Royal Bronde Is The Summer Hair Trend Loved By Kate Middleton (& Princess Charlotte)

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How to get the latest royal-approved hair colour

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The royals are known for their chic, often timeless take on beauty trends – with many of their signature looks (you can’t beat a Middleton manicure) holding up years down the line. And when it comes to hair colour, Kate Middleton has nailed a signature summer hue: royal bronde. (It’s become such a family staple, in fact, that even Princess Charlotte seems to be in on the trend.) Here’s how to get the look for yourself.

What Is Royal Bronde?

‘Royal bronde is a warm, dimensional blend of brunette and blonde tones like caramel, honey and chestnut woven together to create soft depth and natural brightness,’ explains Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘It’s warmer and more blended than standard bronde. It avoids ashiness and instead uses caramel and honey ribbons to create richness. It’s bronde, but elevated.’

And its biggest fans? The Princess of Wales. Many will remember the royal’s new hair reveal last summer, when she lightened the tone to a fresh shade of bronde – and now, with her childhood photos back in the spotlight, royal bronde is back in the spotlight. ‘Those photos highlight how her current bronde is essentially a refined, grown‑up version of those creamy tones,’ adds Jason.

So, naturally, we’re also a little bit obsessed with the colour. ‘We call it the “Kate effect”, where even subtle changes to the royal’s hair tend to generate conversation because people look to her as a reference point for timeless, wearable beauty,’ Jason explains. ‘Her signature glossy, soft layers, and bouncy blowouts feel aspirational but still achievable, which makes them easy for people to take to the salon or DIY at home.’

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis

@princeandprincessofwales on Instagram

But it’s not just Kate Middleton we need to thank for the royal bronde renaissance – it’s her daughter, Princess Charlotte, too. ‘With Kate’s resurfaced childhood photos, people are fascinated by how closely Charlotte resembles her,’ says Jason. ‘Charlotte’s natural, sunlit bronde has made people rethink overly cool or ashy white blondes and move towards warmer, more wearable shades that feel youthful and healthy.’

And just like her mother, the young royal is already having sway over fashion and beauty trends. ‘As she gets older and develops her own personal style, she could naturally become a younger beauty reference point, particularly for younger audiences who engage differently with celebrity and royal style.’

So, whether mother or daughter, it seems bronde is a popular choice for members of the royal family. But how can we get the look ourselves?

Who Suits The Colour?

First off, you’ll need to choose the right hue. The beauty of bronde is that it’s adjustable – there’s no ‘true colour’, but rather a broad spectrum of shades – meaning royal bronde can be adapted for pretty much anyone. ‘It’s one of the most universally flattering colours,’ confirms Jason, adding that ‘it suits almost everyone because the warmth is adjustable.’

To get an idea of which shade of royal bronde may best suit, the hairstylist suggests breaking things down by skin tone. He notes how:

Fair skin tones look great with soft honey and beige
Medium skin tones suit caramel and golden ribbons
Deeper skin tones look incredible with chestnut bases lifted with subtle highlights

How To Ask For Royal Bronde In The Salon

Next up is a salon appointment. Those wanting a colour refresh in the salon, courtesy of Kate Middleton, should ask for ‘a warm bronde with caramel and honey ribbons, keeping depth at the roots and underneath,’ suggests Jason. ‘The key phrase is “soft, warm bronde with natural dimension and face‑framing brightness.”’

To get the picture across, he also recommends ‘bringing Kate’s childhood photos along – it’s genuinely helpful as they’re the perfect reference.’

How To Maintain The Colour At Home

Compared to blonde hair, bronde is much easier to look after. ‘Royal bronde in particular can be quite low‑maintenance,’ adds Jason, who explains how ‘it grows out beautifully, works with your natural tone, and enhances the complexion. It’s the kind of colour that looks good in every light and in photos, which is why it’s worthy of royalty.’

But it still needs looking after at home to look its best. ‘Warmth is essential, so avoid over‑toning with purple shampoo,’ warns Jason. ‘Use glossing treatments and colour‑depositing masks to keep the caramel tones rich and reflective.’

What Next?

Unlike most mainstream hair trends, we see royal bronde settling into the zeitgeist for a long time. ‘Hair trends are always changing, but royalty tend to value timeless looks and subtlety when it comes to their hair,’ points out Jason. ‘I imagine we’ll see an even softer or more seamless version as people want hair that looks expensive but isn’t expensive to maintain. Royals are effortlessly chic, people want to aspire to that too.’