Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh has never shied away from experimenting with her hair. From her iconic shaggy bob to her classy Scandi highlights, she’s a frequent source of ageless inspiration. And now, thanks to Sophie, we’ve found our new go-to hairstyle for summer.

Want a hint? It’s a style that’s not only elegant, but it’s also ideal for the heatwave too. Simple, quick and it keeps your hair away from your face. What more could you want?

Yesterday, Sophie made the most of the British sunshine by visiting Surrey Docks Farms for a morning of gardening and farming. She later visited the pensioners at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for bingo night in a stunning Belulah polka-dot dress. However, what really caught our eye was her effortlessly easy low pony, a style that was versatile enough for both occasions. All she had to do was just neaten it a little for the more formal event.

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duchess of edinburgh curly pony
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Often overlooked, the low pony is one of the best ways to achieve an instantly put-together look. Sophie has gone for a clever quick twist on the classic, which takes only moments, making it ideal for those mornings when you’re in a hurry, or need to put your hair up on the go while still looking polished. All you need is your trusty hairbrush and hair tie - simple!

duchess of edinburgh curly pony
Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images

The low pony doesn’t have to be boring, and Sophie has shown us the perfect low-effort way to elevate it. By taking a closer look, we can see she created a curled shape - and there’s one clever hack involved…

the duchess of edinburgh curly pony
Max Mumby/Indigo
Sophie tweaked the updo for a neater version later in the day

The trick lies in creating a loop. Simply tie your hair in a pony as usual then, on the final wrap on the band, instead of pulling the hair all the way through, only pull it halfway through. How easy is that? It’s a foolproof hairstyle that anyone can achieve, and it’s so chic that it even has the royal stamp of approval!