The first official painting of the Duchess of Cambridge will go on show to the public at the National Portrait Gallery from this afternoon.

The Duchess was involved in selecting artist Paul Emsley, who won the BP Portrait Award in 2007, to paint the portrait, which took three and a half months to complete.

What do you think of the picture?

The exciting news about the arrival of a royal baby in London is only tainted by the fact that the duchess has been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in Central London with acute morning sickness. Let’s hope she recovers soon.

As the BBC points out, the royal baby will be born third in line and in direct succession to the throne. He or she will one day be head of the armed forces, supreme governor of the Church of England and subsequently head of state in 16 countries.

Are you fans of the royal couple? Don’t forget there are many ways you can learn and experience more about the Royal Family in London. Here are some tips for enjoying Royal London; and some suggestions on how you can sample Kate Middleton’s favourite London haunts.

There’s an extra reason to visit Buckingham Palace this summer as Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding dress will be on display from 23 July to 3 October 2011.

The famous dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, is made of ivory and white satin-gazar and features a 2.7 metre (9 ft) train.

The Buckingham Palace display will be the first chance for the public to see the dress up-close and appreciate the intricate embroidery detail; it’s covered in lace appliqué flowers, some of which are as small as 5p coins!

Kate’s wedding shoes, veil, diamond earrings and Cartier tiara lent by the Queen will be displayed with the wedding dress. The couple’s wedding cake will also be on display.

This year’s summer opening also features an exhibition of The Queen’s Faberge collection.

In other Royal Wedding news, it was revealed today that Kensington Palace will be the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s temporary London residence.

Buckingham Palace Summer Opening runs from 23 July to 3 October 2011. Book tickets here

What else could possibly have been our choice as Video of the Week for this week?

Here’s an amazing film of the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – Prince William and Kate – on their way from Westminster Abbey after the wedding ceremony to Buckingham Palace. And it gives a great view of that gorgeous dress!

Did you see the Royal Wedding on TV? Or were you watching from the Mall? Perhaps you were hosting a street party in honour of the royal couple. Let us know in the comments below.

And don’t forget to add your Royal Wedding photos to the Visit London flickrpool.

In the year of the Royal Wedding, this could be your only chance to get up close to Prince William.

We’re giving away a family ticket to Madame Tussauds, where you can have your photo taken with the handsome prince before he’s joined by Kate Middleton later this year.

As well as the royal family, you’ll see lifelike wax figures of celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Robert Pattinson and Barack Obama.

Enter for a chance to win a family ticket to Madame Tussauds

The Royal Collection has launched its official range of china to commemorate next year’s marriage of Prince William of Wales and Catherine (Kate) Middleton.

Approved by the happy couple, the Royal Wedding range includes a tankard, plate and pillbox made from English fine bone china. The design features William and Kate’s initials intertwined as well as doves, white ribbons and hearts.

You can purchase the official china in London from the Royal Collection shops at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Or buy it online at online at www.royalcollectionshop.co.uk.

What do you think of the Royal Wedding china? Tell us in the comments below.

It’s official! Kate Middleton and Prince William are going to be married on 29 April in Westminster Abbey.

And Prime Minister David Cameron has confirmed that the occasion will be marked with a public holiday. 

Westminster Abbey is the same place that hosted the Queen and the Queen Mother’s weddings; it was also the venue for Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.

The prince’s private secretary Jamie Lowther-Pinkington said the couple wanted a spring wedding and felt that the abbey offered relative intimacy despite its size.

The extra day’s holiday falls in the same week as Easter Monday, giving millions of workers a three-day week.

David Cameron said, “We want to mark the day as one of national celebration, a public holiday will ensure the most people possible have a chance to celebrate on the day.”

What do you think of the date? Are you going to come and watch from the streets of Westminster? Let us know in the comments below…

We’re thrilled at the news Prince William is going to marry Kate Middleton in London next year.

Here at VL Towers, we’ve been in deep discussions about the London location for the ceremony, the dress and of course, the reception.

Will they go for the tradition of a royal wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey? Or perhaps St Paul’s Cathedral, like William’s parents, Charles and Diana did 29 years ago. Or maybe they’ll go for something a bit quirkier: did you know you can get married at London Zoo, Kew Gardens and the Science Museum, not to mention Wembley Stadium and HMS Belfast!

And we’re hoping they’ll take tips from our ideas for hen weekends and stag dos in the capital.

If you’re inspired by the new royal being welcomed into our midst next year, why not take a few tips from our Royal Day Out in London.

Above images of Kate and William from flickr, by Nick Warner and Rob the moment.