The evolution of the Princess of Wales's 'regal blondette' hair

By Tamara Abraham

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.

Whether she's actually gone full blonde remains to be seen – this could just be an effect of the sunlight beaming directly onto her hair, making it appear fairer than it is. That, and the contrast with her black pillbox hat.

READ MORE: Inside William and Kate's $33 million 'forever home'

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.

"Blondette" applies nicely to the colour evident during the state visit of French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in July.

READ MORE: Detail you should look for on your clothing labels before spring starts

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."

EAD MORE: Coldplay's Coldplay's

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.

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…

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2025

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.