John Stillwell/AFP
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Buckingham Palace has newest royal Kate Middleton to thank for providing a boost in tourism. The Palace confirmed Tuesday that Kate's bridal gown drew in record-breaking crowds while on public display this summer.
Although exact numbers are not available, the Palace's rep says that more than 600,000 fans visited the exhibit from late July to Oct. 3.
"It is an incredible figure," says the spokeswoman for the Royal Collection, which curates the exhibit every year. "It is easily a record. We were thrilled to welcome people from all over the world and delighted it has been such a huge success."
Middleton's nearly $500,000 dress -- designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen -- raised the exhibit's turn out considerably from last year. In addition to the exquisite gown, visitors were able to see the diamond Cartier tiara Queen Elizabeth II lent her new granddaughter-in-law for the wedding, as well as the diamond earrings her parents had made with their family's crest and her beautiful wedding shoes.
Proceeds for this year's exhibit will go toward William and Kate's wedding charity fund, which will be distributed to charitable organizations the couple supports, including children's charities, and support for service men and women's families.
