The Princess of Wales is as much admired for her kind demeanour and warm personality as she is for her elegant style and beautiful smile, but one element of her appearance has drawn (unnecessary) criticism in recent weeks.
During a reception for Cancer Research at St James's Palace in the first week of June, Princess Catherine's ultra-long hair caused a collection of HELLO! readers to suggest it would be better for Her Royal Highness to cut her hair a little shorter, with comments noting: "I don't like her long hair and think she would look much lovelier if she chopped off a good six inches," and: "Catherine's hair is too long. Two inches shorter would be nicer."
At the event in question, Princess Kate wore her hair long and wavy, and with a royal wedding taking place the following weekend, we wondered if the royal would opt to wear her hair up, following the recent criticism, with some saying her hair was "unprofessional." However, at the nuptials of Peter and Harriet Phillips on 6 June, the future Queen wore her hair down once again, ignoring the naysayers.
© Getty ImagesTaking comments on board
That said, the royal did appear to take criticism on board for this weekend's Trooping the Colour parade, sweeping her trademark long hair into a sleek chignon.
© AFP via Getty ImagesWe wonder if the Princess opted for an updo as Trooping the Colour is a formal and prestigious occasion, rather than an evening reception or a wedding.
Formal events such as Trooping the Colour call for a more sophisticated, polished look, with readers noting: "She wears her hair up when suited to the occasion," and: "It [is] a bit more professional to tie it back, away from her face."
Indeed, looking back at Princess Kate's Trooping the Colour style over the years, HRH has not worn her hair down since 2015.
She wore her hair long and loose at the royal occasion from 2011 to 2015, but since sweeping it up that first time in 2016, she's never looked back!
© Getty ImagesPrincess Kate's looks over the years
Admiring the future Queen's Trooping the Colour beauty looks over the years, you'll notice she has always worn a hat or fascinator – an accessory which works much better with an updo, as it can be securely clipped in. If your hair is down, the headpiece is more likely to slide out.
That said, hats are optional at Trooping the Colour but are recommended for paying compliments to His Majesty and the Colours as they pass, as well as giving the necessary protection from the sun.
With next week seeing another formal royal occasion take place, the Order of the Garter, we look forward to seeing how Princess Catherine wears her hair.
