Ian Carmichael Recalls Decades of Intimate Haircare for Queen Elizabeth II
Ian Carmichael, who styled Queen Elizabeth II’s hair from 1998 until her death in 2022, described the role as a 'very intimate job' requiring immense trust, as the monarch never styled her own hair.
Key points
- Carmichael began working for Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, visiting her twice weekly for hair appointments.
- The queen relied entirely on Carmichael for her iconic silver bob, as she never did her own hair.
- Carmichael was recognized in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List for his services to the royal household.
- The late queen battled bone cancer, a diagnosis kept private until her death in September 2022.
- Carmichael emphasized the unique trust involved, noting that touching the queen in such a personal way was rare for anyone.
Background
Queen Elizabeth II passed away in September 2022 at age 96 after a 70-year reign. Her private nature and strict adherence to protocol made personal relationships with staff rare. Recent coverage has highlighted the enduring legacy of her household, including the ongoing presence of the HMS Queen Elizabeth in NATO drills and debates surrounding the royal family’s public communications following her death anniversary.
Why it matters
The story underscores the exceptional level of trust and intimacy required in the royal household, highlighting how even routine tasks like hair styling became significant acts of personal service for the monarch.
What to watch
No further developments are expected, as this is a retrospective account of a role that ended with the queen’s death in 2022.
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