The Most Unexpected Royal Hair Styles That Had Heads Turning

Constant scrutiny is an inevitable part of being a royal — the kind that makes people sit up and take notice when there is even a single hair out of place. And, given the high standards of propriety and beauty they are held to, royal women attract way more attention than their male counterparts when their appearances challenge expectations in the slightest. So naturally, when Meghan Markle wore casual updos — with loose strands and flyaways, et al — during royal outings or when Queen Letizia began embracing her natural hair as it matured and grayed, they made headlines. 

These choices were also noticeable since royals typically subscribe to looks that are more or less consistent with how their public image is recognized. As fashion studies professor Hazel Clark told Time, in the context of Queen Elizabeth II's sense of style, "I think it has also helped communicate her status as a world leader: In other words, that sense of consistency in her appearance creates a sense of confidence and continuity." There have, however, been times when these blue-blooded celebrities have toed the line of signature royal hairstyles that bind them and, wittingly or unwittingly, created major fashion moments. Here are some of the most unexpected royal hairstyles that had heads turning. 

Princess Diana had many iconic hairstyles, including her blonde bob that was a significant symbol of her public image and enduring legacy of rebellion. One of the most popular members of the British monarchy, Diana sported several recognizable variations of her haircut throughout her life as a public figure, never growing her tresses too far past her nape. While the flat fringe she joined the royal family with in 1981 inspired a trend known as the Lady Diana Haircut, the real game changer came in the 1990s, according to Vogue. "When I met Diana, things were changing," hairstylist Sam McKnight, who gave the Princess of Wales her legendary pixie cut, said. "It was all about the power woman look."

He recalled the moment from a Vogue shoot in 1991 when Diana granted him full authority over her tresses and he gave her an updated refresh to suit the fashion climate of the times. The layered cut — which Diana sported throughout one of the most crucial eras of her life, as she transitioned out of her broken marriage into independence — challenged the silhouette of what a princess could look like and, per her own claims, gave her a renewed sense of self. As she shared in old footage featured in the 2017 documentary "Diana: In Her Own Words," the chop was a turning point. "I suppose last summer when Sam cut my hair differently, it let out something quite different," she said.

If there's one thing Princess Catherine's hair transformation over the years proves, it's that her tresses are a force of nature. Thick, luscious, shiny are just some of the many qualities attributed to it every time she graces the camera. One characteristic not commonly associated with Catherine's hairstyles, however, is adventurous. For the better part of her royal career, the Princess of Wales has stuck to hairdos that maintain an equal measure of both style and caution. Elegant buns and voluminous blowouts have become Catherine's go-to signatures, falling obediently within the traditional boundaries of royal propriety (as she does). But there have been times when Britain's favorite royal has gone rogue — within reasonable limits, of course.

In 2023, Catherine gave her tresses a creative refresh that invited the most unexpected of comparisons with Farrah Fawcett. The "Charlie's Angels" star was as famous for her red swimsuit as she was for her big, beautiful mane that earned acclaim as the Fawcett Flip. Catherine reincarnated the actor's dramatic curtain bangs in all their glory for fall season — most notably at a charity event in Sutton, where she sported the fringe alongside a smart navy suit. Many fans even caught hints of Brigitte Bardot. Turns out, both styles are two sides of the same coin. As hairstylist Roy Nadin told Vogue France, "To get a cool Bardot vibe, blow dry it all forward just with your hands or a brush, or blow dry it back to get a more voluminous, Farrah Fawcett vibe." 

In a world that prefers its women look ageless, those who flaunt their graying roots with pride are still few — fewer even in royal circles. Over in Spain, the forever stunning Queen Letizia carries this mantle, by choosing not to cover up any silver streaks that have begun to show in her signature brown mane. A former journalist, Letizia has been delivering impeccable style goals ever since she joined the Spanish royal family in 2004. In recent years, this distinction has only grown more relevant as the 51-year-old strikes a chord of relatability with the common public, thanks to her gloriously gray tresses, which began making headlines in 2019 and have regularly been a part of her public appearances since the coronavirus pandemic.

As noted in The Telegraph, the queen's defiance of beauty standards in the face of her advancing age has invited wide and varied commentary on social media. Turning a deaf ear to naysayers, Letizia has clearly been having fun with her newfound style statement. While she left just one bold streak of silver on display to complement her chic trench coat and trousers ensemble at a journalism event in Logroño, she went ahead and sported a full head of salt-and-pepper locks while meeting King Charles III in England. Her au naturel look isn't just fashionable, but also healthy. As hairstylist Nicole Petty told Express, "She steers clear of colouring her hair often to preserve its shine." 

One can bank on Princess Charlene to keep serving style like no other royal can. The former Olympic swimmer never ceases to amaze with each public outing she makes, flaunting an impeccable — and often unexpected — get-up. At the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022, she debuted a never-before-seen pixie cut that was blonde in hue, conservative in length, and chic by definition. The new hairstyle, paired perfectly with an elegant baby blue jumpsuit she wore, immediately made headlines — as is the norm with every fresh cut she unveils. This one, however, was also momentous for the fact that Charlene returned to the racing event after a year of absence, during which she was reportedly undergoing health issues.

Her stylish comeback to the F1 racetrack was nothing short of iconic — as was her peroxide pixie look, which stayed on her for weeks after the Grand Prix. It would presumably have required regular upkeep, since, according to expert opinion, this kind of a cut is only easygoing in appearance. Celebrity hairstylist Cally Borg explained to Express, "This cut is super easy for day to day styling but higher maintenance when it comes to keeping it neat and tidy." Hair expert Luke Benson, meanwhile, couldn't help but point out Charlene's unmistakable likeness to pixie hair icon Charlize Theron. "A perfectly executed short haircut for a woman that stays feminine, soft and beautiful," he said.