(Cover) - EN Star Style - Kate Middletons iconic transparent dress has been sold at auction for 78,000.

Kate has been propelled into the limelight since she and Britains Prince William announced their wedding at Westminster Abbey in London next month, meaning public interest in the royal-to-be is at an all-time high, especially when it comes to her fashion and style choices.

The 29-year-old famously modelled a see-through gown at a 2002 fashion show attended by William back when they were students at the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland, and the robe yesterday fetched 78,000.

London auctioneer Kerry Taylor had predicted the frock would fetch between 8,000 and 10,000, so the sale completely surpassed expectations. In the end the dress went for 65,000, and when 13,000 buyer's fees were added the total came to 78,000.

The fashion item was purchased by a mystery bidder, known only as Nick from Jersey.

Charlotte Todd, who created the iconic dress while studying fashion design at the University of the West of England in Bristol, England, in 2000, sold the dress at the London auction.

The royal couple are currently in the midst of planning their much anticipated wedding, scheduled to take place on April 29. (C) Cover Media