The Princess of Wales made a bold statement with her new 'bronde' hairdo, which delighted fans when she unveiled her fresh look last week. 

However, Kate's colour has been subtly evolving over the years, and her foray into lighter locks is a reflection of a new confidence. 

It seems like a bold move to change up the glossy brunette tone that's become her trademark, but through different stages of her royal journey, the future Queen has been open to experimenting. 

Kate, 43, debuted a much brighter hair colour as she stepped out alongside her husband, Prince William, also 43, for a visit to the Natural History Museum in London last week, marking their return to royal duties after the summer holidays, which are said to have included a relaxing yacht trip around Greece.

Gone was the rich brunette hue typically associated with the royal, replaced by a noticeably blonder shade. Whether the result of a subtle salon update or the natural effect of weeks in the sun, her hair appeared several shades lighter than we have seen in recent years.

The new tone was first glimpsed late last month, when Kate was spotted heading to a Sunday church service in Balmoral, giving royal watchers the first clue that she may once again be dabbling with a lighter look.

While Kate has often maintained a consistent style, long, softly waved locks with her signature glossy finish, she's played more freely with colour over the years. 

From warm caramel highlights to soft honey tones and golden balayage, the princess has gradually experimented with lighter hues, especially in the warmer months, before returning to her deeper, brunette base in winter. 

This cyclical shift between blonde and brunette has become something of a pattern for Kate, reflecting both seasonal trends and subtle personal reinventions. Though never drastic, these tonal changes show her willingness to reinvent her look. 

Here, expert colourists take a look at how the mother-of-three has embraced colour transformation over the years, subtly brightening and deepening her hair palette while maintaining the classic polish she's known for.

Natural Brunette -  2002

Here, the Daily Mail takes a look at the Princess of Wales's hair throughout the year, from her days as a university student (pictured) to her recent blonde locks

When Kate sashayed down the catwalk at a St Andrews University charity fashion show on March 27, 2002, she showcased her naturally brunette locks. 

The look was so stunning that she caused Prince William, who was watching from a £200 front-row seat to remark, 'Wow! Kate's hot!'

At the after-show party, William, then 19, complimented Kate lavishly, and made a clumsy pass – either a kiss on the hand or 'leaning in' for an amorous 'smacker', by conflicting accounts.

Either way, the royal's glamorous look that day is credited with kindling a royal romance.

Kate added a plaited piece of black-and-white ribbon on one side of her hair, making for an extra-chic look.

The then-university student opted to put her hair in a side-parting, as per her usual choice today.

While her flowing tresses were looking fabulous, it was perhaps Kate's dress, designed by fashion student Charlotte Todd, that truly stole the show.

Charlotte previously said: 'I made it as a skirt, but others pulled it up on Kate and she wore it as a dress. Maybe if it hadn't been see-through, William might not have noticed her.'

Signature hair colour - 2005

Even before becoming a royal, she showcased her signature hair colour - dark glossy, bouncy locks (pictured at St. Andrews University, Scotland in June 2005)

William and Kate first met at the university as students and graduated on the same day in June, with Queen Elizabeth II among the audience

Back in June 2005, just after she first began dating William, Kate was pictured alongside William at her graduation ceremony at St. Andrews University.

Even before becoming a royal, she showcased her signature hairstyle - dark glossy, bouncy locks with a side-swept fringe.

The style frames the face and the colour become Kate's signature natural look for a long while. 

William and Kate first met at the university as students and graduated on the same day in June, with Queen Elizabeth II among the audience.

Both achieved an upper second class degree, William in Geography and Kate in Art History.

After meeting in their first year, they even went on to live with each other and friends before graduating on June 23, 2005. 

Kate showed her natural youthful summer locks when on an outing at the polo in 2006

During her younger years, Kate embraced the carefree and youthful look, like many Sloanes of this age.

Her natural brunette locks were usually left loose, cascading past her shoulders in waves.

Celebrity hairstylist Dionne Smith said, 'Her hair reflected everything that she encapsulated - a youthful, fun, modern woman'.

Before becoming a princess, Kate experimented with her hairstyles in the early 2000s, including her grown-up fuller side fringe from June 2006.

Showcasing the perfect look for the summer, Kate debuted a shorter cut with what has often been dubbed the 'bottleneck bangs' to help frame her face. 

However her hair colour remained the same for years, with the future princess opting for the natural look.  

Soft caramel tones - 2010 

In 2010, when Kate and Prince William announced their engagement, the soon-to-be bride kept her hair simple but still gorgeous

Kate opted for her trademark bouncy blowout but her brunette locks a noticeable caramel hue

In 2010, when Kate and Prince William stood side-by-side at St James Palace to announce their engagement, the soon-to-be bride kept her hair simple but still gorgeous. 

Kate went for her tried and tested bouncy blowout, but her brunette locks a noticeable caramel hue. 

Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH HAIR said: 'Kate's usual shade is the perfect balance of warmth and coolness with golden caramel highlights laced throughout – this rich, glossy shade oozes luxury and is adaptable in so many ways.' 

Following eight years of dating, William and Kate delighted royal fans across the globe when they announced their engagement on November 16, 2010.

William had popped the question during a private holiday in Kenya the previous month, after requesting permission from Kate's father, Michael.

William had, of course, presented his fiancee with a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, which was crafted by the London luxury jeweller Garrard. 

It was the very ring chosen by Lady Diana Spencer when she became engaged to Charles, then Prince of Wales.

Subtle highlights - 2012 

Emerging as a new fully-fledged member of the Royal Family, the then-Duchess of Cambridge opted for a change in her hairdo with a layered fringe in November 2012

Along with the new trim, Kate brightened up her hair with subtle highlights ahead of announcing they were expecting their first child

Emerging as a new fully-fledged member of the Royal Family, the then-Duchess of Cambridge opted for a change in her hairdo with a layered fringe just weeks before announcing they were expecting their first child, Prince George. 

Along with the new trim, Kate brightened up her hair with subtle highlights - giving an overall look that was chic and just different enough without being a huge change.

This step to a subtle brighter look would be start of years of experimenting with brighter shades for the princess.  

Hair expert Sam said: 'By debuting a drastic new style Kate was able to distract the world's attention ahead of a pregnancy announcement.'  

'Also, worth noting a fringe is a nice addition to a hairstyle and can make you feel a little armoured up if you are feeling a little anxious or shy! Remember Kate was about to announce to most hotly anticipated pregnancy in decades,' he added. 

Months after the announcement, Kate gave birth to Prince George at 4.24pm on July 22, 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz, at the same Paddington Hospital where his father was delivered 31 years earlier.

Within hours of Prince George Alexander Louis, Kateappeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing looking immaculately put-together to greet the world's media camping outside.

The Princess of Wales - who was 31 at the time - radiated with happiness as she cuddled her newborn son and stood next to her proud husband William.

Honey-coloured highlights - 2013

The natural looking highlights in her hair were seen as she left the Lindo Wing just one day after welcoming her first baby Prince George

During her 30s, Kate began to adopt her signature bouncy blow-dried hair style. (pictured: Kate at the Royal British Legion poppy appeal in 2013)

In late 2013, Kate experimented with her hair colour, opting for honey-coloured highlights (pictured: Kate at the Royal British Legion poppy appeal in 2013)

In late 2013, Kate experimented with her hair colour, opting for honey-coloured highlights.

The natural looking highlights in her hair were seen as she left the Lindo Wing just one day after welcoming her first baby Prince George.  

Celebrity hair stylist Dionne Smith said: 'There was never a hair out of place, but it still looked youthful thanks to its vibrancy and volume.

'It's also the time we started to see Kate move from a side parting to a middle parting, following popular trends and fashion, as well as subtle caramel highlights which warmed up her face beautifully.

During her first decade in the firm, her make-up also became more refined, subtle and elegant.

Make-up artist Olivia Todd said previously: 'She looks progressively more primped and preened and elegant in early marriage.

'Her skin is nourished and radiant from beautiful skincare and her cheekbones, eyes, brows are subtly enhanced with careful placement of makeup to achieve a natural, yet polished look.'

Chestnut tresses - 2015

For her first royal engagement after the birth of Princess Charlotte in September 2015

She also opted for a more chestnut colour moving away from the highlighted carmel tresses of 2013

For her first royal engagement after the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015, Kate yet again decided to switch things up with her hair - cutting almost a curtain-like fringe.

She also opted for a more chestnut colour moving away from the highlighted carmel tresses of 2013. 

Hair expert Tina addd: 'Over the years, Kate has experimented with a range of different shades, often making a change to a lighter alternative in the warmer months, before returning to her deeper, brunette base in the winter. 

'Her usual chocolate brown hue is her trademark. Rich, chocolate tones have been at the forefront of our minds since 'Mocha Mousse' was announced as Pantone's Colour of the Year – establishing the timelessness of a gorgeous brunette shade.'

Here, her hair appeared a bit sleeker and straighter than she normally wears it, sporting the shorter detail at the front, which adds detail to what is essentially one-length hair.

Charlotte was born at 8.34am at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, and quickly captured hearts across the country. 

In a statement released shortly after she was born, they said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.' 

'The baby will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge,' the palace said. 

The choice pleased many. Bookmakers had Charlotte down as the favourite for some time, along with names including Alice. 

Golden Balayage - 2019 

Worn in smooth, bouncy layers that reach past her shoulders, the golden honey tone was easily the blondest we had ever seen Kate

In September 2019, Kate debuted gorgeous caramel highlights as she joined husband Prince William to bring their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to Thomas's Battersea for the first day of school.

Worn in smooth, bouncy layers that reach past her shoulders, the golden honey tone was easily the blondest we had ever seen Kate. 

Alfredo De Benedictis, co-founder of KEEO and hair stylist of over 40 years, said: 'Back in 2019, when Kate first experimented with caramel tones, it softened her natural brunette and gave a more sun-kissed, dimensional feel. 

'It was the first time we saw her step away from her signature glossy brown, and it showed how well those golden undertones lift her complexion. 

'Fast forward to now, her honey balayage feels like the natural evolution of that look adding warmth and light without ever losing the depth that makes her brunette base so flattering. 

'It's this balance between brunette gloss and golden lift that suits her best, offering versatility across the seasons.'

Princess Charlotte held onto her mother's hand as she arrived for her first day of school with her big brother, who is set to show her around the £18,915-a-year private institution.

Charlotte smiled, waved and shyly hid behind Kate who was holding her bag as she started at Thomas's Battersea in South London.

Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Barton said: 'My favourite of Kate's many looks is the sun-kissed chocolate brown. 

'When we first met she had a completely natural colour. It was completely dark and then gradually over time she's used colour to add more depth, shine and interest, including pieces of balayage and lightening towards the tips, to give a sun-kissed look. 

'This was a clever move as she is constantly under the scrutiny of cameras and this combination gives her hair more interest, more trend and more contrast.'

 Reddish auburn hair - 2020

Kate visited a National Portrait Gallery Workshop at Evelina London Children's Hospital in 2020

Kate stepped into spring with a fresh brighter colour by warming up her look with a reddish auburn hue to her locks

Before news of the COVID-19 pandemic was yet to strike in 2020, Kate stepped out for an Irish tour with a brand new look.

Kate stepped into spring with a fresh brighter colour by warming up her look with a reddish auburn hue to her locks. 

During the visit, Kate, accompanied by William, attended an event at the Museum of Literature in Dublin.

The auburn tones added a new dimension to her usually deeper brunette shade, signalling yet another of her quiet yet impactful beauty evolutions.

The colour shift was subtle but deliberate, not quite red, but undeniably brighter, offering a glimpse of her ongoing preference for warmer hues in the lead-up to spring and summer months.

Kate's hair was even more noticeably red during a visited a National Portrait Gallery Workshop at Evelina London Children's Hospital in 2020.

Soft honey tones - 2023

As Princess Kate arrived at HMP High Down in Surrey, she looked regal as ever with her hair in bouncy curls

Although she hadn't made any drastic changes to her hairstyle, Princess Kate opted for soft honey tones to brighten up her brunette lock once again

As she made a low-key solo appearance at the Stade de Marseille to cheer on England against Argentina in the Rugby World Cup, the Princess debuted her trademark thick brunette locks in a chic down-do.

Although she hadn't made any drastic changes to her hairstyle, Princess Kate opted for soft honey tones to brighten up her brunette lock once again. 

She also swapped straight-styled locks for perfect curls and sported a loose, '70s-style fringe with a part in the middle.

Hair expert Tina Farey said: 'With an oval face shape, her sharp jawline and gorgeous high cheekbones are two of her most defining features – pairing perfectly with her long, luscious locks!

'Her hair looks glossy, healthy, and luxurious - Kate's honey blonde shade harmonises perfectly with her warmer undertones; this hue makes her hazel-green eyes pop!'

Lighter Locks - 2025  

Kate looked stunning as she revealed her blonde locks during her visit to the Natural History Museum on Thursday

In recent weeks, Kate debuted a brand-new blonde look, her cascading tresses looking lighter than ever before as she was spotted on her way to church service in Balmoral in late August.

And, on Thursday, her lighter hair stole the show as she joined her husband, Prince William, on a visit to the Natural History Museum in London as they returned to duties after their summer break.

Her long blonde locks seemed to be lighter at the top of her head, and a bit darker towards the bottom, giving a bit of an ombré effect.

According to Lauren Paglionico, master colourist and founder of LRN Beauty in New York City, Autumn is always 'the perfect time' to show off a new hair colour, especially if you're in the public eye.

'There's something about the seasonal shift that makes it feel like a natural moment for change,' Paglionico explained exclusively to Daily Mail.

'For some of these women, it's possible they have something exciting on the horizon,' she continued.

'As for Kate, she's been through a lot and I feel this is her way of reintroducing herself on her own terms,' the stylist shared.

Although Paglionico admitted that typically, people like to dye their hair darker for the Autumn, she's definitely been seeing 'a shift' this season.

Celebrity hairstylist Andrew Barton added: 'I think she will go lighter but I will miss the shine and definition as lighter hair requires more maintenance.

'I think she will probably return to a chocolate brown or balayage which is my favourite.'

Meanwhile Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH HAIR added: 'Last week, Kate debuted a gorgeous honey blonde shade – the perfect transitional shade for the autumnal months. 

'Honey blonde is a softly subtle golden blonde hue that's infused with vanilla ribbons for added brightness.

'Kate's shift to honey blonde blends seamlessly with her usual natural chocolate brunette shade, adding depth, dimension and brightness with lighter ribbons that contrast with her darker base colour. 

'Honey blonde is the perfect way to brighten your hair for the colder months and add a glow to your complexion. 

'The placement of lighter pieces has been blended throughout the top of her hair and around her face for a multi-dimensional finish, adding depth and framing her face beautifully. Kate wore her hair in long, loose waves which amplifies texture and movement.

'Whilst her debut of honey blonde is a switch from her darker locks, this is a simple change that feels fresh without being too bold, matching her usual understated elegance. I think she looks beautiful and radiant.'