The thick mop of black hair Prince William is sporting on the front page of this week’s Hello magazine is largely down to lighting and the way the print was developed, according to Palace officials.

The shoot by amateur photographer Jeff Hubbard under the guidance of Rankin has raised some debate about what has happened to Prince William’s normally rather patchy blond hair.

A royal spokesman told the Daily Mail: “Studio lighting and work on colour contrasts in the prints have all contributed to the particular look.