Helping a bride create the perfect dress for her big day is tough at the best of times, but for one group of Hampton lace-makers the pressure was really on, as their creation was going to be seen by millions the world over.

But lace-makers at the Royal School of Needlework (RSN), based at Hampton Court Palace, who were chosen to hand-stitch the delicate lace worn by Kate Middleton on Friday when she walked down the aisle with her prince, could not have been happier to be part of the celebrations.

RSN chief executive, Susan Kay-Williams, said everyone was very proud of their involvement.

She said: “The Royal School of Needlework was absolutely delighted to be called upon to work on this unique and eagerly-awaited commission.

“[And] our involvement with this very special event continues our long tradition of work for royal occasions.

“The RSN has a bank of highly-skilled embroiderers to call upon for a large commission such as this and their combined experience, knowledge and skills have contributed enormously to this project.

“I am immensely proud of the way the whole RSN team worked together.”

Embroidery experts worked tirelessly to create the bespoke lace on the wedding dress, veil and shoes, which were designed by Sarah Burton.

Sophie Long, 24, of Walton, was part of the team who spent hours hand-stitching the dress’s lace motifs, stopping every 30 minutes to wash her hands to keep the lace and threads looking perfect.

She said: “I enjoy repairing wedding veils and love teaching fine embroidery so to work on Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress was a great opportunity and a fantastic experience.”

The RSN was founded in 1872 and has had a long history with the royal family and worked on the Queen’s coronation train back in 1953.