The Princess of Wales appeared to revert to a darker, more familiar hair color in new photographs taken at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, after being seen with lighter, blonde-toned hair in recent weeks.
Photographs from the stadium showed Kate, 43, with a noticeably darker shade as she watched the match and spoke with others in the audience. The images, taken from multiple angles, contrast with earlier appearances this year when the princess had been photographed with progressively lighter, honey and golden highlights.
The shift follows several public appearances this year in which Middleton’s hair color had changed. In 2024 she was seen with warmer honey tones; by April she debuted a lighter shade during a royal trip to the Isle of Mull. At Wimbledon in July her highlights appeared brighter, and she was photographed with a particularly light tone on Aug. 24 while attending a church service at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral. Observers also noted a blonde look during a London engagement on Sept. 4.
Responses to the lighter coloring were mixed on social media. While some royal watchers praised the change, others criticized it, prompting public defense from Sam McKnight, a stylist closely associated with the royal family who worked with the late Diana, Princess of Wales. In a social media post, McKnight called the negative comments “nasty” and said a woman’s hair is “very personal to her, it’s armour, defence, confidence and so much more.”
“I am shocked, horrified, dismayed and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today,” McKnight wrote. He referenced Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment earlier this year, urging greater empathy and saying, “Cancer affects individuals differently, but is life-changing for everyone. So FFS LEAVE HER ALONE. SHAME ON YOU.”
Middleton revealed in a video statement in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with a form of cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. By September 2024 she announced she was cancer-free, calling the nine-month ordeal “incredibly tough” for her family and saying it had left her with “a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
Public scrutiny of the appearance of senior royals, including hair and wardrobe choices, has long drawn attention. Commentators and supporters have frequently argued that such scrutiny can intensify following personal health disclosures or during periods of heightened public interest. McKnight’s remarks reflect concerns among some observers about the tone of online commentary directed at public figures.
Officials for the Princess of Wales did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the hair-color change. Photographs from the Women’s Rugby World Cup capture the momentary appearance, but stylists and advisers typically do not discuss personal grooming choices publicly. The images mark the latest public appearance by Middleton as she continues to undertake royal duties and engagements following her return to public life earlier this year.