The Truth Behind Kate Middleton’s New Blonde Blow Out
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2 hours ago
The Princess of Wales has taken on a bold hair transformation (or has she?)
Kate Middleton is no stranger to setting trends – or breaking royal protocol with her beauty choices. But still, it was a shock to see a series of photos from the bank holiday weekend showing the Princess of Wales with bright blonde locks. We can’t help but wonder: is the brand new look genuine? Here’s everything you need to know about Kate Middleton’s blonde blow out (plus how to request her look at the salon).
The Secrets Behind Kate Middleton’s Hair Routine
Has Kate Middleton Really Gone Blonde?
The photo that set the internet alight came out on Sunday 24 August, when the Prince and Princess of Wales were driving to a church service hosted at Balmoral with their children. Images show Kate Middleton sitting in the front seat next to her husband, with the light from outside casting her hair in a warm, golden glow – making the strands appear blonde.
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‘From the photograph circulating, it looks like Kate Middleton has debuted a much lighter tone than the classic rich brunette we’re so used to seeing on her,’ notes Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Studio23.
While some have labelled Kate’s new look ‘blonde’, the stylist isn’t so sure it fits the label. ‘I wouldn’t call it blonde exactly – it’s more of a honey bronde, sitting somewhere between brunette and blonde.
‘The new shade is timeless and elegant, perfectly in line with Kate’s classic style,’ he continues. ‘It’s lighter and warmer than her usual rich brunette but still has that natural, effortless elegance. Honey bronde is soft, versatile and sophisticated, and it feels like a natural evolution for her without being a drastic change.’
Why The Sudden Change?
Plenty of theories have been brewing on the internet, with many suggesting the new hue could actually be an accident caused by increased sun exposure on a recent family holiday. ‘It’s possible that her hair may have lightened naturally during the family’s summer holiday in Europe,’ suggests Jason, although he remains slightly sceptical.
Kate Middleton attended a British Fashion Council event in May 2025 with bright mocha bronde waves (c) British Fashion Council
Instead, he believes the switch to be intentional. ‘Such a noticeable and even shift in colour is far more likely the result of a trip to the salon rather than just the sun,’ he explains. ‘Natural lightening tends to look a little patchier, whereas Kate’s tone looks very intentional.
‘One possibility is that she’s chosen to go lighter as a way to subtly blend and embrace any grey strands that may have started to come through, making her overall look lower maintenance,’ he adds. ‘Lightening hair in this way is a clever trick to keep colour looking fresh for longer without constant touch-ups.’
It’s also worth remembering that the Princess of Wales has been actively brightening her hair over the last year – debuting mocha bronde strands at the British Fashion Council’s Queen Elizabeth II Award ceremony in May, and an even lighter look in July for the Wimbledon Championships. This recent hair transformation is simply the next step in an ongoing colour shift.
‘Going a touch lighter is something many people do as they transition into a new season,’ adds Jason. ‘It can instantly lift the complexion, add brightness around the face and refresh the overall look without losing that sense of refinement, and Kate’s new shade does exactly that.’
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How To Ask For Kate Middleton Blonde In The Salon
Fancy channelling the Princess of Wales at your next hair appointment? Jason recommends asking for honey bronde: ‘A soft, multi-dimensional tone that blends blonde and brunette seamlessly.’
(And if you want to really get your vision across, simply show your stylist some photo inspiration of Kate Middleton with her new ‘blonde’ hair.)
