Kate Middleton debuts new hairstyle

33-year-old Kate has stuck with the same long hair style since she was a teen. Photo / pool

She spent the summer focusing on her family. But the Duchess of Cambridge still seems to have found a little time for herself - or at least for a trip to the hairdresser.

In her first public appearance since July, she revealed a new fringe as she arrived at church yesterday with her husband Prince William.

Kate Middleton Is Bangin' Again: http://t.co/A5AXTpH7IO pic.twitter.com/pBvfhzkKlr

— ELLE Magazine (US) (@ELLEmagazine) September 13, 2015

The 33-year-old has stuck with the same long hair style since she was a teenager at Marlborough College. She briefly experimented with shorter layers around her face in 2012 - later telling reporters she grew out the style because she found it impractical. But perhaps her young daughter is bringing out her girly side - as the duchess has now returned to the softer look.

She wore a chic outfit of black polo neck jumper and smart coat as she was driven to Crathie Kirk church near Balmoral, the Queen's Highland estate, suggesting she is taking motherhood in her stride.

Kate and William, 33, are on holiday at Prince Charles's Scottish home, Birkhall, with their children Prince George, two, and Princess Charlotte, who was born in May.

The duchess is said to have enjoyed spending the summer with her young family, but is now keen to resume a limited programme of engagements.

These will start this week with a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London, to highlight mental health issues in young people. She will also attend the first game of the Rugby World Cup in Twickenham on Friday.

Prince William also appears to be enjoying the shift in family dynamics, smiling broadly as he sat behind the wheel. As well as settling into life with his baby daughter, he has been getting to grips with his new role as a pilot with East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Kate's rare appearances over the summer have led some to say she has become something of a recluse. But friends insist that not being seen in public does not mean the duchess hasn't been out and about.

One said: "She's also a mother with two young children and has wanted to spend time with them."

- Daily Mail