As Christmas approaches, Buckingham Palace was transformed into a postcard setting for the traditional family lunch of King Charles III. Among the highly scrutinized arrivals, one duo immediately caught the eye of beauty fans: Catherine, Princess of Wales, and her 10-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, styled almost identically with perfectly chosen festive bows. A hair detail thought out down to the smallest nuances.
Because if the matching red outfits have caused a lot of talk, it is especially their hair which gives a new idea for Kate Middleton’s Christmas hairstyle. Half ponytail, shiny lengths and coordinated velvet ribbons: a combo that is regal, simple and totally reproducible at home.
A simple but ultra chic Kate Middleton Christmas hairstyle
Known for her long waves worn loose, the Princess of Wales has slightly shaken up her signature. For this 2025 Christmas lunch, she opted for a half-tail held at the back by a black velvet bow, echoing her red Alessandra Rich dress spotted by ELLE France. The result remains very classic, but this ribbon structures the hair and highlights the face without constricting the lengths.
Long associated with little girls’ hairstyles, the simple velvet band has now established itself as a real fashion accessory. ELLE France recalls that the ribbon has appeared on the catwalks and in the looks of the most stylish girls, offering a chic alternative to sophisticated buns and very elaborate blow-drys. On Kate Middleton, this detail transforms her Christmas hairstyle into a gesture of minimalist style, easy to adopt even far from the palaces.
Princess Charlotte, mini double of Kate with her Christmas bow
Beside her, Princess Charlotte flaunted the same half-tail base on her bronde lengths, but with a vibrant red bow, perfectly matched to her velvet dress. ELLE UK points out that mother and daughter “never looked so much like each other” that day, their half ties decorated with Christmas bows creating a real mirror effect, while remaining appropriate for the little girl’s age.
Charlotte often appears in demure half-tails or braids at formal events, while Kate alternates between glossy lengths and more elaborate buns. Here, the mother-daughter hairstyle plays on the same structure but with two finishes: deep black and a little more status for the mother, playful red for the daughter. An ideal idea for those who dream of a coordinated duo without falling into disguise.
How to adopt Kate and Charlotte’s velvet bows
To decipher this trend, trend forecaster and creative director of John Frieda salons, Zoë Irwin, sums up the appeal of the bow in the hair: , she explained to ELLE UK.
In practice, reproducing the Kate Middleton Christmas hairstyle remains very accessible:
- Create a half-tail at the temples and secure it with a small, discreet elastic band.
- Tie a black or red velvet ribbon over it, letting the sides fall in the back.
- Create slight waves along the lengths for a supple and festive movement.
Then simply play with the color and size of the bow to adapt the look: black or burgundy for a sophisticated version like Kate, bright red or pine green for a more joyful version like Charlotte.
What is Kate Middleton’s Christmas hairstyle at the Buckingham Palace lunch?
The Princess of Wales wears a half ponytail with a black velvet ribbon tied at the back, running down her wavy lengths, matching her red Alessandra Rich dress.
How to recreate Kate Middleton’s Christmas hairstyle at home?
Simply create a well-brushed half-tail, attach a small elastic, then add a black velvet ribbon on top and texturize the lengths with a few waves.
What hairstyle did Princess Charlotte wear for this Christmas lunch?
Princess Charlotte also sported a half-tail, this time adorned with a red bow on her bronde hair, matching her burgundy velvet dress.
What type of hair bow to choose for a holiday look?
A soft bow will give a more casual look, perfect for children, while a stiffer velvet or taffeta model will offer a more spectacular effect for evenings.
