Sheer joy as lingerie queen picks up OBE

The creator of Ultimo lingerie designed the risque black outfit, which revealed a sheer bra underneath, especially for the ceremony.

It was only completed on Wednesday, leading to last-minute worries for the co-founder of MJM International, who admitted the ceremony was "so nerve-racking".

The Glaswegian entrepreneur said: "I designed it a few weeks ago but it was only finished last night, so my husband brought it down. I didn't even have a chance to try it on.

"I wanted to wear an Ultimo creation, but I did think: 'Should or shouldn't I wear it?'"

Mrs Mone's company is launching a range of bridal dresses next year, but she said she would like to provide lingerie for the Royal wedding on April 29, adding: "I have designed Kate's bridal lingerie for her, and I'm going to send the designs to her. I think that Ultimo fits with her image."

The Royal wedding was on the minds of other award recipients at the Palace, including cake-maker Michelle Turner, who received an MBE.

Mrs Turner, from Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, has already created cakes for the Queen's diamond wedding anniversary and Prince Charles's 60th birthday. She also made the wedding cake for Madonna and Guy Ritchie.