The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has garnered significant media attention after debuting a noticeably lighter hair color during a recent family outing in Scotland. Photographed in a car with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, the new look is being widely described as a departure from her signature brunette style, with some observers calling the color “blonde.”
The photos were taken on Sunday as the royal family attended a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle, their traditional summer retreat. While the change in hair color is not a radical transformation, it appears to be several shades lighter than her usual rich brown, with golden or honey-toned highlights creating a “sun-kissed” effect. This is not the first time the Princess has lightened her hair for the summer, but royal commentators and fans alike are noting that this latest change is her lightest to date.
The new hairstyle comes as the royal family enjoys its traditional summer break. It also follows reports that Prince William and Kate are preparing to move their family into a larger home, Forest Lodge, in Windsor before the end of the year. The move is said to be part of a “fresh start” for the family following a challenging period.