royal look

Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte shine in matching velvet bow half-up hairstyles at Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch


This time, both mother and daughter wore the style at the same time


Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte shine in matching velvet bow half-up hairstyles at Buckingham Palace Christmas lunch© Neil Mockford
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
DECEMBER 16, 2025 3:52 PM EST

Princess Charlotte, the second daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, once again followed her mother’s style, wearing the elegant half-up hairstyle that has become a signature look for the Princess of Wales.

This time, both mother and daughter wore the style at the same time, featuring soft waves pulled into a half-updo, topped with a velvet bow, creating a perfectly matching look. Kate chose a wide black velvet bow, while Charlotte opted for a narrower burgundy one, adding a festive touch.

The half-updo is simple, feminine, and easy to recreate, with a timeless elegance that suits any age. The pair wore it for the traditional royal Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, and Charlotte also recently sported the style for the annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales depart from the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey © CAMERA PRESS/ROTA
Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales depart from the "Together At Christmas" Carol Service at Westminster Abbey

Charlotte, 10, had previously favored braid crowns or the romantic “twist half-up” hairstyle, but she is now embracing more mature styles inspired by her mother. 

Princess Charlotte of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church © Mark Cuthbert
Princess Charlotte of Wales attends the Christmas Morning Service at St Mary Magdalene Church

This shared look highlights the close bond between mother and daughter, with Charlotte clearly following in Kate’s stylish footsteps.

Charlotte, 10, had previously favored braid crowns or the romantic “twist half-up” hairstyle© John Phillips
Charlotte, 10, had previously favored braid crowns or the romantic “twist half-up” hairstyle

Hairstylist María Roberts suggests adding extra volume to this half-updo by looping the ponytail through a small gap at the top of the hair tie. This trick can transform the style from soft and romantic to bold and fashion-forward.

Catherine, Princess of Wales with Princess Charlotte of Wales © Karwai Tang
Catherine, Princess of Wales with Princess Charlotte of Wales

Another stylish mother-daughter moment:

Earlier this year, Princess Charlotte once again mirrored her mother’s style at Wimbledon, wearing a bespoke white dress with navy-trimmed ruffles designed by Sarah Burton, the creative force behind Kate Middleton’s iconic wedding gown.

Earlier this year, Princess Charlotte once again mirrored her mother’s style at Wimbledon© Karwai Tang
Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon

The 10-year-old completed her look with white Mary Jane flats, a Pandora charm bracelet, pink nail polish, and her hair styled half-up in braids, secured with a navy bow.

This time, both mother and daughter wore the style at the same time© Karwai Tang
This time, both mother and daughter wore the style at the same time

Sarah Burton, who left Alexander McQueen in 2023 and was appointed creative director of Givenchy in September 2024, worked closely with the Princess of Wales on her wedding dress. The design of Charlotte’s Wimbledon dress pays homage to this timeless craftsmanship while giving it a contemporary, youthful twist, a nod to the enduring mother-daughter fashion connection.

Princess Charlotte once again mirrored her mother’s style at Wimbledon, wearing a bespoke white dress with navy-trimmed ruffles designed by Sarah Burton© ANDREW MATTHEWS
Princess Charlotte once again mirrored her mother’s style at Wimbledon, wearing a bespoke white dress with navy-trimmed ruffles designed by Sarah Burton

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.