Even during a low-key August break at Balmoral, the Princess of Wales can still spark speculation. The latest reason? Her seemingly much lighter hair colour, captured through a car windscreen as she and her family travelled to church at Crathie Kirk, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday morning.
The blonder shade of the Princess’s hair was visible as the Prince of Wales drove the family from church – Jeff J Mitchell/Getty
Whether she’s actually gone full blonde remains to be seen – this could just be an effect of the sunlight beaming directly on to her hair, making it appear fairer than it is. That, and the contrast with her black pillbox hat.
The Princess is known for her strong, shiny ‘liquid brunette’ hair – Alex Bramall/Kensington Palace/PA
Although Catherine has long been the poster woman for “liquid brunette” hair, we know she likes to lighten her hair in the summer. She’s been doing so since 2019, when her “blondette” look inspired legions of imitators. Since then, her hair has subtly lightened by a couple of shades year-round too.
On Princess Charlotte’s first day of school, in September 2019, it was her mother’s ‘blondette’ hair that many commenters focused on – Aaron Chown/Pool via Reuters
“Blondette” applies nicely to the colour evident during the state visit of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in July. It was the Princess’s first formal state occasion since returning to work after her cancer treatment, and she wore her hair in loose waves for both the daytime and evening events, making the highlights easy to see.
Said highlights are immaculately done, noted Sonia Haria, The Telegraph’s beauty director, at the time. She said: “Lightening dark brunette hair a fraction for the summer months is an old colourist’s trick for giving the hair a more sun-kissed appearance as the weather warms up. Catherine’s caramel highlights are perfectly executed: they offer a subtle refresh and enhance the shine in her waist-length hair.”
The Princess again sported the ‘blondette’ look when returning to royal duties for the state visit of the French president – Alberto Pezzali/Pool/Reuters
It’s not the only adjustment the Princess has made to her hair in the past couple of years. Catherine tried the Seventies-inspired butterfly fringe, which softly frames the face, although that seems to have grown out now.
The butterfly fringe was something of a fresh style for the Princess when she debuted it in September 2023 – Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Now in her 40s, with a more senior royal title and responsibilities, Catherine has moved on from dabbling in passing fads, and is instead leaning towards a more timeless, regal look. The long, glossy hair – with the most subtle of highlights – reflects that image. Now watch as the rest of the world demands their own “regal blondette” makeover at the salon…
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