Princess Charlotte's debut on the steps of the Lindo Wing was eagerly anticipated by royal fans the world over. Fashion followers were wowed by the Duchess of Cambridge's radiant appearance in her bespoke Jenny Packham dress, while others cooed over her adorable daughter sleeping soundly, swaddled in a white blanket.Little did Irulea, an 82-year-old family-run business located 800 miles from St Mary's Hospital in the Spanish city of San Sebastián, know however, that when the little Princess was presented to the world, she would be wearing one of their handmade creations.
Princess Charlotte wore the bonnet when she made her debut outside the Lindo Wing
According to a number of media outlets, the mother of Prince George's Spanish nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrello purchased the sweet cream bonnet as a gift for her newest charge, choosing a very special bespoke present from her native country."It was a pleasant surprise when we saw the first images of Princess Charlotte and saw that she was wearing our bonnet," Ayago Villar, who runs the shop with her sister Susana, told HELLO! Online. "It was made in our shop, it's all handmade. "Ayago explained that she was only alerted to the fact that the baby girl was wearing one of the company's creations when her regular customers noticed it on television and in photographs. "Some of our clients alerted us and we soon recognised it was ours," she said, adding that she then realised who the purchaser had been.
The special item of clothing was purchased in San Sebastián, Spain
"We know who bought it," she said. "She asked for white and ivory clothes, she said that it was for a baby whose gender was not known yet and it was a gift from her."The buyer never confirmed her identity to Ayago, but the smallest details hinted that the bonnet was destined for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby."She never said who she was," said Ayago. "She was very, very discreet, but some details gave her away and I realised she was close to the British Royal Family. Everything she was buying was for newborns, she wanted the most handmade items, very simple items, nothing ostentatious.
William and Kate made sure their daughter wasn't cold when she left the Paddington hospital
"We knew the clothes were for Kate’s baby," she added. "[But] she was very discreet and never identified herself as someone close the royal family. But because of names, surnames and the address… We worked it out. "Irulea, whose other high-profile customers have included Bruce Springsteen and the late Duchess of Alba – both regular visitors to San Sebastian - can no doubt soon expect to see their royal endorsement increase sales in the near future.Don't forget to get your copy of HELLO!'s special souvenir issue introducing our little Princess. Out now!
