Catherine graced the event in a resplendent emerald green velvet gown, which beautifully complemented her new hair color. As she mingled backstage, the princess shared a candid moment with veteran actress Su Pollard, who praised her striking appearance.
In a rare moment of openness, Catherine explained her hair transformation: "It used to be brown, but it's gone light in the sunshine." This simple admission put to rest the rumors of complex salon treatments and highlighted the natural influences behind her look.
Catherine's lighter hair can be attributed to her sun-soaked summer holidays, reportedly spent sailing in the Greek islands and retreating to Balmoral. The golden imprint left by the sun on her brunette locks sparked public fascination and speculation about her possible makeover.
The transformation first caught the attention of royal watchers in late August 2025 during a family outing near Balmoral Castle. As the cameras captured her driving with her family, her hair appeared golden under the summer sun, igniting buzz about her new look.
Catherine's full debut of her blondest hair occurred on September 4th, 2025, during a visit to the Natural History Museum's newly renovated gardens. Sporting a bouncy blowout, her hair showcased the longest and lightest style of her life, reaching midway down her back in a warm, honeyed hue.
However, the blonde phase was short-lived. Just two days later, at the Women's Rugby World Cup match in Brighton, Catherine debuted a half updo that hinted at a return to her darker shades. By September 8th, she was seen at an event marking the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death, with her hair back to its familiar rich brunette.
Catherine's hair evolution has long been a topic of admiration. From curtain bangs and sunny highlights in her university days to shorter layers after marriage, she has consistently experimented with her style. Notably, in 2017, she donated seven inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity supporting children with cancer.
Earlier this year, Catherine shared her journey through preventative chemotherapy following abdominal surgery. Remarkably, she retained her iconic hair, even without using a cold cap during treatment. Her resilience and openness during this challenging time have only endeared her more to the public.
Catherine's sun-kissed hair aligns with current beauty trends, where honey blonde has become a popular choice for adding warmth and dimension. This subtle shift in color reflects a broader movement towards natural and effortless beauty.
Catherine's candidness at the Royal Variety performance underscores her approachable nature amid a challenging year. Her appearance, alongside William in matching velvet ensembles, symbolizes a return to normalcy and a gradual re-entry into public life.