The Prince commissioned military tailors Kashket and Partners to make his scarlet Irish Guards colonel's uniform - but they added sweat pads under the arms, material to absorb the heat, and reduced the padding after the Royal groom expressed fears that the temperature in Westminster Abbey would make him sweat profusely, or even pass out.
Company chairman Russell Kashket said: 'He was very aware of the heat factor in the Abbey because he knew all the lights would make it very hot.
'We worked together to get the look he wanted, while making sure he didn't pass out in front of two billion people. We added micro sweat pads under the arms and used less padding.'The uniform featured the Irish Guards' distinctive arrangement of buttons in groups of four. It was made from scratch from pure wool melton, with real gold spun on to the material.
The gold-plated buttons are made using a hand press, and the collar is reinforced with buckram (a coarse linen cloth) to ensure it remains stiff.
The midnight-blue frock coat that William wore when driving from Buckingham Palace is made from the same type of wool. Mr Kashket said: 'You couldn't see it, but the collar and cuffs are all hand-embroidered, like Kate's dress - and just as detailed.'
The oldest part of the Group, Firmin & Sons was established in 1655 which makes them older than the Bank of England!
Kashket & Partners, Firmin & Sons, and E C Snaith & Son are all members of Firmin House owned by the Kashket family. Kashket & Partners are the current exclusive supplier to UK Ministry of Defence on contract DC3A/3003 for supply of Ceremonial Garments. Firmin & Sons are the current exclusive supplier to UK Ministry of Defence on contracts DC3B/3520 and DC3B/3503 for supply of metal badges, buttons, helmets and cuirasses. Bernard Kashket MBE, the senior Master Tailor is sharing his skill and experience of more than 50 years to teach their team of young aspiring tailors at the North London facility. Firmin house products can be seen in museums and galleries all over the world. For example, a Uniform manufactured by Firmin worn by Admiral Lord Nelson can still be seen at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Firmin specilises in uniforms and accoutrements for distinguished senior officers such as Admirals and Generals. The Group manufactures many iconic products that draws global recognition as being British. Firmin House is the only remaining comprehensive ceremonial design, manufacture and supply house in UK. The Group operates from three factories, two in London and one in Birmingham. The Group has fulfilled contracts for UK Ministry of Defence, The Tower of London, The British Royal Household and many other Royal Households around the world.
Kashket & Partners operate a tailoring facility in the heart of London simultaneously manufacturing bespoke officers uniforms, civic and livery tailoring, fine suiting and highly specialised garments for heads of state of many nations. Firmin & Sons are perhaps the only company left in the United Kingdom with integrated design, development and manufacture capability with all of the skills under one roof. Firmin House operates a number of specialist retail establishments. Kashket & Partners can be found in the West End of London offering the finest in traditional suiting
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