Kate Middleton urged to use unknown designer

Kate Middleton has been urged by British Fashion Council chairman Harold Tillman to ask an unknown British designer to create her wedding dress.

The 29-year-old future princess - who will marry Prince William on April 29 - is rumoured to have chosen established British sartorialist Bruce Oldfield to create her gown but Harold has called for her to consider using an up-and-coming designer in order to help them launch their career.

Speaking of helping his own daughter Meredith choose her wedding dress, Harold told the Daily Telegraph: "We went for a designer that no one had heard of and I would respect Kate for giving an unknown a break - so long as it's a British designer, of course."

Kate has decided not to reveal her chosen gown or its creator until her wedding day because she wants to surprise William.

A Clarence House spokesperson said: "We have no announcement to make as regards the royal wedding dress. Miss Middleton would like for it to be a surprise for Prince William on the day of their wedding and as such we may not announce it until the day. That may change - but for now that is all that can be said.

"April 29 will be very much their day and they are involved in every aspect of all the decisions being made about how the day will work. It's a complicated process and it takes time."