Beatrice was the talk of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 2011 wedding as her unique hat received much criticism – with the designer speaking out on the furore his creation sparked
Beatrice wore a blush pink ensemble for William and Kate’s wedding in 2011(Image: Getty Images)
When Prince William and Princess Kate tied the knot in 2011 at Westminster Abbey, all eyes were on the future king and queen as they exchanged vows in front of millions of excited royal fans.
And while the Princess of Wales has fashion experts everywhere analysing her stunning gown, there was one other unusual fashion choice made by a royal guest that turned heads. Princess Beatrice attended the wedding with her sister Princess Eugenie, with Beatrice’s unique hat drawing much attention. The princess’ blush pink accessory was widely mocked online at the time of the royal wedding, as resembling a pretzel or toilet seat.
Princess Beatrice’s choice of hat for William and Kate’s wedding in 2011 drew much criticism (Image: Getty Images)
Now, the designer of the hat, Philip Treacy, has defended the unusual design, telling the Telegraph: “I love it. If there was no opinion, it would be pointless. It’s impossible to design something that billions of people agree with.”
Despite his love for the hat, he admitted to the publication that he received worldwide furore over the design, as he said: “There was a moment where I thought I would find myself with my head on a spike outside the Tower of London.”
Despite the ridicule, the hat raised £81,100 when it was auctioned for charity, with proceeds from the sale split between the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, and British charity Children in Crisis.
At the time of William and Kate’s wedding, a Facebook page was created to pay tribute to the hat, with thousands of people joining the ‘Princess Beatrice’s ridiculous Royal Wedding hat’ page. The fascinator was likened to an octopus, a pretzel, a toilet seat and a cat flap, among others.
The accessory was likened to a pretzel and a toilet seat(Image: Getty Images)
In the weeks after the wedding, Beatrice told Grazia of her unusual look that it was “wonderful that it’s had such a reaction”. She added: “It’s an incredible response to a hat, really. I’m glad it provoked so much conversation.”
Philip has designed signature, one-off pieces for famous clients such as Madonna, Celine Dion, Joan Collins and Goldie Hawn, as well as hats for the royals, including the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla.
His prolific work for the Royal Family goes back decades, as he was responsible for 36 hats worn at William and Catherine’s nuptials, and a further 20 at the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
He also created the two headpieces worn by Queen Camilla for her 2005 marriage to Charles, before working with the King and Queen again for the 2023 Coronation, when Mr Treacy designed the caps of maintenance for the Coronation crowns, collaborating with Crown Jeweller Mark Appleby over four months.
Hat designer Philip Treacy with actress Demi Moore at Royal Ascot in 2019(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
“It was the most mind-blowing experience to work with these objects that are symbols of a thousand years of history,” he said.
Mr Treacy is unequivocal about the debt he owes the monarchy for sustaining his craft: “The Royal Family have kept hats alive in the imagination of people. If the Royal Family didn’t wear hats, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you. It’s as extreme as that.”
His work for the Royal Family granted him a royal warrant in 2024, cementing his status as the monarchy’s pre-eminent hat designer, and in 2007, he received an honorary OBE in recognition of his contribution to fashion.
