

First Minister Alex Salmond wore a lounge suit and saltire tie, while his wife, Moira, chose a silver outfit with a blush pink hat and pewter shoes and bag.

Vogue's fashion features director, Harriet Quick, said Mrs Beckham and Ms Palmer-Tomkinson "looked superb". She added: "With [Victoria Beckham] six months pregnant, she did it in style again. Tara Palmer-Tomkinson looked really amazing as well. That was an iconic outfit."