Kate Middleton has once again captured the world’s attention, this time not for her royal duties, but for her hair. After debuting a noticeably lighter, blonde style earlier in the week, the Princess of Wales, 43, appeared to return to her signature brunette during her latest public outing.
On Saturday, September 6, Kate attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup match between England and Australia at the American Express Stadium in East Sussex. For the daytime event, she styled her glossy brown locks in a loose half updo, making many wonder if the blonde transformation was just a brief experiment.
The Significance of Kate’s Hair Choices
Royal watchers know that Kate’s hair is often seen as more than just a beauty choice. Celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight, who famously worked with Princess Diana, reminded critics of this point, writing on Instagram that “a woman’s hair is very personal to her, it’s armor, defense, confidence and so much more.”
His defense came as online debates sparked over Kate’s short-lived blonde look, with some fans praising the bold change and others preferring her classic brunette. The quick return to brown seems to have reignited the discussion.
Royal Roles on Display
While Kate was cheering on England’s team in East Sussex, Prince William, 43, was in Exeter, supporting Wales in their match against Fiji at Sandy Park Stadium. The split appearances highlighted their respective patronages:
- Kate is the patron of the Rugby Football Union in England.
- William is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, a position he has held since 2016.
These roles are particularly symbolic, given that Kate’s appointment in 2022 marked the first redistribution of Prince Harry’s former patronages after his and Meghan Markle’s step back from royal duties.
Balancing Rugby, Royal Life, and Family
Kate and William’s passion for rugby extends beyond their patronage roles. Their three children — Prince George (12), Princess Charlotte (10), and Prince Louis (7) — are said to share in their parents’ enthusiasm for the sport. William once joked that the rugby rivalry between England and Wales had become “quite the thing in the house,” though he admitted he tries to stay out of it.
The Waleses’ joint presence at rugby events has often been used to signal unity and their continued public service, even as Kate navigates recovery following her recent cancer treatment.
From Summer Break to Public Duty
The rugby appearance also marked part of the couple’s return to public duties after a seven-week summer break. The family of five spent time at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, continuing the royal tradition of a late-summer retreat.
Looking ahead, they are preparing for a move to their new residence, Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. The eight-bedroom home will be an upgrade from their current Adelaide Cottage and is located near Windsor Castle.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow?
Kate Middleton’s return to brunette has sparked as much conversation as her brief venture into blonde. Whether it was a short-lived experiment or a playful nod to versatility, one thing is certain: the Princess of Wales knows how to keep the public intrigued.
Her hair evolution — from bangs to blonde and now back to brunette — continues to make headlines. But for Kate, who described her personal style as “jeans, flip-flops, and a tank top kind of girl,” the ongoing buzz seems secondary to her focus on family, duty, and quiet confidence.