The Princess of Wales has been sporting the same bouncy curls in her hair for a while, which is why royal watchers were quick to pick up on the subtle change Kate Middleton recently made to her tresses. During a recent event, Kate sported a sleeker look, prompting speculation that she was updating her hair ahead of stepping into the late Queen Elizabeth's shoes. After all, she is closer than she's ever been to the throne, so the time to get ready for this next phase in her life is definitely now.
More from CafeMom: Experts Say Prince Harry's Balding Is Only Getting Worse With Stress From Royal Feud
Kate showed off her new look during an event at Kew gardens.
The Princess of Wales' former style has been called a "Chelsea blow dry" in the past and featured an abundance of thick curls. Kate left them behind when she stepped out for the Earthshot Prize event with Prince William.
During the event, Kate's hair looked a little more polished and sleek, with fewer and looser waves hanging around her face.
The change left some wondering if she was adapting her look to fit her more prominent future role.
It's no secret that William and Kate are expected to head up the royal family someday — with some even predicting that day will arrive a lot sooner than expected. That has led celebrity stylist Tom Smith to speculate that maybe Kate switched to a "newer, fresher look" to modernize "her public image while getting ready for her future role within The Firm," according to the Daily Mail.
The change in her style is subtle, which is what Tom says the public should come to expect from Kate.
Kate is known for her enduring style — it's part of the reason she can get away with stepping out in some of the same clothing she's worn in years prior — which is why Tom said people should expect any style changes Kate makes to avoid what's hot or trending.
"It’s important as a senior royal to minimize how much she divides opinion and so Kate is not likely to ever embrace strong trends in hair, beauty or fashion," he explained. "The bouncy blow dry she is known for is a modern classic, a style that has become timeless, traditional and classic."
More from CafeMom: Dolly Parton Was Invited to Tea With Kate Middleton & She Refused
Even without being trendy, Kate's new 'do is still in vogue.
Kate's Kew gardens style may not be the cut that is rising in popularity, but Tom said that doesn't mean it's not similar to the look a lot of women are going for right now.
"We see the ends of her hair are a little straighter and 'piecier' which is definitely more in line with what is commonly asked for in salons these days," he explained.
The new style may also be a sign Kate has a new team helping her craft her look.
Kate has recently debuted a few style updates, which Tom said could be a sign of a number of things.
"Recently, Kate has been seen with a variety of newer, fresher looks, including a ponytail and an ornate updo," he explained. "This to me, says that she is either working with a new team of beauty experts, who are modernizing her public image, whilst keeping it 'Royal' appropriate, or, she may have become conscious that her previous look was aging her."
Whatever the reason, we love Kate's new do. It's as stylish and timeless as always. We have a feeling she's going to be getting a lot of compliments as she continues to step out sporting her refreshed tresses.
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
