Royal hat designer Philip Treacy has addressed the controversy surrounding Princess Beatrice's famous bow-shaped hat worn to Prince William and Catherine's 2011 wedding. The headpiece, which raised £81,100.01 when auctioned for charity, was widely mocked online, with comparisons to a pretzel or toilet seat.
Designer defends creation
Treacy, who designed 35 hats for guests at the wedding, said of the criticism: "I love it. If there was no opinion, it would be pointless. It's impossible to design something that billions of people agree with." He added: "There was a moment where I thought I would find myself with my head on a spike outside the Tower of London."
Treacy's royal connections
The milliner received an honorary OBE in 2007 for his contribution to fashion. He has created hats for many royals, including Queen Camilla, and designed two headpieces worn by the late Queen for her marriage to Charles in 2005. Treacy also designed hats for guests at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding and was granted a royal warrant in 2024.
