Diana, Kate, Anne: 7 daring beauty looks that defied royal protocol

Red manicures, heavy make-up, shaved heads… These whimsical make-up looks have shaken up the strict codes of royal protocol. From Diana Spencer to Kate Middleton, not forgetting Anne of the United Kingdom and Charlene of Monaco, many princesses have displayed daring beauty choices. These women remain style icons, because they were able to assert their identity behind the tiaras.

Princesses playing with beauty codes since the 1970s

Royal wives are often seen as the guardians of sober style. Yet they never stopped defying the unspoken rules. These liberties tell a different story of power andimage.

Diana Spencer’s red manicure was still considered too daring by the standards of the British monarchy. Charlene of Monaco’s shaved head surprised the international press in 2020. Such whimsical make-up reflects a desire for personal affirmation.

Long before them, Anne of the United Kingdom was already displaying a resolutely rock style in the 70s. This style was at odds with the expected discretion. All choices documented by the press over decades.

“Behind the tiaras are also women determined to assert their identity.”

Charlene of Monaco’s shaved head: a radical hair gesture

No one had seen this before. In December 2020, Charlene of Monaco’s shaved head surprised and impressed everyone. The change broke with the classic image generally associated with princesses.

The former professional swimmer opted for this radical transformation. Such a choice broke with the traditional aesthetic codes of royalty. It testified to a strong desire for personal affirmation.

• Diana Spencer’s red manicure in 1995
• Charlene of Monaco’s shaved head in December 2020
• Meghan Markle’s smoky eye and red lipstick in March 2020
• Kate Middleton’s pronounced blush for Christmas 2025
• Princess Anne’s red lipstick at the Cheltenham Festival in March 2026

Diana Spencer: the queen of small, rebellious events

Lady Diana’s iconic ’80s hairstyle was anything but conventional. As Sam McKnight, who worked with her, explained, the princess wore her hair short, layered and voluminous. The slightly longer nape of the neck at the beginning was reminiscent of a mullet.

In the late ’80s and ’90s, her hairstyle evolved into a more streamlined style. This short cut helped modernize the image of the princess. It also had a lasting influence on women’s hair trends.

In the same category as the famous “revenge dress” of 1994, the red manicure remains memorable. In 1995, Diana Spencer wore red nail varnish to a gala for cancer research. It was a daring choice, as only clear, pale pink or beige nail polish is permitted for members of the royal family.

Diana excelled in whimsical make-up and offbeat beauty choices. That’s why she remains a timeless icon. Her rebellious little manifestations have left their mark on the history of royal style.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle: two generations of daring beauty routines

For several months now, the Princess of Wales has been sporting a radiant complexion enhanced by a pronounced pink blush. While there’s no law against this type of make-up, it’s customary for princesses to opt for subtle shades. For Christmas 2025, Kate Middleton chose to stand out with this garish blush.

Meghan Markle nonetheless remains Duchess of Sussex, despite her high-profile separation from the royal family. In March 2020, the American married to Prince Harry sported whimsical make-up looks that stood in stark contrast to the required sobriety. The ultimate in madness? The combination of black smoky eye and red glossy lipstick.

Princess Anne: fifty years of quirky style

At the age of 75, Princess Anne of the United Kingdom still allows herself some eccentricities. In March 2026, she wore red lipstick to the Cheltenham Festival. A choice that stands in stark contrast to protocol, which calls for a preference for discreet shades.

Years ago, in 1973, Anne wore a suit and paired it with long, wavy, almost rock hair. This style was the antithesis of the usual classic chignon. She paired this rebellious hairstyle with sky-blue eyeshadow.

These bright colors were a far cry from the brown and beige hues usually favored by princesses. These whimsical make-ups made her a pioneer of offbeat style within the British royal family. Her audacity continues to inspire in 2026.

These beauty choices show that behind the strict rules of protocol, princesses assert their personalities. Whimsical make-up looks become tools of expression. Each red varnish, each colored blush tells a story of assumed freedom.

Written by zaccharie touboul, on 15 April 2026