Hats off to him! Kate Middleton hires Philip Treacy for the big day

By Katie Nicholl
Last updated at 2:51 AM on 20th February 2011
Kate Middleton has commissioned flamboyant hat-maker Philip Treacy to create headgear for the Royal Wedding party.
The Royal bride – who is keeping her dress a state secret – is a big fan of Treacy and wore a broad-rimmed hat of his to Prince William’s passing-out parade at Sandhurst in 2006.
Kate, 29, recently met Treacy after the Duchess of Cornwall recommended his designs for the senior members of the wedding party, including mother-of-the-bride Carole.
By royal appointment: Kate Middleton, pictured wearing one of Philip Treacy's hats in 2006, has asked him to fit out the wedding party
By royal appointment: Kate Middleton, pictured wearing one of Philip Treacy's hats in 2006, has asked him to fit out the wedding party
By royal appointment: Kate Middleton, pictured wearing one of Philip Treacy's hats in 2006, has asked him to fit out the wedding party
Camilla, who recently treated Kate and her sister Pippa – maid of honour at the April nuptials – to lunch, is a fan of the award-winning hat-maker who designed her wedding head dress in 2005.
‘Philip has taken numerous phone calls from the Duchess of Cornwall since December and he was summoned to the Palace to meet Kate,’ says an impeccable source.
‘Camilla and Philip have remained friendly since he designed for her and the respect is mutual. Philip thinks the Duchess has great style.’

 

Kate will be wearing a veil on the day but may want a head dress for the evening when she is considering wearing a different frock.
‘Kate and Philip discussed designs and which senior ladies of the wedding party would wear what, including her mother,’ says the source.
‘Kate is keen on wearing something fabulous in the evening as well.
‘There are going to be some flamboyant creations.’
Meanwhile, Kate has suites at both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House reserved so that she can have all her dress fittings privately.
Treacy’s elaborate designs are favoured by celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Lady Gaga.
His spokesman confirmed they were working for the Royal Wedding party but added: ‘It’s a private client so we can’t comment.’