Kate Middleton shows off new blonde hair on royal visit with Prince William

The Princess of Wales debuted new blonde hair as she joined Prince William for their first royal engagement since the summer holidays at London’s Natural History Museum.

Middleton has been the institution’s patron since 2013 and paid a visit to learn about the museum’s gardens, which are used as a teaching and research resource, on Thursday (4 September).

In a departure from her usual chestnut locks, the Princess appeared to have added gold and honey-toned sections to her hair, which had been styled in neat waves.

Princess Kate’s lighter look had been noticed through her car window as she travelled to church last week. However, the visit to the museum marked the first time her blonde hair was fully on display.

During the outing, the Prince and Princess of Wales spent time with a group of children from Kender Primary School in New Cross, south London, who were studying the garden’s pond.

When a deluge of rain fell during the visit, Kate put up her umbrella over some of the school children and told teachers: “Let them go in, let’s take them inside, it’s pouring.”

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Middleton’s hair has gradually been lightening from deep chocolate brown to blonde since she returned to royal duties in 2024, following successful chemotherapy treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

The Princess of Wales previously departed from her usual hairstyle on a visit to the Natural History Museum in 2019, which saw her step out with noticeably more caramel hair that stylists dubbed as “bronde”.

Bronde hair is a middle shade between blonde and brunette, which has been seen on celebrities including Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Jennifer Aniston and Jessica Alba.

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The visit comes after the Prince and Princess of Wales announced their move into a new “forever home” in Windsor with their children George, 12, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven.

The family is said to be hoping for a fresh start in the 328-year-old, grade-II listed eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, which is nestled in a secluded corner of the 4,800-acre Windsor Great Park.

The Georgian residence is thought to be worth up to £16m today, with fine period detail including Venetian windows and marble fireplaces.