Duchess Sophie is the latest royal to brave the chop, swapping her long blonde hair for a blunt bob that sits above her collarbones.
Proudly showing off her hair transformation in July 2026, Sophie was pictured teaming her new hair with double denim at Lannock Farm. But could this see the revival of the short hair trend?
Paul Windle, renowned hairdresser & founder of Windle LAB, told HELLO!: "Most of our stylish clients never gave up the bob; it’s a classic. I think people are tired of spending hours torturing their hair with heat to achieve a look, and many clients want their hair to naturally be in beautiful condition."
He added: "Not all bobs and textures are the same. It is important to get the right cut and texture for you. Some of us may suit a short, smooth bob and some of us may prefer a messy natural texture. So my advice to anyone who is thinking about going for the chop is to think carefully which type of bob is right for you and then discuss with your hair stylist."
While the Princess of Wales and her daughter Princess Charlotte have become renowned for their flowing tresses today, they are just some of the royal ladies who have experimented with short hairstyles in the past.
If you're looking for hair inspiration, join us as we look back at all the royals who have sported surprisingly short locks…
© Getty ImagesDuchess Sophie
The Duchess of Edinburgh debuted her short hair and visibly lighter blonde hue at the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival at Lannock Farm.
However, it's a style Sophie has tested in the past, too. The royal had cropped hair at her royal wedding in 1999, but she wore it in a bob in 2011 before growing the length past her shoulders for the past 15 years.
© WireImagePrincess Charlene
Prince Albert of Monaco's wife Princess Charlene has confessed she is not afraid to experiment with her beauty look, from cropped pixie cuts to shaved sides.
Showing off a new look for 2026, the former Olympic swimmer made an appearance at the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco with a straight bob, which is now the longest it has been since 2019.
Hairstylist Suzie McGill explained: "Shoulder-length styles like these are a great choice for over-40s, as they give the illusion of thicker, healthier hair."
© Getty ImagesPrincess Diana
Princess Diana was one of the most influential style icons of all time, and her legacy still lives on. Her iconic short blonde bob, pictured in 1986, featured voluminous mid-length graduated layers and feathered ends with a sweeping side fringe.
© GettyPrincess of Wales
Kate's hair is glossy, gorgeous and never seems to have a strand out of place. But back in 2020, Prince William's wife actually sported a long bob, with a good few inches cut off. How stunning did it look?
© Getty ImagesZara Tindall
The blonde beauty looked sensational at the 2024 Cheltenham races, sporting a curly bobbed style and we love how fresh and healthy it looks. She added a royally-loved hairband for the win.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie has always stepped out with longer hair, and the texture of her mane is super thick and well-looked after. But back in 2012, at her graduation ceremony at Newcastle University, she had a short bob that shaped her face beautifully.
© GettyQueen Letizia of Spain
Back in 2015, Queen Letizia cut her long curls into the most dazzling razor-cut bob, and it looked so pristine.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Charlotte
While Princess Charlotte now sports long hair that falls past her waist, back at Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018, the little Princess sported the most adorable bobbed style that was super sleek and straight. Hair goals at age three? Epic!
