Princess Kate made headlines with a dramatic blonde hair transformation during a royal engagement with Prince William on September 4, 2025, only to return to her signature brunette look within days, sparking widespread discussion about the brief change.
The Princess of Wales debuted her lightest and longest hair ever during a visit to the Natural History Museum in London, where she appeared alongside Prince William for their first joint engagement following summer break. The honey blonde locks represented the most dramatic hair transformation of her royal career, featuring golden highlights throughout her chestnut brown hair styled in loose waves that reached the middle of her back.
Speculation about the hair change began on August 24, 2025, when photographers captured the princess driving to church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland with her family. Her hair appeared noticeably lighter in the sunlight during that outing, marking a significant departure from the rich chestnut color she displayed at Wimbledon Championships on July 12 and 13.
The blonde debut generated intense online commentary, with critics arguing the lighter color washed out her complexion and questioning whether she had worn a wig. The negative response prompted Princess Diana’s former hairstylist Sam McKnight to defend the princess on Instagram September 4. McKnight expressed being “shocked, horrified, dismayed and disgusted” by the criticism, emphasizing that a woman’s hair represents personal armor, defense, and confidence.
McKnight specifically referenced the princess’s recent cancer battle, noting that cancer affects individuals differently but remains life-changing for everyone. The hairstylist concluded his defense by telling critics to leave her alone and expressing shame for their comments.
Just two days after the blonde debut, on September 6, 2025, Kate appeared at the Women’s Rugby World Cup match between England and Australia at the American Express Stadium in East Sussex with noticeably darker hair. She wore her brunette locks in a half-up, half-down style with a chic ponytail, paired with a black blazer over a ruffled white blouse while cheering from the stands.
The return to brunette was confirmed on September 8, 2025, when Kate made a surprise appearance with Prince William at the National Federation of Women’s Institute in Sunningdale, England. The engagement commemorated the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, with the couple visiting an organization that held special significance for the late monarch, who served as its president from 2003 until her death in 2022.
For the Women’s Institute visit, Kate wore her hair down in loose curls, displaying a definitive return to her signature brunette shade with subtle highlights. She paired the hairstyle with a new gray plaid Alessandra Rich midi dress featuring an oversized pilgrim collar, puffed sleeves, and pearl buttons, completing the look with gray pumps and Kiki McDonough white topaz and diamond stud earrings.
During their visit, the Prince and Princess of Wales met with organization members and enjoyed baked goods while hearing stories about Queen Elizabeth’s impact on the group. The Sunningdale location holds particular relevance for the royal family, situated near their future home at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, where they plan to relocate later this year.
The timing of the hair changes coincided with significant personal developments for the princess. She announced in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing preventive chemotherapy following planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. In September 2024, she completed her treatment, and in January 2025, she announced her cancer was in remission.
Throughout her recovery, Kate spoke openly about the challenges of post-treatment adjustment. During a July 2025 hospital visit in Essex, she described the period as a roller coaster, explaining that finding a new normal takes time and that patients face difficulties functioning at home after clinical treatment ends.
The princess has experimented with various hairstyles throughout her royal career, including short layers, highlights, and curtain bangs. In 2017, she anonymously donated seven inches of hair to the Little Princess Trust charity, which creates wigs for children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy or radiation treatments.
Royal hairstylist Neville Tucker predicted that Kate’s blonde transformation, despite its brief duration, would likely spark trends among women seeking similar honey-toned highlights. The swift return to brunette, however, suggests the princess remains committed to her established signature look that has become synonymous with her royal image.
