7 Times Kate Middleton Nailed Sporty Chic With A Low Ponytail & Minimal Makeup Combo

Even princesses don't have to look perfect all the time. Just ask Catherine, Princess of Wales, who knows how to rock a more casual look when she wants to. Kate Middleton has had a stunning transformation since meeting her now-husband, William, Prince of Wales, at St. Andrews University in 2001. Although she often dresses glamorously for royal events and public appearances, Kate is also the most athletic royal, and she's been known to rock a combination of a low ponytail and minimal makeup throughout the years, nailing the sporty chic trend.

While we love seeing Kate's dramatic hair transformations when she decides to do them, there's something refreshing about seeing a royal looking so laidback. Often, ponytails are seen as casual or even lazy hairstyles, thanks in part to "Mean Girls" telling us this was true. But ponytails can look elegant, bouncy, and pretty when done right, which Kate has demonstrated time and time again. (So, take that, Plastics!)

There's no better hairstyle for chasing after a ball, keeping up with your kids, or even for spending a long day at the office. So, let these Kate-approved styles lead you the next time you want an easy and cute look. Again, if princesses can go low-key on hair and makeup, then we can too.

There's no time for fussy, perfectly styled hair when you are running. Still, Kate Middleton made her hair look gorgeous as ever while running at the Team Heads Together London Marathon Training Day in February 2017. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a low pony at the nape of her neck, and it seemed to stay in place as she ran along a track in a black outfit and red puffer jacket. Her makeup was minimal as well, although her eyes popped with dark black mascara, which was likely waterproof as it didn't smear at all.

When the Olympic Games took place in London in August 2012, Kate Middleton showed her support with a red, white, and blue Olympic jacket during a walk at Weymouth Harbour. In a photo from that time, Kate had her hair swept back from her face in a ponytail, with pieces of hair tucked messily behind her ears. She seemingly had on a light layer of blush and some mascara. Kate paired the look with pearl earrings (she is still a princess, after all!) and looked comfortable and chic at the same time.

Playing sports with hair in your face is never a good idea. Kate Middleton showed she was serious about playing rugby when she played in an England rugby training session in February 2022. In a picture from the day, she pulled her thick brown hair back in a ponytail, so it would stay out of her way as she played the sport. Kate was beautiful with her light, natural makeup and huge smile caught in this photo.

Even a low pony can be styled with volume, which Kate Middleton demonstrated at the America's Cup World Series event in July 2015. Here, she seemingly wore the event's official navy blue pullover with jeans and simple makeup. Her hair was teased a little at the top for extra volume and curled before it was pulled back into a low ponytail and rested over one shoulder. What a great way to dress up a traditionally simple hairstyle!

Kate Middleton paired her low pony with a ball cap for a day on the water. She joined a catamaran race during a visit to the 1851 Trust and the Great Britain SailGP Team in July 2022, looking every bit part of the team in a wet suit and life jacket. Kate's hair was so long going down her back in her natural waves, held extra secure with her hat. Minimal makeup and sunglasses completed her athletic vibe on this day.

A rainy day is no excuse for messy hair — especially when you have a ponytail holder on hand. Kate Middleton tied her hair up in a sleek ponytail during a visit to Blackpool Tower in March 2019, where it was raining heavily. She looked lovely under an umbrella in a dark green peacoat, black scarf, and matching gloves as she waved to the crowd in the above picture. With her natural-looking makeup and shiny, secured hair, she was still beautiful despite the downpour.

Kate Middleton was glowing in a black-and-white patterned dress and classy ponytail during a visit to the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in March 2015. At the time, she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte, which is likely one reason she wore her sporty hairstyle at a more formal outing (pregnancy is tough enough as it is without worrying about your hair!). This time, her ponytail was sleek and straight, with a slight pouf on top. She looked just as laidback with her light eye makeup and pale pink lipstick and blush.