The Duchess of Cambridge held a master class on keeping her hair sleek and stylish in the heat and humidity when she joined Prince William on a busy day in Belize yesterday.
Kate, 40, straightened out her dark locks with a classic parting down the middle as she toured the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Caracol, learned jungle survival skills and joined William, 39, last night for a sparkling engagement.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity stylist Tom Smith explained that this hairstyle is a smart choice for a hectic royal tour when there’s a lot of hustle and bustle between events, especially outdoors in a tropical environment.
This helps to avoid the dreaded frizz that Kate suffered from on previous overseas trips, such as during her and William’s visit to India in 2016.
“Long slick hair with a parting in the middle tucked behind the ears is a really good way to keep it neat, styled and polished,” he said.
Smooth operator: Kate, 40, straightened out her dark locks in a classic mid-parting as she toured the ancient Maya archaeological site of Caracol (pictured), learned jungle survival skills and joined William, 39, for a sparkly engagement last night
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity stylist Tom Smith explained that this hairstyle is a smart choice for a hectic royal tour when there’s a lot of hustle and bustle between events, especially outdoors in a tropical environment. In the photo, Kate is holding herself in the jungle.
Lasts all day: Tom explained that the hairstyle keeps Kate looking “finished” but not too polished. Pinning her hair behind her ear prevents frizzy strands.
Jaded: The style also helps avoid the unsightly curls that Kate suffered from on previous overseas trips, such as during her and William’s visit to India in 2016 (above).
“Since Kate is in a humid place, pinning her hair behind her ears is a smart way to give her hair a ‘styled look’ while keeping it out of a potentially sweaty face.
“If they are smooth and secured behind her ears, it will minimize the chance of hot air getting inside the hair since it has been swept back – so it should stay in place.”
Lily Jeffries, Senior Stylist and Color Specialist at Taylor Taylor London, agrees: “She does it quickly, easily and simply, without the help of many different tools or stylists.
“All she needs is a heat protectant, a couple of straighteners and some hairspray to keep her hair in place all day. When touring in such humid places, a simple straight hairstyle will work much better than a curly one, as there will be less chance of frizz.”
Ricky Walters, director of London-based salon SALON64, reflected on how this look could have been achieved, saying: “It’s different from the ’90s when hair was straightened within an inch of its life.
“Today we are much more aware. Hair tools have improved as well as hair products. Kate’s look started with a beautiful straight blow-dry and then just helped it out with a pair of straightening irons.
He added: “I guess Kate could have opted for a light keratin treatment. A game changer in the hair industry, he keeps the look of Kate locked in her hair for as long and perfect as possible as summer approaches.”
Tom explained that the look was especially effective when paired with the £2,500 pink “Vampire Wife” dress she wore to yesterday’s engagement, as it complemented the dress and allowed the eye to focus on her statement earrings.
He continued, “It’s interesting that the long, vertical lines of the dress are reflected in the long, vertical lines of the hair. There’s an element of practicality in having her hair tucked behind her ears and in a sleek design so it doesn’t touch the warmth of her face, but also the creative vision of a long, flowing length is strategic.
“Kate looks very tall and slim. Her dress falls to the floor, so everything is lengthened and stretched out. The exterior is very nice and well built.
Untouched: The Duchess of Cambridge’s exquisite style while exploring Mayan ruins
Unassuming: The royal family’s dark locks stayed in place even when she visited the jungle.
Evening glamour: Tom explained that the look was especially effective when paired with the £2,500 pink “Vampire Wife” dress she wore to yesterday’s engagement, as it complemented the dress and allowed the eye to focus on her statement earrings.
“The hair clearly frames the eye-catching dangle earrings, and in one of the shots she even draws attention to the earrings, perhaps there is some sentiment behind this.”
The stylist also suggested that Kate’s look might have some show business inspiration, adding, “Kate looks regal but still has fashion references to her look. She may have used the early Cher as inspiration and creative reference. She looks almost exactly like Cher!”
The couple began the third date of their trip by learning about the history of the ancient Maya archaeological site of Caracol, located in the Chiquibul forest, and touring the country’s tallest man-made structure, known as the “heavenly palace.”
Speech: During the reception, Prince William delivered a speech in front of the Mayan ruins and spoke out against the conflict in Ukraine, saying “democracy is being tested.”
A 3,000-year-old temple built by the Mayan civilization stood at the center of a city that housed about 150,000 people and is believed to have been inhabited as early as 1200 BC.
William and Kate climbed to the top of a palace hidden deep in the jungles of western Belize, close to the Guatemalan border, and Allan Moore, deputy director of the Belize Institute of Archaeology, showed them ancient Maya sculptures.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) on Monday, which, along with international partners, trains UK troops in a tropical environment with 12 permanent staff and more than 100 local residents.
The Duke reunited with his former Sandhurst Academy Sergeant Major, now in charge of the Jungle Squad, and he showed off his former army training by skillfully splitting a giant palm leaf in the middle to use as cover.
They both received invaluable first-hand survival advice from the military and drank fresh water from jungle vines.
Ease: The Duchess of Cambridge let her hair down while visiting the beach on Sunday
Finally, they capped off the day with a Platinum Jubilee Evening Reception for Her Majesty the Queen at the Mayan Ruins in Cahal Pesh, Belize. This marked their last engagement in the country.
Speaking to guests last night, William quoted words from his grandmother the Queen’s 1994 address to the country’s parliament. He said: “She said, ‘I am proud to join you in your determination to ensure that social justice and individual freedom flourish under the rule of law.
“However, it is always dangerous to be complacent and assume that democratic values will take care of themselves. Vigilance is needed to protect them.”
He added: “Her Majesty continued: “Above all, democracy is protected by teamwork – the individual will of all citizens, each of whom unites to achieve one goal.”
“Unfortunately, in other countries of the world, this vigilance is now being tested in Ukraine.
“Belize has joined many others in condemning the invasion and upholding the principles of international law, peace and security. Today we think of those who are fighting in Ukraine and stand in solidarity with them.”
The Duke also conveyed “warmest wishes from my grandmother, the Queen of Belize” on the occasion of her platinum jubilee.”
The couple will later fly to Jamaica, the next stop on their eight-day Caribbean tour, and receive an official welcome in the country.
The Duke and Duchess will then travel to the Royal Household to meet with the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Linton Allen, before celebrating Jamaica’s sporting and musical heritage.
The tour ends with a visit to the Bahamas.