There would seem to be only one place where one would get oneself ready for an hair, sorry heir, to the throne's big night: the fashionable and trendy climes of... Abingdon.

Prince Harry's girlfriend Chelsy Davy cut a dash through the Oxfordshire town yesterday as she prepared for her beau's passing out ball the couple's first official function together by getting her hair cut at fashionable salon Philosophy.

Passers-by were stunned when Miss Davy, 20, was bundled out of the East Saint Helen Street salon into a waiting VW Tourag.

Miss Davy, who jetted into Heathrow on Tuesday night, missed the Prince's passing out parade but was due to accompany him to last night's ball at Sandhurst.

But the question remained: why get crimped in Abingdon even if the salon was mentioned in The Sunday Times style magazine's 'salons to be seen in'?

Philosophy partner Andrew Hall coyly would not confirm or deny whether Miss Davy was a client even one who potentially could be called Hair Royal Highness in years to come.

He added: "We are always very private, that's a matter between us and the client. It's always confidential."

But he said the rich and famous might drop in because of the salon's integrity and award-winning reputation. He enthused: "Our stylists are the best."

The salon, which also has a branch in Witney, opened in the town just over two years ago and prices range from £22, for a shampoo and finish, to £60 for perm by a senior technician.

Outside Philosophy workmen were treated to some mid-afternoon excitement when Miss Davy jumped into the waiting British racing green VW 4x4 and sped off.

Builder Paul Cording said: "We all thought 'what is she doing in Abingdon, in a quiet and out of the way back street?' The guy in there is quite well known though."

In Market Place people were equally bemused by Miss Davy's visit.

Frankie Fisher, 16, a student at Our Lady's Convent School, said: "It's not normally the place for future royals."

She joked: "Maybe she has friends at Radley College. Or maybe they have an offer on."