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Kate Middleton Stuns During Surprise School Outing—And Her Subtle Hair Transformation Is Everything

The curls are curling

Kate Middleton
Samir Hussein/WireImage

Field trips were easily the best part of school—whether it was a museum visit or a day at an amusement park, nothing beat the excitement of escaping the classroom. But let’s be real, none of my school trips ever included a surprise royal guest. That, however, was the reality for a lucky group of kindergarteners visiting the National Portrait Gallery in London on Tuesday, February 4.

Kate Middleton made an unexpected (and very chic) appearance, stepping off the bus alongside the students. The Princess of Wales was there to support a new initiative aimed at helping children explore and express their emotions. Dressed in dark pinstripe trousers, a black turtle-neck sweater, a deep maroon blazer and black heels, she looked effortlessly polished as always. But one thing about her look stood out to me—and no, it’s not that she wasn’t wearing her ring. It was her hair.

KateMiddHair
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Now, Middleton’s hair always looks flawless, but there was a subtle difference this time. For Tuesday’s outing, she opted for an off-centered part with voluminous, beachy waves—think loose curls with a little extra bounce. At first glance, it might not seem like a major change, but when you compare it to her previous appearance, the difference is clear. Just days earlier, she wore her hair in a much larger curl, almost blending into one big wave rather than the more scattered curls and waves she sported at the gallery.

Kate Middleton Curls
Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Of course, no matter how she styles it, Middleton always looks stunning as she continues championing important causes. Reflecting on the visit, she took to Instagram to share photos from the day.

“It was fantastic to see The Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us Framework, which is based on key science, expressed in such an innovative, creative and fun way at the National Portrait Gallery today,” she wrote.

Middleton went on to praise the Bobeam Tree Trail, calling it “a brilliant example of how organisations can embrace the principles of social and emotional development, and the Centre’s framework, to engage children and families in their communities.”

Middleton wrapped up her post with a sweet note of appreciation.

“I hope that many people will be able to enjoy it over the coming weeks! Thank you to the National Portrait Gallery and to the staff and pupils of All Souls CE Primary School for a brilliant day.”

And, of course, she signed off with her signature “C.”

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