The timing couldn't be more perfect. As the anniversary of William and Kate's fairytale wedding approaches, the moment they announced their intentions to wed can now be re-lived.
Madame Tussauds in London has unveiled lifelike waxworks of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, based on the day William officially presented his fiancée to the world. Every last detail from the announcement (pictured below) has been captured, from Kate's shimmering blue Issa dress to the wide smiles and shining eyes of the happy couple. A replica of that famous sapphire ring - formerly belonging to the late Princess Diana - also adorns the Duchess' delicate finger. It took four months and the artistic flare of chief sculptors Louis Wiltshire and Stephen Mansfield to accurately capture the essence of Britain's favourite royal couple.
The pair had to create the £150,000 figures solely from pictures and video footage after William and Kate's hectic schedules prevented them from attending a sitting. Louis – who was responsible for capturing the Duchess' likeness – felt the pressure of the task. "There's always a great sense of occasion when a new waxwork is introduced, but in this instance the weight of expectation is even greater," he told The Telegraph. The royal couple will also grace three other branches of the world-famous museum.
In Blackpool, fans can see Kate swathed in the Jenny Packham gown she wore to Arpad Busson's ARK charity gala. New York will showcase the stunning Alexander McQueen column she wore to dazzle Hollywood . And in Amsterdam, the Duchess will wear the lacy Alice Temperley creation she wore to the War Horse premiere .
