Kate Middleton Changes Up Her Signature Hairstyle in a Festive Dress

Kate Middleton is getting into the holiday spirit with not one but two surprising changes to her signature look. Spotted on her way to King Charles‘s annual Christmas lunch, the princess debuted a half-up, half-down hairstyle that marked a departure from her typical long, loose curls. What’s more, Middleton secured the style with a Gen Z-approved accessory: a black scrunchie.

As for the second surprise element of Kate’s look? While the future queen typically opts for simple outfits in solid colors, today’s look featured a bright red dress covered in what appears to be roses and polka dots. Eagle-eyed royals fans quickly identified the festive number as an Alessandra Rich design that Middleton actually wore for a Christmas TV special back in 2019. Her mother of pearl earrings, meanwhile, came courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

King Charles has been hosting his annual Christmas lunch ever since he ascended the throne in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022. The gathering is a private family affair sans photographers. This year, Middleton attended alongside her husband Prince William and the couple’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Also in attendance were Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, whose father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was recently stripped of his remaining titles and honors. The ex-prince is also (unsurprisingly) not invited to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham.

Eugenie and Beatrice most recently made headlines for skipping Middleton’s annual “Together at Christmas” carol service at Westminster Abbey. The two sisters made sure to show their support on social media, however.

“Wish Bea and I could have been celebrating tonight with our family,” Eugenie wrote on her Instagram Stories on Friday, December 5. “Wishing @princeandprincessofwales such a special evening at her incredible carol service. What an amazing message of hope.”