There have been plenty of occasions over the years where Princess Charlotte has been her mum’s mini-me, but this time it was the Princess of Wales taking inspiration from her daughter with her hairstyle. Kate swept her signature loose waves up into a practical plait on 27th January as she braved the rain for a hike in the Peak District.
This was one of several engagements she undertook that day and her single braid was tucked underneath her baker boy hat for the walk. Kate joined Mind Over Mountains, a charity which offers mental health support through therapeutic outdoor experiences.
Her years of plaiting Princess Charlotte’s hair clearly paid off as she did her quick style change to ensure her tresses were out of her face as they walked through the picturesque peaks.
Shop Kate's Look
This snood isn't the exact same colour as the one worn by Kate, but it's the same design and is made from luxurious Scottish cashmere. There are several shades to choose from and this oatmeal hue is very versatile.
If you love the deep green tone of the Princess of Wales's jumper, then this is a very similar colour and also has a roll-neckline. It's knitted from M&S's ultra-fine yarn and has raglan sleeves and ribbed trims.
This is the same design as the Princess's knitwear, but in a more spring-like shade of green, as the same colour isn't currently being sold. These House of Bruar jumpers are made from fine merino wool and has ribbing on the cuffs, neckline and lower hem.
This cap comes in various different colourways and is selling fast. It's crafted in a traditional style and features a band around the crown and a curved peak. It's made from pure new wool tweed.
The Princess of Wales's Berghaus boots are pretty much sold out everywhere, but these make a great alternative if you're looking for another pair of excellent walking shoes. They're waterproof and have memory foam insoles.
This collared jacket from M&S's Per Una collection is made from British Millerain waxed fabric. It's got a regular fit, with a concealed zip and popper fastening, as well as turn-back cuffs. Buttoned flap pockets on the front create a utility-inspired look.
Plaits can often be dismissed as a children’s hairdo, but they are a great option when you’re doing activities or sports, as they keep all of your hair secure and fixed in place - unlike a ponytail.
Ten-year-old Charlotte tends to go for double plaits, or else a plaited half-up, half-down style, and her mum’s alternative felt like a more grown-up, elegant take on this. The Princess was able to tuck her hair inside her hat and down the back of her Brora cashmere snood, perhaps helping to minimise how wet it got in the dreary January weather too.
Following the pattern of previous engagements, Kate dressed head-to-toe in earthy brown and green tones for her hike with Mind Over Mountains. She typically sticks to a natural colour palette for outdoor engagements and she brought out her trusty walking boots yet again.
Kate’s Berghaus boots have been in her collection for years and are lightweight, waterproof and provide plenty of much-needed grip. As much as she loves her best wellies from Le Chameau when it’s really raining, these shoes offer support and sturdiness for hikes.
The Princess championed several timeless British clothing brands with her outfit too, as alongside her Brora snood, she also wore a merino wool jumper from House of Bruar (where her hat is also from) and brown Holland Cooper jodhpur jeans.
The traditional designs tied in perfectly with the outdoor engagement and she then layered a Dubarry of Ireland utility jacket over the top for extra warmth.
Everything felt considered and put-together, whilst every item was still incredibly versatile and practical. In all her years as a senior royal Kate has become an expert in putting together functional and fashionable outfits and given how much she’s spoken about her love of getting out in nature, it would make sense that she reaches for items like these an awful lot.
This walk was the final engagement of the day for the future Queen and her trip to Northern England was focused on highlighting how nature, community and creativity can help those who are struggling. Earlier on she visited Family Action’s Children’s Trauma Therapy Service and learnt more about how they use creative therapies to help children and families recover from complex trauma. The Princess also saw first-hand how Wakefield Trinity RLFC’s community programmes are creating connections and building confidence and resilience.
