Did Meghan Markle Just Get a New Haircut?
Meghan Markle just did another surprise royal outing to King's College London—solo, without Princy Harry—and it looks like she trimmed off a couple inches of her now-famous hair for a slightly shorter, sleek look.


Meghan Markle just made another surprise royal outing to King's College London—solo, without Prince Harry—and I spy a styling change for the royal. Per People, as part of an an event hosted by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Meghan arrived in a simple black dress and an Aritzia coat with her hair gently curled. Also, I'm pretty sure she trimmed a couple inches off of her now-famous hair for a slightly shorter, sleek look?
It's a little hard to tell, because the image is small and not close up, but I'm pretty sure a comparison shows a difference of at least a few inches. Just take a look at the image from yesterday's meeting:
Today we brought together university leaders, academics & #students to discuss how we can build a better world through #highered. We were honoured to be joined by HRH The Duchess of Sussex. Thanks to @KingsCollegeLon for hosting! https://t.co/SoowV30PFS pic.twitter.com/ugFQP46GbgDecember 5, 2018
Now, compare it to the ponytail she was sporting when she got cooking at the Hubb Community Kitchen, with whom she partnered on a cookbook. (Fun fact: that was another unannounced visit—Meghan's apparently making a habit of it.)
That looks like a shorter 'do to me. (sips tea) (eye twitches a little)
Regardless, the engagement was for a worthy cause. The event consisted of a discussion on higher ed: its importance, impact, and potential improvements. According to the ACU's website, the group discussed "human trafficking and modern slavery, gender equality and inclusion, peace and reconciliation, and climate change and resilience."
Meghan's been incredibly busy these last few weeks. We also just spotted her at a Christmas Carol service with Harry, Pippa, and Pippa's husband, James Matthews. Meghan's hair was back for that event, so it's not clear when the cut happened. Regardless of when she chose to do it, it's adorable, and I bet it's going to cause a spike in shorter holiday haircuts.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
RELATED STORIES

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Meghan Shares Photos of Archie and Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Former Royal Nanny Opens Up About George, Charlotte, and Louis
"You see how grounded they really are."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Travis Kelce Emerges in Las Vegas Without Taylor Swift
The "Blank Space" singer was nowhere to be seen.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's Vibrant Red Hair Is the Star of Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
The little royals most definitely take after dad Prince Harry.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Lilibet's Cute American Accent Is on Full Display as She Taste-Tests Mom Meghan Markle's Jam
The little royal gave her honest review in a seriously sweet Instagram video.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino