Kate Middleton nods to Princess Diana, ditching her signature curls for a new casual and sporty hairstyle

Royal hair has historically followed a fairly strict brief: polished, perfect, and impeccably styled. Which is why it felt quietly thrilling this week when Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, stepped out in London earlier looking like a sporty tennis star.

During a visit with Prince William to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution's Tower Lifeboat Station on the River Thames – marking the 25th anniversary of the RNLI’s lifeguard service – Catherine debuted a softer, sportier take on her signature hair. Gone were the famously glossy and cascading princess curls, and in their place came a looser, straighter updo that peeked casually from beneath a navy RNLI baseball cap. Royal hair, but make it off-duty.

Hair aside, completing the look came a preppy uniform. For the occasion, Kate wore a houndstooth blazer layered over a pale blue button-down, slim trousers, and suede boots. Deliberately relaxed yet unmistakably royal.

But the real fashion subplot? A subtle tribute to a very iconic royal predecessor.

If the combination of a tailored blazer, sporty cap, and easygoing hair feels familiar, it's because Diana, Princess of Wales, practically invented it. Throughout the early 1990s, Diana perfected the high-low formula, consisting of smart tailoring up top, casual athletic touches below, and hair that looked like she'd just stepped out of a convertible rather than a salon.

While similar, the two Royals show clear signature styles; Diana's capped look was often paired with a puffer jacket and jeans, while Kate opts for slim trousers and a tidy silhouette. That said, the spirit is unmistakably the same.

This nod is also a reminder that Diana's real style legacy wasn't just the revenge dress or tiaras, it was her ability to make royalty feel human. And if Kate's slightly undone hair is any indication, that lesson has been very well learned.

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Lia Mappoura

Beauty Writer

Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).

In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.