We design hats for the Royal Family – here’s what it was really like working with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Royal Ascot Millinery Collective, reimagined by its creative director, British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher.

For the first time, the participating designers were unveiled in a live show during London Fashion Week, as Ascot makes history by joining the British Fashion Council as a Patron – the only sporting venue and event ever to do so. 

Drawing inspiration from both historical eras and cutting-edge techniques, the 2025 collection showcased 10 bespoke hats crafted by a diverse selection of milliners, some of whom have previously collaborated with members of the Royal Family. 

‘My vision for the tenth Royal Ascot Millinery Collective draws from the timeless elegance of Parisian couture houses and Savile Row’s bespoke craftsmanship,’ Daniel told MailOnline.

Inspired by the refined glamour of the 1950s, the salon-style presentation saw models move gracefully through a spot-lit setting to the sound of a live piano. 

‘This immersive presentation highlights the artistry behind each piece, celebrating millinery as both a tradition and a continually evolving art form,’ Daniel said, in an exclusive interview.

By viewing Royal Ascot’s heritage as a foundation for creativity, this fusion of tradition and innovation introduced a fresh concept to Fashion Week. 

‘While rooted in craftsmanship and elegance, Royal Ascot’s presentation embraces modernity – blending classic influences with a dynamic, immersive showcase. 

Daniel Fletcher poses with the 2025 Royal Ascot Millinery Collective designs at a presentation during London Fashion Week

‘My vision as creative director is to honour Ascot’s timeless style while continuing to inspire new generations and celebrate millinery as a vital part of contemporary fashion.’ 

In addition to their bespoke millinery designs, each model was dressed in a custom trouser suit, designed by Daniel and inspired by the Royal Enclosure dress code.

‘From industry icon Stephen Jones, who masterfully blends avant-garde and classic elegance, to emerging talents like Eliurpi, known for sculptural, architectural creations, each designer brings a distinct perspective, pushing the boundaries of millinery as wearable art,’ Daniel continued.

Alongside them are Carrie Jenkinson, Katherine Elizabeth, Sally-Ann Provan, Alexandra Harper and Merve Bayindir, whose designs embody meticulous craftsmanship and a forward-thinking approach to millinery. 

Also featured in the collection are Jane Taylor, Awon Golding and Lisa Tan, renowned for their longstanding connections to both royalty and A-list celebrities. 

We had the pleasure of speaking with the milliners whose designs have been favoured by the likes of the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Jane Taylor

Drawing inspiration from Ascot headwear of past decades, Jane Taylor’s latest design features a hand-shaped, wide-brimmed oval silhouette in a timeless monochrome palette. 

‘I also incorporated a silk headscarf, a nod to the classic equestrian style worn through the eras, but with a modern twist draped into a soft, delicate bow at the back to keep the piece feminine and refined,’ she explained.

Emphasising the spirit of the event, she added: ‘Ascot is a time to express yourself and celebrate dressing at your highest level.’ 

Drawing inspiration from Ascot headwear of past decades, Jane Taylor’s latest design features a hand-shaped, wide-brimmed oval silhouette in a timeless monochrome palette

Having achieved global success, Jane’s designs have graced momentous occasions, from royal weddings to the Coronation and OBE ceremonies. 

‘It’s an honour to be part of their journeys, and the heartfelt letters, cards and gifts we receive mean so much, reflecting the joy our handcrafted and couture headwear bring to their special days,’ she shared. 

Among her distinguished clientele, Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore Jane’s designs for the christenings of all three of her children. 

However, her most loyal supporter remains Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who has exclusively worn Jane Taylor designs since 2009. 

‘The loyalty, support and kindness the Duchess of Edinburgh has shown me over the past 16 years have been truly integral to my career and business,’ Jane said. 

‘Her unwavering belief in my designs has led me to create dozens, perhaps even a hundreds of pieces for her, often with complete creative freedom.’

Sophie is also a dedicated advocate for British fashion, frequently collaborating with the British Fashion Council and championing UK designers at royal engagements.

‘Having such an incredible ambassador means so much to designers and the industry in this country, and it has been an absolute honour to work with her and her wonderful team,’ Jane added.

Kate wore Jane Taylor’s designs for the christenings of all three of her children. However, her most loyal supporter remains Sophie, who has exclusively worn Jane Taylor designs since 2009

Awon Golding 

‘Royal Ascot is the pinnacle of millinery,’ Awon Golding told MailOnline. ‘Known for its bold designs, dramatic silhouettes and the playful side of fashion.’

Her latest piece embodies these elements, making a statement with leopard print while staying true to the event’s rich heritage. 

The London-based milliner, whose work is influenced by her English-Indian heritage and Hong Kong upbringing, gained widespread recognition when Lady Gaga wore one of her hats in 2018. 

‘She even gave me a shoutout on her social media, which was an incredible and unforgettable moment in my career,’ Awon recalled. 

Awon Golding’s hat embodies the playful side of fashion, making a statement with leopard print while staying true to Royal Ascot’s rich heritage

Alongside running her eponymous label, Awon also leads millinery design at Lock & Co., the world’s oldest hat shop. 

Her creations have been worn by Princess Kate for notable occasions, including Easter Sunday and the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh. 

‘Catherine is a wonderful champion of British designers and craftsmanship, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of royal fashion history. She’s absolutely stunning, so every hat looks incredible on her,’ she gushed.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is also a fan, choosing one of the milliner’s distinctive feathered designs for Christmas in 2018. 

‘Meghan reached out to me, which was incredibly flattering,’ Awon shared. ‘She was an absolute dream to work with, and seeing my hat on such a high-profile royal – gracing the front pages – was a true pinch-me moment. 

‘My husband even went out that day and bought every single newspaper he could find,’ she added with a smile.

Alongside running her eponymous label, Awon Golding also leads millinery design at Lock & Co., the world’s oldest hat shop. Her creations have been worn by Kate and Meghan

Sally-Ann Provan 

‘My headpiece is a playful expression of flowers caught in a breeze, dancing and shedding petals as they move,’ said Sally-Ann Provan, describing her design.

Featuring nearly 70 of her signature origami flowers, each meticulously handcrafted from duchesse silk and crystal pearls, the piece transitions subtly in colour from black to ivory. 

The striking design is on a larger scale than Sally-Ann’s usual style, ensuring maximum impact. 

Featuring nearly 70 of Sally-Ann Provan’s signature origami flowers, each meticulously handcrafted from duchesse silk and crystal pearls, the piece transitions subtly in colour from black to ivory

The milliner, based in Edinburgh, sees Royal Ascot as an event that ‘brings out a sense of joy and exuberance through dramatic hats and headwear and encourages you to be bold and impactful.’

She reflected on the ‘honour’ of seeing Kate wear one of her designs – a floral monochrome straw boater – to Ascot in 2022. 

Kate is among several royals who have embraced Sally-Ann’s designs, joining Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who both wore her hats to the event in 2018.

‘That was an exciting day, both Princesses looked utterly stunning – I was so delighted that both of their Royal Highnesses chose to wear my hats on Gold Cup Day (Ladies Day) at Royal Ascot – it was such a special time,’ she recalled.

Sally-Ann Provan was ‘honoured’ to see Kate wearing one of her designs – a floral monochrome straw boater – to Royal Ascot in 2022

Stephen Jones  

Stephen Jones described his creation as ‘extravagant and glamorous,’ striking a balance between whimsy and refinement in wearable artistry.

Reimagining the cocktail hat with elongated feathers, he explained: ‘Royal Ascot is a day of celebration, and I hope to echo that emotion in millinery.’

Stephen Jones described his creation as ‘extravagant and glamorous,’ striking a balance between whimsy and refinement in wearable artistry

Considered one of the most influential milliners of the 20th century, Stephen began collaborating with Princess Diana soon after her marriage to Prince Charles.

During their fittings, the ‘charming’ Princess would listen to Wham Rap! on her Walkman.

Reflecting their collaboration, Stephen shared: ‘I first worked with her at the very beginning of her marriage and she realised that wearing a hat was an important part of her being royal and looking regal.’

Since then, he has designed headwear for Beatrice, Eugenie and Meghan, who he notes ‘always wears the hat – the hat doesn’t wear her.’ 

‘I am delighted that the Duchess is a regular client. She wears a hat with aplomb,’ he added.

Meghan has showcased hats from both Stephen Jones’ namesake brand and the House of Dior, where he has served as milliner since 1996.

Considered one of the most influential milliners of the 20th century, Stephen Jones has collaborated with Princess Diana and Meghan Markle