Irish lace maker hopeful of getting the call

DESIGNERS of Carrickmacross lace are hoping newly engaged Meghan Markle will continue a royal tradition of including the intricate lace on her wedding gown.

Elizabeth Daly, of the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, in Co Monaghan, said it would be “lovely” if the actress wore the design on her gown, after both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton wore it on their wedding days.

“It was Queen Victoria’s favourite lace as well. We feel it was a tribute by Prince William, I think it was a tribute to his mum when he had the Carrickmacross lace in Kate’s dress,” said Ms Daly (inset).

Asked whether Carrickmacross might get a look in again when Markle marries Prince Harry next year, Ms Daly said: “The thought did cross my mind. I wonder will they put the wheels in motion? Harry might like to do the same thing (as William).

“We’re hoping, that would be nice.”

Carrickmacross lace dates to the 1820s and became a favourite of the royals through the years.

Kate’s wedding dress was made by English designer Sarah Burton, of luxury fashion house Alexander McQueen.

Ms Daly said that while the gallery was not involved in the design of Kate’s dress, they were thrilled to see their stitching technique used on her gown.

Carrickmacross lace has also won fans in the US. First Lady Melania Trump was presented with a brooch inspired by the design earlier this year.

She was given a piece of Carrickmacross lace when former taoiseach Enda Kenny visited Washington as part of St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

The lace is hand-stitched by a select group of craftspeople.