Kate Middleton Debuts Blonder Hair and a Sun-Kissed Glow in Scotland

Kate Middleton may have found her summer hair color. The Princess of Wales was spotted with noticeably blonder hair and a sun-kissed glow as she joined Prince William and their children for church in Scotland.

On August 23, Kate was photographed in a car with Prince William, who was driving, as they made their way to Crathie Kirk near Balmoral. The couple’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were also with them. The family is currently spending part of their summer at Balmoral, the royal family’s traditional retreat in the Scottish Highlands.

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She wore her hair in loose, undone waves, with blonde highlights. The new hair color was paired with a white high-neck blouse, a grey blazer, a dark pillbox-style hat and gold drop earrings. The look had a slightly vintage feel, especially with the ruffled collar peeking out from underneath the blazer.

This is not the first time Kate has moved away from her usual darker hair. Her color has gradually become lighter over the past year, with honey and bronde tones appearing in her hair before this latest, noticeably blonder look.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with other members of the family, were also present for the church service at Crathie Kirk. The church is regularly attended by the royal family when they are staying at Balmoral.

Aside from Kate’s new look, this appearance also comes days after news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to move back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The children are expected to begin school in Britain in September, although the Sussexes are not expected to return as working royals.

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Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties in 2020, and their strained relationship with William became more public in 2021 following the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey and their Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries.

A source said the Prince and Princess of Wales are “very concerned” about the return of the Harry and Meghan because they could seek a “half in, half out” arrangement similar to the model Queen Elizabeth vetoed at the Sandringham Summit in 2020. The source added that while King Charles is happy to have Harry back in Britain, the breakdown of trust remains an issue for William.

Harry’s return could also give the brothers an opportunity to repair their relationship. One source described it as the “best opportunity” they have had to reconcile.