Cutter Richard Lawson shows a British military uniform at Gieves and Hawkes shop as speculations go around that Prince William is likely to wear a military uniform during his wedding with Kate Middleton. (AP)LONDON: Talk about being overshadowed. The fashion world, and beyond, has gone fairly berserk over Kate Middleton as people try to predict the style of her wedding dress, but Prince William's fashion choices for their April 29 nuptials at Westminster Abbey have received scant attention. Perhaps that's only fitting. The bride's always the center of attention at a wedding – and this is no ordinary wedding. Middleton has a virtually unlimited budget and can choose from among Britain's finest designers. No wonder people care. But William's sartorial choices matter too – the wedding photos will likely last through the ages, reprinted time and time again to mark important occasions, like his coronation as king. Most experts expect William, a highly trained air force helicopter rescue pilot, to wear a custom-made, ceremonial military uniform, as his father Prince Charles did when he wed Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. William could also choose a morning suit with tails, as is customary at posh British weddings, but as a serving officer whose family has long ties to the military, this is seen as unlikely. “There is a very long tradition of British royal men serving in the military and wearing military uniforms,” said Patrick Grant, owner of Norton and Sons on London's storied Savile Row. “To me a morning coat is fine but not terrifically interesting when you could wear something that is really spectacular and exhibits levels of craftsmanship that thankfully still exist in Britain. It has so much more pomp.” Britain's finest tailoring houses have a long history of crafting ceremonial uniforms that effortlessly convey grace and authority. “This is not your everyday wear, this is what you take out for momentous occasions,” Grant said. “It's fantastic looking, over and above almost anything else men wear in the Western world. I don't suppose there's any chance of William outshining his bride, but after all he is our future king and he has an important role to play in this wedding.” He thinks it likely William will choose a dark uniform with extensive gold detailing. The choice of a uniform over civilian clothes would also reinforce William's preferred image as a dutiful military man, not a party boy with a permanent table at London's best nightclubs. Robert Johnston, associate editor of the British edition of GQ, said William is seen as a “reasonably elegant” dresser – although innately conservative in his clothing choices – who would look terrific in a custom
