Advertisement
Hair

Meghan Markle Can't Stop Won't Stop With The Messy Bun, Even For Her Wedding

A brief history of an unruly updo.
Meghan Markle's wedding hairstyle was a messy bun Meghan Markle's bridal messy bun! Photo, Matt Cardy/Getty Images.

There was much speculation over every last detail of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding, from who would design the dress (Givenchy, it turned out) to whether Markle would promise to "obey" Harry (nope). My No. 1 question: How would Meghan style her hair? The answer: Her signature (infamous) messy bun. Hurrah!

Why the celebration? Well, in a family where even nail polish colour is dictated by strict guidelines, it's refreshing to see a royal rule-breaker. And Meghan's style choices (bare legspantsuits and sheer gowns among them) have been said to ruffle regal feathers. While she hasn't been spotted in ripped jeans since that whole denim debacle back at the 2017 Invictus Games, there's one fashion rule she simply has not followed: NO MESSY BUNS.

Unlike Kate Middleton, who prefers a sleek chignon that's held meticulously in place with a hair net, Meghan Markle loves a messy bun. Messy buns are not easy to pull off — one stray strand too many and the whole thing comes undone. But Meghan Markle rocks the messy bun. And clearly she knows it, because despite the pearl-clutching over her tousled updo, Meghan continues to ignore this royal fashion don't.

Here, a brief history of Meghan's protocol-shirking hairstyle.

Meghan Markle messy bun Meghan Markle at a Suits event in January 2016. Photo, Michael Tran/FilmMagic/Getty Images.

Meghan's foray into the marvellous world of messy buns began well before her engagement. Here she is, above, in 2016 promoting Suits, with her hair styled in a decidedly messy bun. The look, with its deep side part and volume at the crown, will undergo a subtle, more casual makeover when next we see it.

Advertisement

The hoopla over Meghan's messy bun began back in early January, when she and Prince Harry made their first joint public appearance. People’s headline: "Meghan Markle Broke a Major Royal Style Taboo Today — Will Kate Follow?" Spoiler alert: No!

Meghan Markle messy bun Meghan Markle during a walkabout at Cardiff Castle on Jan. 18. Photo, Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images.

Just over a week later, the bun was back for a second round, this time during Meghan and Harry's visit to Cardiff Castle in Wales. The message to traditionalists was clear: Take your chignon, and shove it.

Meghan Markle messy bun Meghan Markle during a walkabout in Belfast on March 23. Photo, Brian Lawless/PA Images/Getty Images.

A couple of months and one floral-flavoured cake later, Meghan's messy bun was revived in Northern Ireland, cementing the hairstyle's status as a signature, complete with its centre part, face-framing strands and placement near the nape of the neck.

Meghan Markle messy bun Meghan Markle at the Women's Empowerment reception on April 19 in London. Photo, Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images.
Advertisement

Meghan debuted her black-tie messy bun in April — it's a slightly more polished version of her earlier updos. The look was a little tighter and neater than buns the of yore and the two loose sections around her face had been given a gentle wave.

Meghan Markle messy bun for the queen's birthday Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take their seats at the Queen's 92nd birthday celebration at the Royal Albert Hall on April 21. Photo, Andrew Parsons/Getty Images.

If the Queen has been unimpressed by Meghan's go-to updo, you wouldn't know it from the future duchess's choice of hairstyle for the monarch's 92nd birthday. Talk about messy buns of steel.

Meghan Markle messy bun and prince Harry Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the 25th anniversary memorial service to celebrate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence at St Martin-in-the-Fields on April 23 in London. Photo, Jeff Spicer/Getty Images.

Advertisement

Two days later, the MMMB was spotted yet again. This time, for a memorial service and celebration of life. For anyone keeping count, that was three messy buns in five days.

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement