Top fashion designer Paul Costelloe has said he believes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will take down the monarchy.
The London-based designer said that while he never dressed Ms Markle, he believes the outspoken couple could put the monarchy in crisis after revelations in their Netflix documentary, which aired last Thursday.
Speaking exclusively to us, Paul said: “No, I haven’t. I haven’t dressed her, but do you know what, they have really burnt their bridges now, but I think it’s great. I honestly think that they could bring down the whole royal family in some respects.
“I think they are so popular in America.”
Paul admitted he wasn’t a fan of the monarchy but previously dressed the late Princess Diana.
“I dressed Princess Diana. I was quite close to her. I dressed her a number of times. I did all her tailoring, particularly earlier on in her relationship with Charles before Dolce and Gabbana got involved and she went more riskee and I kind of stood back.
“I honestly have no time for Charles the way he treated her.”
He said he “could tell” she was unhappy.
“I used to go to Kensington Palace and the children were there, they were very small, and she would have someone make a cup of tea for me and a biscuit. She was just warm and welcoming and appreciated my… I always got a thank you note, Christmas cards year after year…”
Paul admitted he can’t accept a “King Charles.”
“To hear ‘God Save The King’, I find it very hard. I wouldn’t care (about dressing him). I wouldn’t particularly want to dress her either (Camilla).
“But I would like to dress Kate and William. I’m still hanging onto that obviously,” he added.
Paul was speaking at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin where he did he first Irish runway show in ten years.
He showcased his latest Spring Summer 2023 collection at Jack and Jill’s Christmas Lunch fundraiser at the iconic hotel.
Costelloe, one of the most notable names in Irish fashion, showcased his celebrated collection ‘A painters Palette of Dreams’ at the glamourous fundraiser for the charity to help raise funds to support over 400 children in communities across Ireland who currently receive in-home nursing care and respite support from Jack and Jill.
The charity is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and Founder Jonathan Irwin was also in attendance on Monday, which is the eve of his son, Jack’s anniversary. It was Jack’s in-home nursing plan that became the blueprint for over 2,800 children who’ve been supported by Jack and Jill since 1997, as Jonathan and his wife, Mary Ann, vowed that no parents should have to walk this difficult care journey alone.
Paul has been a long-standing ambassador for Jack and Jill, which funds and delivers specialist home nursing and end-of-life care for children up to the age of six who have highly complex and life-limiting medical conditions.
Paul, who was accompanied at the glamorous event by his wife Anne, said: “I’m very excited to bring my Spring Summer 2023 and Autumn Winter 2022 Collections to Dublin.
"It’s fantastic to have this opportunity to share my newest collection with an Irish audience, in such an intimate and elegant setting, and for such an important cause. It has been almost a decade since I have shown my work in Ireland, and I could not think of a better way to return than in support of Jack and Jill, which is a lifeline to so many families all over Ireland.
“I love children. I have seven of my own and I just feel that it is a wonderful cause and the fact that they’re looked after at home I think is fantastic. I have to thank DHL who delivered the garments for free and brought them over from London, which is not easy anymore.
“We shipped 70 outfits, we’re showing 70 today. This is the solo show in Ireland for both the winter 22 and spring 23. I offered to do this. I’m taking on the whole expense of getting everything over. I’ve been lucky,” he said.
Other attendees at the fundraiser, were Irish actress and singer, Elva Trill, broadcaster and MC Sybil Mulcahy, Glenda Gilson and Rob McNaughton, actress Norma Sheehan, DJ Mo Kelly and blogger Yvonne Mellin.
Carmel Doyle, CEO of Jack and Jill said: “This is a very special day for Team Jack and Jill, and all of our extended family, including our wonderful ambassador Paul Costelloe. Today is the culmination of a year of 25th anniversary celebrations and demonstrating the difference our nursing care has made to 2,800 children and their families since 1997. We are so proud of Jonathan and Mary Ann, and baby Jack’s legacy and so grateful for the continued support of all our donors this Christmas.”
As part of Jack and Jill’s Christmas Collection, limited edition signed Paul Costelloe Incognito prints are now available to buy as the perfect gift for €50 on www.jackandjill.ie.
The much-loved ‘Find a Diamond’ candles from Paul & William Costelloe, with two new fragrances to choose from – Black Pomegranate or Spiced Mimosa and Orange - are €27.50 each and two for €50, also on the website.
There will also be a raffle to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Paul’s next show at London Fashion Week in the spring, with flights included courtesy of Ryanair, is the perfect stocking filler - €10 per ticket, three for €25 and all proceeds going to support Jack and Jill families.
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