Kate Middleton’s best hairstyles over the years – from her chic wedding half-up ‘do to bouncy ponytails
THIS week Kate Middleton showed off a blonder, sun-kissed hairdo as she stepped out for an engagement.
And following her visit, celebrity stylist James Johnson revealed how Kate's new golden locks "frame her face" and make her hair appear "thicker".
For years, Kate’s beautiful locks have been considered her crowning glory, and she hasn’t been afraid to shake things up.
From pulling her hair back into bouncy pony tails to nailing the princess look with elaborate up dos, the duchess always manages to steal the show.
She's even experimented with a "mum fringe" and chopping off inches from her length.
Here are some of Kate’s best hairstyles from over the years…
September 2019 - School run chic
The royal mum cut a fashionable figure as she accompanied her four-year-old daughter for her first day at Thomas’s Battersea, in South London, last month.
She debuted a new hairstyle for the occasion, which celebrity stylist Jay Birmingham told Fabulous Digital looked "much lighter and super healthy".
He said: “She has had some of the length removed which has provided a gorgeous bouncy finish on her hair.
“Kate’s new colour has brightened her complexion and the use of lighter pieces throughout the top of her hair and around her face add dimension and give the illusion of thicker hair.”
March 2019 - St Patrick's Day chignon
The mum-of-three looked as beautiful as ever as she celebrated St Patrick’s Day in March with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
She wore her hair up in a stylish chignon which had plaits tying back her front locks.
Long hairdressing expert and owner of Sesh hairdressing Simon Hill told Fabulous Digital: "The duchess wears an up-do beautifully and always opts for a really elegant and classic style.
"Kate has a gorgeous, slender neck and when she wears her hair up it showcases this perfectly."
February 2019 - Intricate up do
Kate looked every inch the princess as she attended the EE British Academy Film Awards in February.
She wore her trademark locks up in an intricate up do which showed off her diamond and pearl teardrop earrings and subtle make-up.
Simon added: "Kate often selects styles that are close to the nape of her neck which I feel adds an air of sophistication to her look.
"Kate teams her up dos with gorgeous statement earrings to complete her classic princess appearance."
July 2017 - Kate's chopped locks
Kate surprised fans with a shorter hairstyle when she went to Wimbledon in July 2017 in her role as patron of All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.
Her hair was visibly shorter than her appearance at the V&A Museum a few days before, and fans commented on her new rich chestnut colour too.
Her stylist Richard Ward told : "This kind of polished, glossy look – whether on short, medium or long hair - will always be on trend, as many women love that very groomed, healthy look; it's the perfect style for events and awards season."
October 2015 - Sleek ponytail
Kate proved she can rock any hairstyle, when she showed up for a meeting with children and mentors from Chance UK's Early Intervention Programme at Islington Town Hall in October 2015.
The duchess had pulled back her blowdried hair in a chic knot and wrapped hair around the band to hide it.
London-based hairstylist Daniel Galvin Jr. said to : "It’s very elegant and glamorous; it’s not too harsh and the side-part softens it.“
"She has her trademark bit of teasing or backcombing on the crown, which gives it more volume and texture.
"The way it has been pulled back really does take the harshness out of what most ponytails do to ladies.”
January 2017 - Pulled back locks
When she stepped out at the Anna Freud Centre on January 11, 2017, Kate debuted a sweet hairstyle for the occasion.
The royal had tendrils of her brunette hair swept back and held in place with mini bulldog clips.
She wore her locks loose and curly for the visit to the Child Bereavement UK centre.
September 2015 - New fringe
Kate dazzled royal fans when she showed off a new "mum fringe" and shorter locks in 2015, which was created by stylist Richard Ward.
Although he championed her look, the duchess wasn't sure, and said: “I was a bit unsure about it. I call it my mum fringe.”
At the time the-then mother-of-two joked that it hid the effects of sleepless nights caused by kids George, who was two a the time, and the then-seven-month-old Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Richard raved: "A longer, sweeping fringe is a great way to experiment without the risk factor of a complete restyle."
June 2011 - Straight and smooth
Kate and William proved why they are the "it" A-list couple when they stepped out together at a gala dinner at Kensington Palace months after their wedding in June 2011.
The newlywed royal kept her hair sleek and straight, with a slight bounce around her face.
While Kate's hairstyle looks fuss-free, it actually takes a mission to achieve, with her stylist Amanda Cook Tucker said: "13 brushes, 7 combs, 2 hairdryers and 3 curling tongs – that’s what it takes to make the hair look like that.”
April 2011 - Wedding day
For her iconic wedding day look, Kate opted for a simple half up, half down look which kept the focus on her spectacular Alexander McQueen lace gown.
The hairdresser behind the look was James Pryce, who called the moment the "gig of the century" and practised it using a fake £10.50 tiara on a colleague.
He said of Kate's hairstyle choice: "She was very keen to have a romantic theme throughout the whole look so that involved lots of soft waves and curls and but then still obviously keeping the back down and showing off those luscious locks."
MORE ON THE ROYALS
Meanwhile, Kate stunned in a chic high street outfit - complete with a £3k Chanel bag - at an event in London this week.
However, it doesn't always go to plan for the royals and they have their fashion fails just like us.