Royal Stylist Says Princess Kate's "Modern and Timeless" Hair Color—Referred to as "Posh Mom Bronde"—Is an Example of the "Kate Effect" in Action

Queen Camilla's hairdresser called the shade "polished and understated."

Kate Middleton shows off her "posh mom bronde" hair color while attending an arts workshop during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London on January 8, 2026
(Image credit: Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Princess Kate has influenced royal fans for decades, with her fashion choices regularly causing clothing items to swiftly sell out. Now, a royal stylist has revealed that the Princess of Wales's hair color is the latest example of the "Kate effect" in action.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, hairstylist Jo Hansford said of Princess Kate's hair, "The depth and richness of her new shade beautifully enhance her skin tone and eye color, creating a look that feels both modern and timeless."

Importantly, Hansford has been Queen Camilla's hairdresser for more than three decades, meaning she understands the Royal Family better than most.

Describing Princess Kate's latest hair shade, Hansford told the outlet, "Polished and understated, her hair radiates sophistication and elegance, which are hallmarks of Catherine's signature style."

According to the outlet, Princess Kate's latest hair color has been "dubbed the 'Posh Mom Bronde,'" as it "blends brown and blonde tones to create a polished finish that never feels try-hard."

Kate Middleton shows off her "posh mom bronde" hair color while attending an arts workshop during a visit to Charing Cross Hospital in London on January 8, 2026

Princess Kate's latest hair color has been "dubbed the 'Posh Mom Bronde.'"

(Image credit: Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

The outlet continued, "Her color is neither overtly blonde nor traditionally brunette, striking that elusive sweet spot that feels modern."

As Hansford told the publication, "Richer tones with added depth play a crucial role in creating balance and harmony with certain skin tones." She continued, "Without these blended shades, going too light can leave the complexion looking overly pink or washed out."

Princess Kate wearing a maroon blazer and top sitting at a table

"Richer tones with added depth play a crucial role in creating balance and harmony with certain skin tones."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Daily Mail noted that Princess Kate's hair color choice "works in harmony with her make-up, wardrobe, and calm, assured presence." The outlet continued, "Nothing about it feels forced. She hasn't abandoned her signature look, she's simply elevated it."

Queen Camilla's hairdresser noted, "While many clients choose lighter colors for practical reasons, such as easier maintenance, softer regrowth, or gray blending, this look is a reminder that depth and dimension often deliver the most flattering, refined results."

Basically, Princess Kate has done it yet again, and this time the "Kate effect" is reportedly influencing hairstylists everywhere.

Amy Mackelden
Weekend Editor

Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.