Mary of Denmark, 54, debuts a modern long bob: Her most youthful hair transformation yet

She is one of Europe’s most classic royals and almost always opts for timeless looks, including when it comes to her hair. Long, softly waved locks have been her signature style, though she occasionally surprises with more original updos, like the Star Wars-inspired bun that turned heads last October.

Now, Mary of Denmark is setting hair trends once again, not with a new hairstyle, but with the most modern haircut she has worn to date.

© picture alliance

If in her latest appearances Queen Mary wore her hair long and layered, styled in her beloved waves, she has now reemerged with a far more daring image. 

During an engagement this week marking the centenary of Lillebror Lotteriet, the traditional lottery organized by the association Børnehjælpsdagen, the Danish royal unveiled a sleek, shoulder-grazing long bob.

© mary_fonden / detdanskekongehus

Featuring soft, face-framing layers to highlight her features and give the cut movement, the new style is incredibly flattering, lending her a fresh, youthful edge.

The Long Bob: The most rejuvenating haircut

The bob, and especially its longer version, the long bob or “lob," remains one of the most face-slimming and universally flattering haircuts trending right now. It is particularly recommended for rounder face shapes when worn with a center part, as Mary has chosen.

Hairdressers often suggest this cut for anyone looking to refresh their look without committing to a dramatic transformation. Because the length falls below the jawline and grazes the shoulders, it offers a noticeable change without drastically altering one’s overall facial appearance.

© detdanskekongehus

In other words, it delivers something new without feeling unrecognizable. According to stylist Juan Leal, education director at Pierino Cosmetics (the Spanish distributor of international salon brands such as O&M, Glynt and Maria Nila), personalization is key.

“For round faces, a side fringe and long layers are most flattering. If the hair is thick, layering helps reduce volume; if it’s fine, fuller cuts add body. Oval faces suit almost any style, but a layered bob — shorter at the nape and longer toward the front — is ideal,” he explains of the cut chosen by Mary of Denmark.

More about her hair makeovers:

While this new haircut marks Mary’s boldest transformation yet, it’s not the first time she has turned to hair trends for a refreshed, flattering update.

© Martin Sylvest Andersen

In May 2024, she embraced hair contouring, opting for lighter blonde highlights placed strategically around her face. “She’s lightened her hair overall and added brighter pieces around the face, which instantly creates a rejuvenating effect,” stylist María Baras, creative director of Cheska, explained at the time.

© Mark Cuthbert

Just a few months ago, during a Christmas engagement, the royal debuted another subtle refresh, this time thanks to a gloss treatment that enhanced shine and introduced delicate copper reflections, perfect for elevating her naturally dark hair. 

She paired the luminous finish with defined, Old Hollywood-style waves for an elegant, classic feel. Now, with her new long bob, Mary takes her rejuvenating style evolution one step further. This time, she completes the look with softer, undone, almost surfer-inspired waves. The perfect finishing touch to her most modern transformation yet.