The Princess of Wales has revealed a new look on a visit to the Natural History Museum’s newly transformed gardens in London. Photo / Getty Images
The Princess of Wales has revealed a new look on a visit to the Natural History Museum’s newly transformed gardens in London. Photo / Getty Images
The Princess of Wales has been pictured with her fairest hair to date.
Catherine revealed her new look on a visit to the Natural History Museum’s newly transformed gardens in London, wearing a white shirt, checked blazer and navy trousers. It was her new “blondette” locks, worn loose and styledin waves, that stole the show.
It was the first clear picture of the 43-year-old’s new shade since the August bank holiday, after photographers captured a glimpse of seemingly lighter hair through a car window as she and her family travelled to church at Crathie Kirk, Aberdeenshire.
Although Catherine has long been the poster woman for “liquid brunette” hair, we know she likes to lighten her hair in the summer. She’s been doing so since 2019, when her “blondette” look inspired legions of imitators. Since then, her hair has subtly lightened by a couple of shades year-round too.
The princess’ new look is not a straightforward blonde, says Zoe Irwin, creative director at John Frieda. “Although this feels like a blonde, and obviously it’s much lighter [than we’ve seen her hair before], the tones within her hair are more of a taupe palette – mid tones that have been becoming more and more popular.
“These are multi-dimensional pieces, so there are lots of different colours within this,” Irwin continues. “It’s almost like a really fine balayage that’s done with hair colour rather than lightener. It looks much more like natural hair. Obviously, we know it’s not natural, because we know she’s a deep brunette, but the look of it, rather than kind of screaming at you, is more like a beachy, blondie balayage. This is really delicately placed.”
The Princess of Wales' new “blondette” locks, worn loose and styled in waves, have stolen the show. Photo / Getty Images
The rising popularity of mid-tone hair aligns well with current fashion trends too, says Irwin. “If you look at the tones that we’ll be wearing, especially within the brown palette, it’s quite a key look this autumn/winter.”
We’ve witnessed the gradual lightening of Catherine’s hair over the course of the past few months. It was noticeably blonder during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, in July. It was the princess’ first formal state occasion since returning to work after her cancer treatment, and she wore her hair in loose waves for both the daytime and evening events, making the colour easy to see.
Although Catherine has long been the poster woman for “liquid brunette” hair, we know she likes to lighten her hair in the summer. Photo / Getty Images
Her highlights were immaculately done, noted Sonia Haria, the The Daily Telegraph’s beauty director, at the time. She said: “Lightening dark brunette hair a fraction for the summer months is an old colourist’s trick for giving the hair a more sun-kissed appearance as the weather warms up. Catherine’s caramel highlights are perfectly executed: they offer a subtle refresh and enhance the shine in her waist-length hair.”
It’s not the only adjustment the princess has made to her hair in the past couple of years. Catherine tried the Seventies-inspired butterfly fringe, which softly frames the face, although that seems to have grown out now.
One thing is for sure: every decision Catherine makes with regard to her appearance is a considered one. Now in her 40s, with a more senior royal title and responsibilities, Catherine has moved on from dabbling in passing fads, and is instead leaning towards a more timeless, regal look.
The long, glossy hair – lightened with a careful hand and a precisely chosen shade – reflects that image. Now watch as the rest of the world’s women demand their own “regal blondette” makeovers at the salon …
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