The royal up-do! See the photo gallery

Meghan Markle wowed the crowds on an official engagement with her fiancé Prince Harry in London this week. The former actress opted for a loose bun hairstyle as she met crowds during her visit to orientated radio station Reprezent FM, located at Pop Brixton.

The royal family are known for their love of chic hairstyles at formal occasions. From smart chignons to sleek ponytails, the prestigious family always look impeccable when it comes to how they wear their hair.

Click through the photo gallery to see more elegant royal up-dos with tips from Efi Davies, International Artistic Director of hair salon Toni and Guy …

On St Patrick's Day, Duchess Kate attended a parade of the Irish Guards with Prince William in Hounslow, west London. Kate, who is expecting her third child, watched the 350 soldiers arrive at the Parade Square, whilst braving the cold in her trusted green coat by Catherine Walker, with fur collar and cuffs. She wore her brunette tresses in a chic up'do which was gathered at the nape of her neck in a large bun.

Kate's chic chignon

Duchess Kate looked sensational at Ascot 2017 with her hair styled in a neat chignon and elegant white hat perched above. The hair swept round from the front gives this classic look a modern twist, perfect for a hot day at the races.

Beatrice rocks a plait

Princess Beatrice nailed it with a fun side plait at Royal Ascot last summer.

Efi Davies of Toni and Guy says: "This style looks intricate, yet it’s a very simple hair skill to master. All it takes is a bit of practice. First gather your hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck, then split your ponytail evenly into two sections.

"Next use your finger to separate a small section of your hair from the outer edge near the elastic and cross it over to the opposite side. Repeat this process, one side after the other until you reach the end of the pony tail and secure with an elastic.

"Use scissors to carefully cut out the elastic at the base of your ponytail. Apply label.m sea salt spray for a gritty textured finish."

The perfect plait!

Queen Letizia's intricate plait up-do is a striking and unique look, perfect for the Guildhall banquet last July in honour of the state visit by the Spanish Royals.

Zara's classic style

Zara Tindall went for a pretty, classic up-do when she attended Royal Ascot in June last year. The royal mum opted for a stunning wavy style and completed her look with e baby pink fascinator.

Kate's cool ponytail

We love the Duchess of Cambridge's chic ponytail! The mum-of-two chose the sophisticated up do for a visit to the RAF Air Cadets in February 2017.

Toni and Guy's Efi Davies says: "Pony tails are timeless so it’s no wonder Kate Middleton is a fan. In this case the wrap around at the base puts a quite literal modern twist as well as a high fashion edge on the classic do."

To get the look, Efi advises: "Start by creating a basic pony tail at the level of your choice, then separate a small section from the pony tail and wrap around at the base.

"If you have a curling iron, curling the section before wrapping will make this step easier. Ensure that the ends of the wrap are underneath the pony tail, out of sight and secure with a bobby pin."

The 'rose' style

Queen Maxima's incredible 'rose' look was breath-taking back in 2015.

Efi Davies of Toni and Guys says: "This style is beautiful and elegant. It’s a style that has become high in demand with salons and is perfect for weddings.

"First part hair into a middle parting and place into pony tail on nape of neck. Use this as a base. Barrel curl the pony tail and gently back comb. Finally, swirl into a clock wise bun and pin at nape of neck then secure with hairspray."

Sophie's stunning bow

The Countess of Wessex wore her hair in a beautiful style for the Christmas Day Church service with the royal family in December. Her quirky black, velvet bow is the ideal accessory for her swept back look.

The royal party up-do

Duchess Kate wowed at the Queen's annual winter party at Buckingham Palace in December. She wore her hair in a beautiful chignon style, which perfectly complemented the dazzling Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara.

The dream wedding look

Beatrice Borromeo chose the hairstyle of dreams for her wedding to Pierre Casiraghi in Italy back in 2015. We adore the high bun encased in a sweet plait, which shows off her features and jewellery to full effect.

Autumn's elegant up-do

Autumn Phillips showcased a lovely chignon with bright, pink fascinator on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade last June.