Philip Treacy (a Treacy quote which is often reproduced): Treacy had previously written a piece for "The Guardian" in May 2001 on what defines the "perfect hat". Treacy's hats are also associated with English royalty, with thirty–six worn at the 29 April 2011 Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, including the controversial fascinator style hat worn by Princess Beatrice of York. The so–called "pretzel hat" was auctioned for charity by Princess Beatrice on eBay for $130,000 (£80,100.01) on the 22 May 2011. Treacy felt the criticism regarding the "pretzel hat" was very extreme (the hat had its own Facebook page
Eric Treacy retired from full-time ministry in 1976. On 13 May 1978, Treacy died from a heart attack on Appleby Station on the Settle-Carlisle Railway waiting for a railtour hauled by BR 92220 Evening Star. A slate plaque is displayed on the main station building to his memory. He is buried at St Kentigern's Church, Crosthwaite, Keswick. The Treacy Collection of 12,000 photographs forms part of the National Railway Museum's archive of over 1.4 million images. On 10 May 1945, it was announced that Treacy had been Mentioned in Despatches "in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North West Europe". On