Kate Middleton has always been the picture of timeless elegance with a signature glossy blowout that long captivated royal watchers.
The Princess of Wales is now embracing a luminous blonde hair color, giving the world a look at her freshly lightened locks while visiting the Natural History Museum’s gardens on September 4, 2025. Her new look has sparked quiet curiosity amongst fans and stylists alike, with some speculating that she may have turned to luxury extensions to achieve that gorgeous bounce.
Middleton’s fresh take on her iconic hair was a “seasonally appropriate” decision and “incredibly flattering for her skin tone,” Beauty Club London hair expert Shady Harb told the Daily Mail.
Hair color and extension expert Tatiana Karelina also suggested that the mom of three may have had extensions added, telling the outlet, “This lighter tone complements her complexion beautifully — it makes her look younger, fresher, and more carefree.”
“It’s a confident, effortless style that says, ‘I’m back and looking better than ever,’” she said.
Us Weekly breaks down what stylists have said about her beautiful mane:
Does Kate Middleton Wear Hair Extensions?
RPZL founder Lisa Richards said she had it “confirmed” that the Princess of Wales has worn her brand’s extensions, which range in price from $695 to $1,700, although it’s unclear when, according to her interview with Page Six published in October 2024.
Richards founded RPZL after she experienced thinning hair with the goal of helping other women. “It’s affordable luxury, and it makes women feel more secure. Your hair is your biggest thing,” Stephanie Angelone, who has worked with RPZL, also shared with the site.
When Did Kate Middleton Debut Her New Blonde Hair?
Onlookers noticed her hair was a brighter tone when Middleton was photographed driving to and from church at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland with her family, on August 24, 2025, wearing her hair down in loose waves underneath a chic hat.
Kate gave a full look at her new color when she stepped out with husband Prince William on September 4, visiting London’s Natural History Museum for their first outing since the summer break.
“Kate’s outlook has changed, and her priorities have shifted,” a source told Us Weekly in August, seven months after it was confirmed the beloved royal is in remission following her battle with cancer. “[She’s] emphasizing her family and her well-being over [intense] duties.”
Princess Diana’s Hairdresser Praised Kate’s Strength Amid Her Hair Makeover
Sam McKnight, who worked with the late Princess Diana for seven years as her personal hairstylist, fiercely defended Middleton after seeing criticism about her hair color change.
“I am shocked, horrified, dismayed and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today,” McKnight wrote in a statement via Instagram on September 4. “A woman’s hair is very personal to her, it’s armor, defense, confidence and so much more.”
“She has brilliantly and quietly, unselfishly represented our country, the soft power we still have as a nation,” he added. “Cancer affects individuals differently, but is life changing for everyone. So FFS LEAVE HER ALONE. SHAME ON YOU.”
Kate Middleton Shared Details About Her Cancer Treatment
In January 2025, Katherine Field, a patient undergoing cancer treatment, said that Kate told her she “didn’t have to have” cold cap therapy — which helps reduce the risk of hair loss — during her own cancer treatment.
Middleton visited the Royal Marsden Hospital that month and supported patients who were still bravely battling the disease.
“[Kate] just said that she didn’t have to have it. For her to lose her hair, which is so iconic, would have been awful. Everyone loves her hair!” Field told People about their conversation, praising the royal for being so understanding and compassionate.
“It was just like talking to a friend about a really horrible time in life and how you find ways of getting through it. ‘Finding the new normal‘ is what she said, which is absolutely true.”
