The Princess of Wales has adopted a new ‘bronde’ look for summer to look ‘aspirational and approachable,’ experts have told Femail.
Kate, 43, stepped out in a smart £549 herringbone blazer from Holland Cooper as she arrived on the Isle of Mull yesterday alongside husband Prince William.
As she mingled with locals in front of the brightly-coloured houses, many were wowed by the future queen’s new lighter hair look.
The future queen’s choice of blonde highlights and balayage is ‘incredibly flattering’ and ‘seasonally appropriate’ according to the country’s top hair care experts.
The mother-of-three appeared to have got blonde highlights ahead of the summer, ditching the brunette locks she’s become known for in her 20 years in the public eye.
Shady Harb, a hair expert at Beauty Club London, told Femail that Kate’s decision to go lighter is ‘seasonally appropriate’ and ‘incredibly flattering for her skin tone’.
‘What we’re seeing here is a soft transition from her signature rich brunette to a more dimensional, sun-kissed tone achieved through a mix of balayage and face-framing highlights.
‘These warmer, honey-golden hues help to brighten her complexion and add a healthy radiance that’s perfect for the summer months.
The Princess of Wales’s hair appeared a few shades lighter – perhaps having added blonde highlights for the summer – during a visit to the Isle of Mull today
She and her husband Prince William looked as loved up as ever as they celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary
‘From a hair colourist’s perspective, this kind of tonal lift is very intentional – it creates movement and texture without compromising the integrity of the hair.
‘It’s also a clever way to enhance shine and give the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. By subtly lightening the mid-lengths and ends while keeping the root area deeper, you maintain a natural-looking depth that grows out seamlessly.
‘In the salon, we see a lot of clients requesting this kind of update around this time of year – it’s a refresh without a full transformation, and perfect for someone like Kate who wants to maintain elegance and timelessness with a modern twist.
‘This shade choice also speaks to confidence – she’s softening her overall look in a way that feels relaxed, yet still incredibly polished.
‘It’s a beautiful example of how colour can lift not just your hair, but your entire presence.’
Speaking to Femail, hair colour expert Adem Oygur of Adem London revealed the royal may want a ‘subtle shift for summer’ with the subtle change helping her to ‘maintain relevance and modernity’.
‘Princess Kate has always been admired for her rich, dark brunette hair—an essential element of her polished and timeless image,’ he said.
‘This recent shift to a lighter, softer shade is subtle yet impactful.
Catherine and William visited an artisan market in Tobermory on the island, which saw glorious weather for the royal visit
Kate appears to have lightened up her hair for a fresh summer look. She is pictured right with darker locks on March 17
Princess of Wales departs the celebrations for Commonwealth Day on March 10 – with much darker hair
Kate looked to be in high spirits as she joined her husband for the visit to the community forest today
Kate was effortlessly elegant in a monochrome deep green ensemble, topped with a tweed coat
The Princess of Wales beamed as she enjoyed playing around with woods with children – and received a very sweet gift from a little girl
The pair – known as Lord and Lady of the Isles in the region – travelled into the Ardura Community Forest
‘It still aligns with her signature style but adds a touch of modern freshness and warmth.
‘What’s great about this look is how it retains the elegance and sophistication she’s known for while exploring a lighter, more dimensional finish.
‘From a technical perspective, it appears that a combination of fine balayage and soft face-framing highlights has been used to create this seamless transition.
‘The colourist has likely focused on hand-painted techniques to ensure the lightness is diffused and natural-looking, avoiding any harsh contrasts.
‘By working within the ‘bronde’ spectrum—balancing warm honey and caramel tones with deeper brunette lowlights—the overall effect is effortlessly luxurious and sun-kissed, without losing the depth that flatters her complexion.
‘This style and colour shift is a masterclass in understated glamour.
‘The result is hair that moves beautifully, catches the light in all the right places, and continues to embody that ‘old money’ aesthetic—polished, poised, and never overdone.
‘It’s a look that’s both aspirational and approachable, and a great example of how colour can evolve with subtle sophistication.’
Kate looked effortlessly glam with her new bronde look in Scotland
‘Whilst we’ll never know Kate’s exact reasons for embracing a lighter hue after years of being a glossy brunette, it could be simply that she wants a subtle shift for summer.
‘Lighter tones can add softness and dimension, enhancing natural movement and shine, and for Kate it can help to refresh the overall look without a drastic change.
‘Choosing a lighter tone can be a strategic move, particularly at the change of seasons.
‘Spring and summer often inspire warmer, sun-kissed hues that suggest ease and movement.
‘For someone constantly in the public eye, a refined colour update like this can help maintain relevance and modernity while staying true to a timeless brand and image they are known for.
‘She’s also had a really difficult 18 months with her cancer treatment and balancing her royal duties alongside family life, that she might simply have wanted something lighter as she feels more carefree.
‘In Kate’s case, this gentle brightening could reflect a conscious desire to feel lighter, both visually and emotionally.’
Nicole Petty, hair expert at Milk & Blush added that the new look is a ‘perfect middle ground’ between blonde and brunette’.
‘This is not the first time Kate has made subtle changes to her hair, often deepening her colour during winter months and adding some brighter highlights in the warmer months. However, this is the first time she’s gone this light.
The Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland nailed the country chic vibes
Kate smiled and wave to well-wishers as they arrive for a visit to Aros Hall
‘Bronde is the perfect in-between shade for anyone looking to brighten their locks without committing to high-maintenance blonde, as the style can feature darker roots for more natural grow-out.
‘This is a sophisticated and trendy hair refresh for Kate.
‘Never one to make a dramatic change, this is the ideal way to lighten her hair in a low-maintenance way while still looking polished and elegant.
‘The bronde has added dimension and a sunlit look to her traditionally dark hair, which can sometimes feel too heavy in the spring and summer.
‘Kate’s new hair colour is the perfect inspiration for anyone looking to make a subtle and practical change.’
Tatiana Karelina, a hair colour and extension expert with salons in Kensington, Manchester and LA added that she may have had extensions added to her hair.
‘It looks like Kate has opted for a lighter, longer hairstyle this spring, which suggests she’s had a full set of high-quality hair extensions applied to her natural hair, which is typically finer and a darker shade.
‘This lighter tone complements her complexion beautifully, it makes her look younger, fresher, and more carefree.
‘Many women choose to go slightly lighter in the warmer months to create a sun-kissed, softer effect, and it really works for Kate.
Kate, the ‘children’s princess’, smiled and laughed as she chatted with a mother and her daughter
The Princess of Wales looked overjoyed to be back in Scotland today as she visited the town of Tobermory on her 14th wedding anniversary with William
‘Her signature bouncy blow-dry looks expensive yet natural, not overdone with that tousled, wavy curl that so many celebrities love, including the likes of Cheryl Cole.
‘It’s a confident, effortless style that says, ‘I’m back and looking better than ever.’
‘It’s amazing to see Kate looking so radiant.
‘The lighter shade brings out the best in her features, whereas darker tones can sometimes appear a little harsh or draining.
‘This look is pure princess, luxurious, well-blended extensions that look completely natural and polished.’
Hairdresser Gustav Fouche echoed that often women tend to go lighter as they get older.
‘As she moves through her 40s, she’ll naturally start to see more grey hair, and lighter tones are generally softer and more forgiving against regrowth.
‘They blend better with white hairs, making regrowth less noticeable.
‘Going lighter can also introduce more variation and warmth to her overall look, especially with the change in season – spring is in the air, and lighter tones often reflect that.
Kate looked delighted touring an artisan market to meet some of the islands makers and creators
‘However, it’s important to note that while the softer tones suit her and give a gentle appearance, very light blonde shades can wash her out.
‘She’s naturally more brunette-toned, and overly blonde colours don’t enhance her features in the same way.
‘Many women feel they need to lighten their hair as more greys appear, but it’s essential to consider skin tone too.
‘In this case, the shift to a slightly lighter shade works well for blending greys and softening the overall look, but she should avoid going too blonde to maintain a flattering, balanced result.’
Today the couple are immersing themselves in nature on the heart of Mull.
Kate sported a dusky grey Ralph Lauren blazer, which retails in olive green on the website for £2,200 – and is made from a ‘blend of mulberry silk, tussah silk and linen selected for its luxurious hand feel’. Underneath, she donned an outdoorsy cashmere jumper, teamed with a chic white blouse.
Opting for skinny jeans, the royal then accessorised with fashionable walking boots perfect for their nature stroll.
The Princess wore her long dresses down in styled waves, and accentuated her eyes with smokey eyeshadow.
For a pop of colour, she wore golden hoop earrings with garnet teardrop charms – from the brand Spells of Love – as well as her beloved engagement ring.
The Lord and Lady of the Isles – as they are known in the region, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay – arrived in Tobermory yesterday afternoon wearing matching tweed jackets as they begin a packed two-day trip to the Inner Hebrides.
Kate added hiking boots, skinny jeans and a light blue shirt – while subtly paying tribute to William with a £6,000 Cartier Ballon Bleu stainless steel watch, thought to have been a gift from her husband on their third wedding anniversary in 2014.
The mother-of-three also wore her Kiki McDonough Pear Drop earrings and paid tribute to her children with a necklace by Daniella Draper with the letters G, C and L – representing Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte , nine and Prince Louis , who recently turned seven.
Her brunette locks glistened in the sunlight with what appeared to be new blonde highlights for the summer – on a rare day of warm weather on the Scottish island.
The future queen opted for sunglasses as part of the glamorous look
Kate’s hair was noticeably lighter for the occasion
Meanwhile, Prince William, 42, opted to match with his wife in a checked grey blazer, jeans and brown suede shoes, while appearing to share her good humour.
They soon put on a loved-up display, with Kate joking with her husband while placing a hand on his back as they walked together.
A crowd of around 300 plus cheering locals and tourists awaited William and Kate, who flew in by helicopter, bagpipes playing at their car approached the local community centre in Tobermory.
t is set to be a romantic getaway, with William and Kate renting an isolated self-catering cottage for two during the visit – 14 years after they tied the knot at Westminster Abbey in 2011.
The couple began the trip with a visit to the Aros community centre, built in the 19th century and home to events from wedding receptions to pantos, yoga classes and ceilidhs. It is being renovated thanks to a partnership with their Royal Foundation.
Kate and William waved to the crowds as they walked over to be greeted by Morven Summers, Chair of the Aros Hall Committee, and social influencer, interior designer and local resident Banjo Beale.
The royals were seen laughing as they visited the soft play area inside the hall and were gifted a bouquet of flowers in a timely move for their anniversary.
Reminiscing with locals about a private visit they made as students to the island 20 years ago, the Princess also said she still has two watercolour paintings she bought in the town hanging in a bedroom at home.
And they spoke about the three children they have had since their last trip: their love of soft play, and how the Princess visited the Waitrose café with baby Prince George for lack of any local mother and baby groups on Anglesey to take him to then.
The Prince and Princess spent more than an hour walking through the small town’s harbour front road, shaking hands and taking photographs with locals and holidaymakers.
The Prince said he could always confirm whether he had visited a place before because he is usually asked to sign the visitors’ book, joking that he may have had ‘one or two ciders’ during his long weekend on Mull as a student.
The Princess spent a long time talking to a holidaymaker who introduced himself to her as ‘from one cancer survivor to another’ and played with toddlers and babies at a new soft play their Royal Foundation has funded.
The downstairs of the hall has been converted partly into a new soft play, complete with pretend play area and mini cafe for young children and their families.
It is newly-painted with a puffin mural, which the Prince and Princess were invited to paint a flower on to.
The Prince ushered his wife to do the first one, joking that she is the artistic one and that there is ‘no competition’. The Princess took her time painting a small white flower, persuading her husband to do his own.
‘I think we’ve found Banksy,’ joked Banjo Beale, the interior designer and television presenter who lives locally and is working on the renovation. ‘It’s you.’
‘Come on, please please,’ Kate asked William, handing him a paintbrush and palette, and patting him on the back and briefly leaning her head on his shoulder afterwards.
William and Kate are today celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary – after tying the knot back in 2011
The couple waved to crowds before going inside Aros Hall community hub – which has partnered with their Royal Foundation
Kate also made a sweet nod to her children with a personalised necklace from Daniella Draper with their initials on
The Princess of Wales paid tribute to her husband with a subtle detail – a Cartier watch thought to have been a gift for their third wedding anniversary
The couple opted for matching outfits as they greeted wellwishers on their 14th anniversary
Kate appeared in fantastic spirits as she stepped out wearing a Holland Cooper blazer
Kate showed off her creative side as she painted a detail on a mural in a soft play area
The Prince later asked a small schoolgirl to decide which flower was the best, laughing when he was told they looked exactly the same.
The Princess went on to speak to mothers about the facility, asking about the services and connections with other parents. ‘
She told them she wished there had been a similar place when she had just had Prince George while living in Anglesey, telling them that she had visited the Waitrose cafe to get out of the house and see people.
‘We hang out a lot at soft play’, she said, ‘Mine absolutely love it.’ William gestured to his knees to joke that ‘you still think you can do it yourself, but…’
‘It’s not usually this clean,’ he said, of the brand-new set up. ‘It’s beautiful. It’s really cosy and fun.’
Hearing about how the young families gather in the space and make friends, the Princess added: ‘You need to bring ‘the village’ together.’
Prince William played with babies, tickling their feet and asking whether they were sleeping well.
He also gave an insight into the Waleses’ future projects, saying they wants to ‘spotlight’ volunteers and community leaders around the country who are the ‘glue’ holding everything together.
The Prince and Princess of Wales share a private joke as they smile at each other
The Prince and Princess visited the stunning town of Tobermory, famed for featuring in children’s hit Balamory
The royal couple, on the first day of their visit to the Isle of Mull, were wowed by Croft 3 – a small holding that serves up locally sourced food in its restaurant
At the end of the visit, the Prince was handed a bouquet of flowers and the Princess was given a home-made card featuring the handprints of children painted as if they were flowers in a vase.
‘I remember when my kids had hands like that,’ she said, measuring their small size.
William took it upon himself to swap the gifts, saying ‘I feel more comfortable holding the card.’
Upstairs in the hall, the Prince and Princess were shown some of the refurbishment work, meeting the painter, carpenter and volunteers.
The Prince spotted a photograph of his late grandmother and grandfather’s visit to the island in 1956, proclaiming it ‘amazing’
ate, who is sometimes called the ‘children’s princess’ due to her passion for the early years, couldn’t stop smiling as she chatted with one little girl and her mother.
They were soon quick to get stuck in and help, meeting volunteers and families who help keep the space going.
The Princess of Wales revealed her handy side today as she nailed some tiles to a fridge roof and revealed she had been given a chainsaw for Christmas.
It was not clear who had given her the gift, but it appears that it will be in expert hands.
William and Kate spent time on Tuesday afternoon browsing different stalls at an artisan market, including confectioners, cheese makers and beekeepers
A crowd of around 300 people turned out to meet the royals, who have long expressed adoration for Scotland
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they’re known while in Scotland, shared a sweet moment during their visit as Kate placed her hand on her husband’s back
Love was in the heir as Kate beamed at her husband in a very loved-up display
hown a small work station, where Tom Nelson was making a new ‘surround’ for the community food bank fridge with wooden tiles on its roof, the Prince and Princess agreed to use a nail gun to add their own.
William went first, sniffing the wood as he asked what kind it was and taking instructions on the tool.
He fired several nails in successfully before handing it over to his wife, advising her not to pull the trigger then and there ‘otherwise our trip will be remembered for all the wrong reasons’.
Crouching down and adding her tiles matter-of-factly, the Princess was heard to say ‘I’ve been given a chainsaw’ for Christmas.
Banjo, admiring her work, told William ‘What can’t she do!’. William, acknowledging his wife’s prowess at trying things out on public engagements, replied: ‘That always happens.’
The couple also asked for tips on carpentry and beekeeping to take home with them.
Before leaving, the Princess doubled back to ask the carpenter for more details on how he was making the roof for the inside structure around the fridge, and was shown how to use an axe to take the bark off the wood.
The Prince, discussing the new paint work in the hall, was heard to agree that ‘tweed curtains would look lovely, actually’.
She waved to crowds who had turned out to greet her, while modelling a stunning herringbone blazer
Kate, who is sometimes called the ‘children’s princess’ due to her passion for the early years, couldn’t stop smiling as she chatted with one little girl and her mother
The couple were given gifts as they visited as artisan market to meet makers and creators
Kate at beekeeper Sheila Bernard’s stall as the princess, who is ‘fascinated’ by the process, asked for tips
Say cheese! William and Kate posed for photos with royal fans and locals
On the way out, the Princess paused in the small charity clothes shop to ask about it before the couple headed out onto the main seafront road in Tobermory.
During the lengthy walkabout, the Prince and Princess met every local and holidaymakers who turned out to see them – some twice.
Prince William teased a handful of people about sneaking in for a second chat or photograph, telling them: ‘Hang on, I’ve shaken your hand already! And you…and you! I’m very good with faces.’
The casual walkabout saw people milling around, with William asking ‘how are things’ to members of the public from bikers to local chefs and a 16-year-old bagpiper who had turned out to welcome them by playing Flower of Scotland and Scotland the Brave.
One little girl, aged around six and dressed in a party dress, shyly told the Prince she wanted to give her flowers to the Princess instead. Smiling, he parted a route through the security across the road, so she could walk over to Catherine and hand-deliver them.
Another, three-year-old Nell Bird, showed the Princess her own pink Disney princess dress and talked to her about her upcoming birthday.
The couple were handed dozens of bunches of flowers, and stopped for the occasional group photo with fans young and old.
Among the wellwishers were holidaymakers James and Pam Thornton and their adult daughter Rebecca from West Yorkshire.
Prince William also had a go with the nail gun, as he and Kate helped construct a sign for the community pantry
She appeared in her element as she expertly used the gun, while Prince William watched on
Kate quickly got stuck in at Aros Hall and used a nail gun to help construct a sign for a community pantry
r Thornton, who had bladder cancer, introduced himself to the Princess ‘as one cancer survivor to another’ before the pair embarked on a long and sometimes emotional conversation.
‘I told her ‘well done, girl’,’ he said afterwards, adding that they had talked about ‘how difficult it all was for us and for our families’.
William and Kate were then taken to an artisan market where they met some of the island’s makers and creators, while sampling some of their products. This serves as a vital lifeline for locals given the lack of other shops on the island.
The Princess of Wales talked about her new love of beekeeping and told a local keeper she was ‘desperate for any tips’ for her hobby.
She spent so long speaking to Sheila Barnard that Prince William jokingly suggested he was going to stage an intervention.
‘This sounds like a conversation that could go on for a while so you’ll have to take Sheila’s number,’ he quipped.
The royal couple learned that Sheila and Tim have been keeping bees for the last 30 years as Kate expressed her desire to ‘really immerse myself in the process’ during their conversation.
Sheila and Tim moved to the island 32 years ago from their home in Buckinghamshire and ‘reviltalised’ the Mull and Iona Beekeeping Association, bringing together other locals fascinated by the creatures.
The couple tried the company’s signature cheddar cheese made from the curd from local cows and a special locally brewed whiskey made from the whey as well as their special spirit ‘Rhubarb Ruin’, which the princess particularly liked
Locals at the market were delighted as William and Kate made time to meet as many people as possible
Prince William and Catherine enjoyed a visit to the Isle of Mull Soap Co, and learned all about the different scents
While visiting an artisan market, Kate and William smelled wax melts at a beekeeper’s stall
Sheila told the Prince and Princess how they make scented candles from beeswax and cultivate the honey at the end of the season, in October, so ‘we never steal from the bees’.
She added: ‘That’s why they come back. We used to have 26 colonies but have nine now, perhaps a few more in the next couple of weeks as it’s high season now.
‘But we protect them and care for them and we never steal from the bees.’
The couple also proudly showed William and Kate two incredibly detailed candles shaped like an acorn and another one in the shape of a Faberge egg.
They also spent time with Tara Macphail, a local businesswoman whose company makes seaweed chutney, during their trip to the market.
The heir excitedly exclaimed ‘seaweed is the future’, after being heavily involved in promoting the work of one of the winners of his Earthshot Prize Awards, Notpla, who created an alternative to plastic made from seaweed and plants.
Tara told the couple how her seaweed chutneys use the ingredient hand harvested from the pristine coastal waters of the Isle of Mull, which has a coastline of around 300 miles where seaweed grows in abundance.
The local company started producing chutney in May 2019, making two different varieties, one being sweet and one being spicy.
The Prince and Princess especially enjoyed their time at Croft 3
The prince, who is known for his aversion to spicy food, said: ‘It’ll have to be the sweet one for me, but I bet it’s delicious.’
The couple was also introduced to Sarah Padley from Tobermory Stores, who showed them an assortment of homemade Scotch eggs made with black pudding and traditional haggis, as well as freshly baked brownies and a pistachio cake.
William said: ‘It’s an important part of the high street, confectionery and sweets.
‘I’m going to be enormous by the time I leave, but I might sneak back for some cake.’
They also met the owner of the Isle of Mull Cheese, Christine Reade, and were moved by the story of how she and her late husband Jeff Reade built a business that is praised as one of the most sustainable in the country.
After Jeff’s death in April 2013, his memory was honoured at the British Cheese awards.
William said: ‘What a story you have. It’s amazing, really inspiring. The sustainability element of what you do is just fantastic.’
The couple tried the company’s signature cheddar cheese made from the curd from local cows and a special locally brewed whiskey made from the whey as well as their special spirit ‘Rhubarb Ruin’, which the princess particularly liked.
Before they retired for a private evening together, William and Kate cooked haggis on a barbecue and joined a community feast
Together with croft owner Jeanette Lynn and her husband Jack Shaw (pictured above), the royals made haggis wrapped in chard on an outdoor Japanese barbecue. They glazed the dumplings in whiskey and placed them on heat
They also marvelled at several Hebridean sheep and revealed they took their three childre George, Charlotte and Louis (not pictured) lambing during Covid era
t the end of their visit to the artisan market. the couple were introduced to Morvern and Edward Maclean with their new baby son, Edward, who was born at home just 12 days ago. The couple also have a daughter, Lottie, 20 months.
Edward slept through his public debut but Morven said afterwards that it had been an ‘honour’ to meet William and Catherine.
She said: ‘She was asking me whether there is a hospital on the island, and there isn’t. We don’t have midwives either, but I told her that mine came over two weeks before he was due so we were well prepared. Edward managed to sleep through the whole thing, but what a wonderful memory.’
Her husband added: ‘They were lovely, really interested and charming.’
Before they retired for a private evening together, William and Kate cooked haggis on a barbecue and joined a community feast.
The couple were wowed by Croft 3 on Isle of Mull, a small holding that serves up locally sourced food in its restaurant.
They also marvelled at several Hebridean sheep and revealed they took George, Charlotte and Louis lambing during Covid era.
The couple were shown two of the restaurant and sustainable farm’s black ewes and lambs.
Jeanette Lynn, 43, who runs and owns Croft 3, was joined by partner Jack Shaw, 38, and asked if Kate and William own any sheep.
Inside Croft 3’s restaurant they chatted with locals and children from the nearby Ulva Ferry Primary School
After their time at the artisan market, the Prince and Princess appeared relaxed as they sat down for the very special dinner party
Kate said: ‘No but in lockdown we took them lambing, the children. It was a good experience.’
She bent down to stroke one of the lambs and said: ‘You’re very sweet.’
The couple also helped out at the community feast cooking haggis wrapped in chard on an outdoor Japanese barbecue.
They glazed the dumplings in whiskey and placed them on heat.
Hearing the word whiskey, William referred to a tipple he sipped earlier in Tobermory, saying: ‘Oh my goodness that was punchy. I thought its ok its whiskey but has quite a hit to it.’
While Kate said: ‘I had the rhubarb flavour, it was really good.’
Jeannette revealed the haggis was made from a range of offal meats including lamb and beef from the local slaughterhouse.
Wills said: ‘It’s one of the crucial things about island life is the slaughterhouse. So much goes through it.