Did Kate Middleton Go Blonde? Why the Internet is Buzzing About the Change

It’s definitely a head-turning look

kate middleton blonde universal
Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Proof the extended royal family is in fact at Balmoral Castle: Prince William, Kate Middleton and the entire Wales fam (Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis) were all photographed attending church at Crathie Kirk in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla on Sunday. But beyond the summer travel confirmation, there was another head-turning detail: Kate appears to have gone blonde.

kate middleton blonde hair
Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

Was it the way the August sun hit her typically chestnut tresses? Or simply the way the car windshield filtered the light as Kate drove to and from the church? (Yes, it’s true: Our best glimpse was of the Princess of Wales sitting in the passenger seat next to William, so not exactly a clear shot.) Still, her hair is noticeably lighter and brighter than when we last saw Kate at Wimbledon in July—and it’s the talk of the internet.

Most are attributing the change to a summer spent in the sun. According to reports, the Wales family enjoyed a chunk of August sailing around the Greek Isles. The salty sea air in combination with extended time outdoors (and less frequent salon trips) typically has an impact on hair color over time.

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Paul Campbell/Getty Images

Either way, we love to see it. Kate is a royal off-duty, which means this is the perfect time to switch things up. The real test will come with her next official royal appearance when we get a proper glimpse.

After all, bronde is trending again for fall. Perhaps Kate is simply taking part.



rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College