Miranda Holder believes that Kate Middleton's decision to ditch headbands is by design. "The feminine, girlish headband with its connotations of romance and innocence no longer feels right," she told Hello! Holder also said that the Princess of Wales is opting for "formed hats and headpieces" instead. Indeed, we've noticed that Kate has been opting for hats over headbands — and not only when she's at a royal event where a head covering would be expected. 

Interestingly, it seems as though the hat trend has been in play for quite a few months now. For example, when the princess was at Wimbledon in 2022, she wore a large floppy hat over her brunette tresses — a great way to keep the sun off her face and out of her eyes, but also a style choice. Interestingly, the hat actually broke the rules set forth for the Royal Box at the All England Club. "Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them," reads the Wimbledon website. Oops.