Princess Kate sparked speculation about her appearance during the Royal Family’s summer break at Balmoral after being seen with noticeably lighter hair.
Kate was photographed through a car windscreen on Sunday morning as she and her family travelled to church at Crathie Kirk in Aberdeenshire, with her hair appearing significantly fairer than usual.
It is not clear if she has dyed her hair blonde or whether the effect was created by sunlight reflecting on her hair and the contrast with her black pillbox hat.
Kate’s hair colour has gradually evolved over the years.
Princess Kate’s hair evolution sees shift from dark brunette to blonde
|GETTY
When she began dating Prince William in the early 2000s, she was a dark brunette, a look she kept in the early years of their marriage.
By 2019, after the birth of her three children and as Meghan Markle entered the royal scene, Kate added highlights for the first time.
Her “blondette” look at the time was widely copied and has since remained part of her style.
The lighter shade became more prominent by 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, when Kate took on her new role as Princess of Wales.
Princess Kate seen with blonder hair over Sunday
|PA
In April 2025, during a visit with William to the Isles of Mull and Iona, she was again seen with brighter highlights.
That lighter effect was once more visible at Balmoral this weekend, suggesting her hair colour has become a regular part of her image.
At the time of her first “blondette” style, The Telegraph reported: “Lightening dark brunette hair a fraction for the summer months is an old colourist’s trick for giving the hair a more sun-kissed appearance as the weather warms up.
"Catherine’s caramel highlights are perfectly executed: they offer a subtle refresh and enhance the shine in her waist-length hair.”
Princess Kate was also spotted with blonder hair earlier this year in Scotland
|GETTY
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Princess Kate wore a beautiful dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen for her wedding to Prince William | PAIn recent years, Kate has also tried a 1970s-inspired butterfly fringe, which has since grown out.
The Princess of Wales is expected to resume a full programme of public duties in September following the family’s summer at Balmoral.
Her appearances are likely to attract renewed attention as she continues to balance royal responsibilities with raising her three children.