Kate Middleton knows how to captivate a crowd, and this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was no exception. The Princess of Wales made a stunning entrance, not just with her elegant ensemble but with a fresh and sophisticated hairstyle that quickly stole the spotlight.
Attending the 2025 Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Wellington Barracks, Middleton donned a dark green Alexander McQueen coat, which was perfectly paired with a matching fascinator by Awon Golding—a fascinator she had previously worn to the same event in 2019. Completing her look with Ralph Lauren boots and Cornelia James black gloves, it was her hair that truly stood out this time.
For this special occasion, the 43-year-old royal ditched her signature long waves and opted for an intricate chignon. Twisting her brunette locks into a graceful knot, the updo marked a notable departure from her usual relaxed styles, showcasing a more polished and sophisticated vibe. This is her first updo of 2025, as the princess has recently favored flowing hair for several royal appearances, including a sleek blowout at the ‘Action For Children’ Mother and Baby Unit visit at HMP Styal last month.
Earlier in February, Middleton was spotted at the National Portrait Gallery sporting defined beachy waves, giving her dark brown hair a voluminous, textured look. However, this new chignon marks a return to more formal styling, and it couldn’t have been more fitting for the occasion.
This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade also holds sentimental value, as it marks Middleton’s return to public duties after missing last year’s event due to abdominal surgery in January. At that time, Kensington Palace had confirmed the surgery was successful, and Middleton was expected to take some time off for recovery. A few weeks later, the princess shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer, prompting her to temporarily step back from her royal duties. Fortunately, after completing her chemotherapy treatments, Middleton is back to her royal responsibilities, bringing with her not only renewed strength but also a series of unforgettable style moments—including this chic new hairstyle.