How Kate Middleton’s summer ‘spent in the sun on yacht’ has transformed her look

The Princess of Wales‘s apparent new lighter locks debuted at the Balmoral service yesterday are the result of a summer ‘spent in the sun’, experts have claimed.  

Kate, 43, revealed her new look in the car on the way to the Sunday service at Crathie Kirk, accompanied by her husband Prince William, and children Princes George, 12, and Louis, seven, as well as Princess Charlotte, 10. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, experts have claimed that, the mother-of-three’s blonder locks may also be the result of spending more time in the sun than usual. 

In July, the Wales family were reported to have enjoyed a holiday to Kefalonia on their superyacht, sailing around the Greek islands. 

Boasting average temperatures of 24C to 30C in summer, it’s therefore likely that spending prolonged periods outdoors may have naturally lightened Kate’s hair, giving it a ‘dyed’ effect. 

Sarah Gadsdon, a freelance stylist, told the Daily Mail: ‘After a sun-soaked holiday in Greece, Kate returned not only with a refreshed spirit but also with naturally lightened hair. 

‘The combination of sea air, sunshine, and saltwater had gently lifted her hair to a softer shade – creating the perfect starting point for her next salon visit.’

Sarah believes that Kate’s naturally lightened hair led her hairdresser to ‘see an opportunity’ to go a few shades blonder – as it required ‘less chemical processing’ to do so.   

In addition, the hot summer in the UK – reaching temperatures of 34 – may also have played a role in the Princess’s lighter hair. 

The Princess and her family are currently on their summer break, but prior to taking time out from the public eye, Kate attended Wimbledon tennis tournament and also spent time outside when she visited the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in July. 

Meanwhile on a trip to Tobermory back in April, Kate was also seen with the lighter look, instead of her usual dark brunette.  

Sarah added: ‘As Kate embraces the natural changes that come with aging, such as the increasing presence of grey strands, she’s made a thoughtful shift in her hair colour strategy. 

‘Rather than covering greys with darker dyes – which often require more frequent maintenance- she’s opted for a lighter, blended tone. This approach not only gives her hair a softer, more natural appearance but also helps camouflage greys in a subtle, low-maintenance way.

‘Thanks to her time in the Greek sun, Kate has found a new, more effortless hair colour that flatters her features, respects the health of her hair, and celebrates the beauty of aging with confidence.’

Salon owner Katie Hemming, co-founder of Love Hair Broadway and Seed And Soul, also agreed that it looks like the Princess has chosen to go for a new look, again aided by her recent holidaying. 

She said: ‘It looks like Kate has had her hair very subtly lightened, likely just a few shades, and the combination of that with time in the sun has given her that beautiful, sun-kissed glow. 

‘Holiday sunshine naturally lifts and warms the hair. It looks healthy, glossy, and effortless a really flattering and modern update that enhances her features without being a drastic change.’

Meanwhile Adem Oygur, a celebrity hairstylist, said: ‘Kate’s noticeably lighter hair at Balmoral has sparked plenty of speculation, and the timing certainly suggests a few possible reasons. 

‘The Princess of Wales and her family are reported to have spent part of the summer holidaying in Europe, where long days in the sun and sea naturally lift and brighten hair colour. 

‘Combined with the UK’s unusually warm summer, it’s easy to imagine that her lighter tones could be the result of a natural sun-kissed effect rather than a deliberate change.

‘That said, Kate is known for subtly refreshing her look at key moments, and it’s equally possible she chose to have her hair professionally coloured a few shades lighter ahead of the family’s public appearance in Scotland. 

‘The warm, honeyed tones flatter her complexion and give her a fresh, end-of-summer glow, which makes it hard to tell whether it’s the sun, the salon, or a clever combination of both. 

‘Either way, the lighter look feels effortless and seasonally appropriate, whether courtesy of a getaway, the rare British sunshine, or a little help from her trusted colourist.’

As well as spending time in the sunny UK, the royal enjoyed sunny weather on her trip to Greece last month. 

At the time, the royals were reported to have headed south in the Ionian sea from Kefalonia, to another island, Zakynthos and were said to have borrowed a $40million superyacht called Almax for their trip.

After dropping anchor some distance from shore, it was then said Prince George had fancied something off the menu, though sources have remained tight-lipped about details. 

A source said at the time: ‘George required a specific dietary item which led to the tender going ashore in Zakynthos to purchase it. Nothing extravagant, just something particular.’ 

A week beforehand, the Daily Mail revealed that a retired civil servant spotted some of the royal party – Kate, Charlotte and Louis – on their superyacht off the coast of Ithaca, a tiny island 25 minutes by ferry from Kefalonia.

Penelope Likoudi, 64, was swimming in secluded Mavrouna Bay when she came within 30 metres (100ft) of the yacht.

‘Kate was standing on the top level with Charlotte and Louis,’ she said. ‘There was an older lady next to them, possibly Kate’s mother, but I wasn’t able to see her well.

‘I literally shivered with excitement. I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. Now I wish I’d called out hello to them. But I didn’t, I got starstruck and couldn’t get the words out.

‘There was no sign of William or George though.’

The Daily Mail has learned that not once during the sailing trip did the royals set foot on any of the islands.

It is thought to have been considered but quickly ruled out because of security concerns. Instead the royals made good use of a platform that transforms the stern hatch into a private beach area, where they swam and played on inflatables and paddleboards.

It was rumoured at the time that the Prince and Princess of Wales had been joined by Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton – although this has not been confirmed. 

The couple were reported to have touched down in a private jet, before being whisked away in a convoy of vehicles with tinted windows.

At the service yesterday, along with the Waleses, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as The Princess Royal, were also seen heading to Crathie Kirk to spend part of their Bank Holiday weekend at the church.

The monarch began his annual summer holidays at Balmoral last week, where he has been joined by several other members of the Royal Family to enjoy their break.

William, 43, appearing a calm and collected driver, looked smart in a suit and tie as he sat behind the wheel.

Meanwhile, Kate was the picture of elegance in a black hat with a structured bow, a textured jacket and a maroon top as she smiled in the passenger seat next to William.

Charlotte, 10, gazed out the car window with a curious expression on her face, her hair tied up neatly so it stayed out of her face. She was wearing a cream cardigan over a polka dot dress – her mother Kate’s favourite print.

During the drive, it appeared Prince George was deep in conversation with Prince Louis whose eyes were large as he looked up at his big brother.

The King and Queen, who were driven to the church, appeared serious as they looked at the car journey ahead.

The monarch, 76, wore a pale pink shirt under his smart suit, complete with a tartan tie, a nod to the Scottish Highlands they are currently residing in.

Queen Camilla, 78, was seen wearing a hat with a jaunty feather and a multicoloured print dress, as well as a large cream shawl draped over her shoulder to keep her warm.

Princess Anne, 75, was dressed in the most colourful ensemble of the whole family, wearing a turquoise blouse with a large collar, as well as a matching jacket and hat.

Going to church is a tradition that King Charles follows closely, having driven himself and Queen Camilla to a service on Sunday August 17, also at Crathie Kirk.

Last week, His Majesty’s attendance came after the royal couple were moved to tears by the powerful first-hand testimony of VJ veterans as they spoke at a service of remembrance marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

It included two Fly Pasts, a two-minute silence, musical interludes and testimony from survivors of the so-called Forgotten War.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a powerful message to social media praising the ‘courage, sacrifice, and resilience’ of those who fought in the Pacific and Far East on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.

In a message posted on social media and signed with their initials, the royal couple wrote: ‘Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice and resilience of all who served. 

Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific.

‘We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful.

‘Lest we forget. W & C’.