JOYOUS OCCASION: GLITTERING GUEST LIST

ROYALTY, CELEBRITIES AND POLITICIANS GATHERED TOGETHER FOR THE KING'S CORONATION

- MICHELLE GARNETT AND RHONA MERCER

The approach to Westminster Abbey was like a who's who of royals, dignitaries and A-listers as guests arrived for the historic event. But it was the Prince and Princess of Wales who were the crowd-pullers on the royal "red carpet" as they arrived with two of their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Page of honour Prince George had arrived separately.

Shielded by umbrellas as the rain came down, Kate was forced to hitch up her show-stopping ivory silk crepe Alexander McQueen dress and robe as she arrived at the ceremony. The Princess of Wales accessorised her outfit beautifully with a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen floral headpiece with silver bullion, crystal and silver threadwork. It's thought that Kate wore the floral headpiece rather than the expected tiara out of respect for her father-in-law's wishes to have a theme encapsulating nature, greenery and the environment.

Touchingly, Kate's stunning jewellery gave a nod to both her husband's late mother and Queen Elizabeth II. Her pearl earrings had belonged to Diana, the former Princess of Wales, while her diamond George VI Festoon necklace was a gift from King George VI for his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth.

Despite it not being quite the weather they'd hoped for, the rain did nothing to dampen the grandeur of their entrance and William and Kate appeared composed and calm as they led Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis into the abbey.