Overview

• On 4 September, Catherine and Prince William resumed duties with a visit to the redesigned gardens at London’s Natural History Museum.
• Photos confirmed a markedly lighter, honey-blonde and longer hairstyle than in July at Wimbledon, following late‑August images near Balmoral that hinted at the shift.
• Social-media reaction ranged from compliments to sharp criticism of color and volume, prompting McKnight’s public defense of the princess on Instagram.
• Hair professionals pointed to sun, sea and salon coloring as likely contributors, while an independent expert suggested possible tape-in extensions for added length and fullness.
• Reports set the style discussion against her careful return to engagements after completing chemotherapy and entering remission, with no palace comment on the change.