It seems we’re not the only ones with the Princess of Wales on our new-season beauty moodboard. After years of golden bronde hair, Carol Vorderman has given her locks the royal treatment, debuting two classic Kate signatures in one: a glossy, youthful ‘royal brunette’ shade and masses of glamorous volume.
We first caught a glimpse of the colour transformation last week, when Carol was papped in London. But her shiny new shade officially made its red-carpet debut last night at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards – complete with bouncy Kate Middleton styling.
Carol looks so different with a new brunette shade
The former Countdown host looked almost unrecognisable, with rich dark curls cascading past her shoulders with the addition of a flattering, face-framing curtain fringe. It’s flattering and immediately anti-ageing.
‘Carol’s brunette transformation looks incredible,’ says Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Key Opinion Leader at Jerome Russell Bblonde. ‘The deeper shade gives her hair a real richness and intensity, while the glossy finish makes it look healthy, luxurious and full of life.’
He describes Carol’s new shade as ‘royal brunette’ – ‘it’s all about that expensive-looking, glossy brunette we often associate with the Princess of Wales,’ he says. ‘Think rich chocolate tones, beautiful shine and subtle warmth, rather than anything too flat, ashy or overly dark.’
"Royal brunette" is all about a rich, multi-tonal finish
Why is royal brunette so flattering?
It’s one of those shades that looks ageless, and as proved by Carol, incredibly flattering on women over 60. ‘On mature women, the right brunette brings definition and richness to the face, while a multi-dimensional finish stops the colour from looking heavy,’ explains Jason.
‘What makes Carol’s look feel so youthful is the combination of richness, shine and movement,’ he adds. ‘Hair can sometimes look flatter as we get older, so a colour that reflects light and gives the hair a healthier-looking finish is really flattering.’
How to achieve a royal brunette shade
For a shade similar to Carol’s, Jason recommends asking for a rich chocolate brunette with a glossy, multi-tonal finish. ‘Rather than one, flat shade, you will need subtle tonal variation to give the shade depth and dimension.’
Dimension and a glossy finish is key
He notes that it’s not about replicating an exact shade, but adapting it to suit your natural colouring. A good colourist can tailor the tone to complement your skin and add just the right amount of warmth.
According to Jason, the real key to younger-looking hair is its condition. ‘It’s not about trying to look younger; it’s about making your hair look its absolute best.’
That’s where a good hair gloss comes into play. ‘A glossing treatment can also help enhance shine and give the colour that luxurious, reflective finish. I’d recommend the Jerome Russell Colorbomb in Cool Brown to add depth and a balanced tone to pre-existing brunette hair, with a glossy finish,’ he says.
Now, we’re off to book in for our own royal hair treatment.