THE most eagerly awaited dress of the century will go on display in Buckingham Palace ballroom tomorrow.

Fashion’s best kept secret; the Duchess of Cambridge’s intricately decorated bridal gown, received a rapturous reception on her wedding day on April 29.

Even the team of embroiderers at Hampton Court Palace working on the gown, designed by Sarah Burton, did not know the creator’s identity until shortly before the public announcement.

Now admirers can view the dress during the annual summer opening of the Royal residence until October 3.

Exhibition curator Caroline de Guitaut said: “The Duchess considered a number of options and then decided that she would like it to be displayed here which of course was the scene for the celebrations after Westminster Abbey.

“It is therefore very fitting that it should be shown here.

“What will be a revelation for visitors is how much detail and how much work went into the creation of this dress.

“The beauty is really in the detail.”

The bridal gown, which has been copied for the high street outlets, features lace applique floral detail and was made of ivory and white satin gazar, with a skirt resembling an open flower with white satin gazar arches and pleats. Its train measures 9ft – modest in comparison with many Royal brides.

The Duchess’s veil, tiara and the diamond earrings she wore on her wedding day will also be on show, along with her size five and a half bridal shoes.

Her veil was held in place by a Cartier Halo tiara which was her “something borrowed” and loaned by the Queen following a tradition for Royal weddings.

The tiara was made in 1936 and bought by the Duke of York – later King George VI – for the Duchess of York, later Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King.

The Duchess’s diamond earrings, a gift from her parents, are in the same display cabinet as her shoes and a replica bouquet. William and Kate’s wedding cake will be shown in the state dining room.

• For tickets and visitor information go to royalcollection.org.uk or phone 0207 766 7300.