Ralph Lauren was reportedly "furious" to learn Duchess Catherine would not be at the charity dinner he sponsored this week.
The US fashion designer splashed out a rumoured £1.2 million on the star-studded event, which was held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday (13.05.14) to raise money for the Royal Marsden cancer hospital, but considered pulling out when he learned Prince William's wife would be staying at home to care for their 10-month-old son Prince George.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper:"Ralph Lauren was furious when he found out less than six weeks ago that Kate would not be there.
"He considered pulling out but was told by his PR advisers that it would look terrible. The company thought they were getting Kate, the most famous clothes horse in the world, and also a runway show at the castle."
A Kensington Palace spokesperson insisted the duchess - who has often been pictured in the designer's dresses - was never scheduled to attend the event.
They said: "The Duke and Duchess regularly undertake separate engagements in support of the charities with which they are involved."
A Ralph Lauren representative has denied the claims.
They said: "Mr. Lauren has only ever been enthusiastic about attending the event."
Tagged in Ralph Lauren Prince William Duchess Catherine