Kate Middleton, like many other members of the Royal Family, has evolved her style over the years. Everything, from clothes to the type of jewellery she wears, changes not only for “regular people,” but also for members of the British monarchy.
However, not every change goes unnoticed. Perhaps it was for this reason that many were baffled when Kate Middleton returned from Greece and resumed her royal duties having made a significant change to her hair.
Kate Middleton has not been seen in public much lately. The last time the Princess of Wales made such an appearance was during the Wimbledon tennis finals in July, where she received a standing ovation upon entering the royal box.
Still, the Princess of Wales has been taking it slow, avoiding overexertion. Reports late last year suggested that Kate wouldn’t be returning to the same type of royal role as she had prior to her diagnosis, and would focus more on her family. However, that doesn’t mean she won’t continue to perform her royal duties.
The Royal Family recently spent some time away from their duties for the summer break. King Charles and Queen Camilla, as tradition dictates, spent a lot of time at Balmoral.
Kate Middleton shows off new “Sleeping Beauty” blonde hair
Prince William and Kate Middleton, however, opted for something different for themselves and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. They spent their holiday in what is usually a warmer climate, sailing around the coast of the Greek island of Kefalonia.
As per Tatler, Kefalonia is often described as the “St Tropez of Greece,” as it attracts many famous and rich people. That the sunlight had done its job was clear when the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out on their first joint outing following the summer holiday on Thursday, September 4.
The Natural History Museum in London has recently transformed its garden, and who better to check it out than the future king and queen? When Prince William and Kate Middleton, who is a patron of the museum, stepped out to see the garden, it was clear that something was different.
Kate showed off a much blonder hair color than usual. Hello! Magazine’s Deputy Beauty and Lifestyle Editor Melanie Macleod called it “sleeping beauty” style.
“When you say ‘princess hair’, this is exactly what I picture,” she said.
“Long, tumbling Sleeping Beauty style curls in a golden hue (sorry, brunette ladies). While Princess Kate has never been this blonde before, this ultra-long, voluminous look reminds me of her younger years, back when she was simply Kate Middleton. There’s endless rhetoric over whether women over 40 can have long hair, and Princess Kate proves unequivocally, yes.”
Online reactions to Princess Catherine’s new look have been mixed. Some critics weren’t impressed with the blonde hair, saying it “washes her out.” One commenter wrote: “Chestnut brown looks lovely on her. Not a fan of the blonde.” Another added: “She looks better with her own color. Blonde makes her look older.”
“The perfect starting point”
Whether Kate Middleton actively decided to dye her hair blonde. The Daily Mail citing experts who stated that it could very well be the saltwater and Greek sunshine that did the trick.
Meanwhile, stylist Sarah Gadston told the Daily Mail that although the sunshine may be a factor, the fact that Kate has gone blonde could also be seen in a broader perspective of her role as future queen.
“After a sun-soaked holiday in Greece, Kate returned not only with a refreshed spirit but also with naturally lightened hair,” stylist Sarah Gadston said.
“The combination of sea air, sunshine, and saltwater had gently lifted her hair to a softer shade—creating the perfect starting point for her next salon visit.”
“As Kate embraces the natural changes that come with aging, such as the increasing presence of grey strands, she’s made a thoughtful shift in her hair color strategy,” she continued.
“Rather than covering grays with darker dyes—which often require more frequent maintenance—she’s opted for a lighter, blended tone. This approach not only gives her hair a softer, more natural appearance but also helps camouflage grays in a subtle, low-maintenance way. Thanks to her time in the Greek sun, Kate has found a new, more effortless hair color that flatters her features, respects the health of her hair, and celebrates the beauty of aging with confidence.”
Celebrity hairstylist Adem Oygur explained that it might not just be the Greek sun that prompted Kate’s hair transformation. Additionally, the UK experienced an “unusually warm summer,” which may have contributed to the Princess of Wales achieving a “natural sun-kissed effect.”