
Princess Catherine Reveals Lighter Hair Shade at Balmoral, Sparking Mixed Reactions
When Princess Catherine joined Prince William for a service at Crathie Kirk, cameras captured more than a royal routine. A subtle but noticeable change became the focus of discussion online.
Princess Catherine stepped out with a striking new look during a Sunday church service near Balmoral, and the change has not gone unnoticed.
On August 24, the Princess of Wales was seen arriving at Crathie Kirk alongside Prince William, who drove as she sat in the passenger seat. She wore a dark berry coat paired with a matching hat and drop earrings. But it was her hair that drew the most attention—several shades lighter than her usual deep brunette.
Photos of the outing spread quickly online, prompting mixed reactions. One person questioned the change, writing, "Why? She had the most gorgeous rich chestnut hair." Someone else wrote, "They are trying to hide her white hairs."
Another suggested the meaning behind the shift: "Her hair color may symbolize a fresh start." A third added, "Blonde as a Symbol of Renewal." Not all responses were complimentary. "It's called covering gray," read one comment, while another speculated, "Looks like a wig." Others debated whether the lighter shade suited her.
One wrote, "I love her dark hair," while another added, "She looks older; brunette looks better." Someone else wrote, "Not a good choice. Younger in darker colors."
Still, some viewed the transformation positively. "Love this perspective! Kate Middleton's hair transformation is a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. It's amazing how something as simple as a hairstyle can reveal a deeper personal journey."
A few struck a lighter tone, "When did she dye it blonde lol I mean okay welcome to the blonde club lol." Others praised her regardless of color, writing, "She's always so effortlessly beautiful."
While her lighter shade is the talk of the moment, it isn't the first time Catherine's hair has drawn attention. Over the years, the Princess of Wales has worn a variety of styles and tones, from long flowing waves to sleek updos.
Here are photos of Princess Catherine's hairstyles throughout the years, showing how her look has evolved alongside her royal journey:
2012

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives at The Guildhall during her and Prince William’s first official visit to Cambridge. She wore her signature brunette hair styled in soft curly waves.
2013

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends a screening of David Attenborough's Natural History Museum Alive 3D at the Natural History Museum. She wore her brunette hair straight and parted down the middle.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the wedding of William van Cutsem and Rosie Ruck Keene at St. Mary the Virgin Church in Ewelme. She styled her hair in loose waves and completed the look with a small fascinator.
2014

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives at the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem with New York City’s First Lady, Chirlane McCray. Her brunette hair was partially tied at the back, with the rest flowing in loose waves.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends The Portrait Gala: Collecting to Inspire at the National Portrait Gallery. For the occasion, she styled her brunette hair in voluminous curly waves, adding a touch of elegance to her evening look

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Northolt High School for the opening of the ICAP Art Room. Wearing a blue outfit, she smiled warmly as she spoke with students and staff, her hair styled in soft, loose waves.
2015

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the Anna Freud Centre Family School Christmas Party. She appeared smiling and wore her hair in a long style with soft curls at the ends, creating a subtle bob-like effect.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits the Centre for Addiction Treatment Studies to learn about its work in training and professional development for those in the field of addiction. She wore her hair straight with a slight flair at the ends.
2016

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, all smiles as she carried Princess Charlotte to Christmas Day service. The royal kept her look classic, wearing her brunette hair sleek and straight for the festive outing.
2017

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends The Queen’s Birthday Party at the British Ambassadorial Residence during her official visit to Poland and Germany. Dressed elegantly and smiling, she styled her hair in soft long waves that created a chic, bob-like effect.
2018

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Evelina London Children’s Hospital in London. She styled her hair in soft, loose waves for the occasion.
2019

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the Wimbledon Championships. She looked radiant at the event, wearing her hair in curly loose waves that framed her look with elegance.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits Peterley Manor Farm to join families and children supported by the charity Family Action. She wore her hair in soft waves, adding a relaxed touch to the festive outing.
2020

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the UK Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony at Central Hall Westminster. She wore her hair in a sleek, styled look that complemented the solemn occasion.
2021

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, visits the Imperial War Museum, where she toured exhibits and paid tribute to those who served. In a closer detail shot, her hair took the spotlight, styled in long, flowing loose waves that highlighted her polished yet effortless look.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Captured in a close-up as she smiled, her hair was neatly styled in small, defined waves swept to the side, adding a refined touch to her evening look.
2022

Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. She wore her hair in sleek, polished long waves that complemented the formal setting of the festive event.

A back shot captures Catherine, Princess of Wales, attending the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. She wore a white and black bow as an accessory, with her hair styled in sleek, flowing waves.
2023

Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends the opening of Evelina London's new children’s day surgery unit. Wearing a royal blue suit, she completed her look with neatly styled hair, reflecting her signature polished appearance for the official engagement.
2024

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits Southport Community Centre, where she spoke with members of the Emergency Services. The engagement highlighted her ongoing support for frontline workers and community initiatives.
2025

Prince William and Princess Catherine are seen departing by car after attending a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral. Catherine revealed a noticeably lighter look, with her hair dyed blonde, a departure from her usual rich brunette shade.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, departs Crathie Kirk with Prince William after a Sunday service near Balmoral. The outing drew attention as she debuted a new blonde hair color, several shades lighter than her familiar brunette style.