Anytime Princess Kate wears something new, from a lipstick shade to a shawl, the item inevitably sells out – so much so, the phenomenon has been given a name: The Kate Effect.
The Kate Effect refers to the economic influence the Princess of Wales wields – and with a new, polished, intelligent and charismatic woman joining the royal family today, we wonder if we’re witnessing the beginning of The Harriet Effect?
The Harriet Effect
Just like Princess Kate, Harriet Sperling is a “normal” person marrying into the royal family, and just like our future queen, Harriet exudes a warmth and class that the public is undoubtedly set to warm to.
It’s not just her charm and character that are set to make Harriet a hit with royal watchers; it’s her effortlessly chic style.
© WireImageWhile she has only attended a handful of public occasions so far, this is set to ramp up once she is married into the family, and if her wedding makeup is anything to go by, we predict her elegant look will reign supreme.
“We’re already seeing a lot of similarities between Harriet and Princess Kate,” confirms HELLO!’s Online Royal Correspondent, Eleanor Dye. “Both women are impeccably well-dressed, and Harriet is becoming popular for championing British brands, such as Beulah (at Easter) and Suzannah London (Royal Ascot and Wimbledon).”
Of the beauty influence Harriet could have, Eleanor continues: “I think we’ll definitely see an influx of people seeking to recreate the ‘Harriet look’ after the royal wedding. She always looks stunning, but with a simple elegance that people at home will hope to recreate.”
Looking back to 2010, Eleanor recalls: “Ahead of her marriage to Prince William, hairdressers reported dozens of women coming in and asking for the ‘Kate Middleton’, and it’s easy to see why Harriet would also inspire hair envy.”
© PA Images via Getty ImagesEleanor continues: “Ever since Harriet started dating Peter Phillips in 2024, she has been referred to as a ‘breath of fresh air’ for the royal family, and it’s easy to see why. She is an NHS nurse and a single mother who grew up in a village in Gloucestershire, meaning many will be able to relate to her background.
“A new member of the royal family always sparks intrigue, but Harriet has appeared such a natural from day one.”
Harriet Sperling’s wedding hair
Over her years in the public eye, Harriet has become known for her trademark loose waves. Even when she wears it up, she tends to go for a relaxed up-do, so her wedding hair was quite the departure, with the new Mrs. Phillips opting for a sleek, elegant chignon – showing she’s already leaning into royal life.
Slicked down at the sides, Harriet’s ‘do is timeless and no-nonsense, with her blonde highlights shining through. Harriet’s hair is the perfect shade of honey blonde – often called ‘old money blonde’ on social media, and hairstylist Sam McKnight, who used to style Princess Diana’s hair, calls Harriet’s mane: “Enviably luxe. Smooth and glossy, but not overly styled.”
Harriet’s laidback yet elegant approach to styling her hair is set to make the new Mrs. Phillips a beauty icon for royal fans.
Harriet Sperling’s wedding makeup
Peter Phillips’ bride took a leaf out of Princess Kate’s book for her wedding makeup, as Lancome Pro Artist and makeup artist Juan Bavaldi explains: “Harriet’s beauty look comes across as very polished and classically elegant the kind of ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic associated with British aristocratic style.
“The skin is the focus: fresh, healthy, softly radiant, and never overly matte, glowy or heavy.”
On how we’re all set to copy Harriet’s wedding makeup, Juan notes: “I think this kind of beauty look tends to be appealing to the public because it feels aspirational but still attainable. It sits in that space between polished and natural that a lot of people currently gravitate toward.
“It’s also a look that translates well across different ages because it doesn’t rely on heavy contouring, sharp brows, or dramatic techniques that can date quickly and need a more pro expertise to apply.”
The original influencers
On why we’re so inspired by how the royals look, Eleanor muses: “People are intrigued by the royals –who wouldn’t want to copy the style of a princess? At the same time, their stylists and makeup artists tap into fashion and beauty trends, while creating their own. Emulating a royal look can be a way of staying ahead of current trends.”
It’s not just their princess looks that captures the imagination of the public, as mental health expert Dr. Radha Modgil points out: “In a stressful and uncertain world, many of us look to the royal family for a sense of constancy – almost like a marker in the sand for many things; this includes everything from the charity work or campaigns they are involved in to their fashion and beauty choices.
© Getty Images“Just like we might look up to a big sister or trendy aunty when we are growing up, it’s nice to have someone to look at and learn from about fashion, beauty and wellbeing; almost like a role model.”
Whether Harriet is set to have the same impact as the Princess of Wales remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – her style is perfectly suited to the royal family, and we can’t wait to see more from the new Mrs. Phillips.