• Kate Middleton’s hair looked noticeably lighter during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the U.K.
  • The Princess wore a Dior skirt suit and matching hat for the occasion.
  • She debuted lighter locks earlier this year during an anniversary trip to Scotland with Prince William.

Kate Middleton seemingly debuted a much lighter hair color during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the U.K. with his wife, First Lady Brigitte Macron. Stepping out to greet the couple alongside her husband, Prince William, the Princess wore her hair down in long, blonde curls. She tucked it under a blush pink Dior hat, which paired perfectly with a Dior skirt suit from the brand’s 2024 collection. Notably, it was the first time Middleton wore a look from the French fashion house.

Kate Middleton at the Royal Dais in Windsor on July 8, 2025.

Getty Images

Middleton’s suit jacket in particular was apparently a tribute by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri to Dior’s 1947 New Look, according to People. The New Look ushered in full skirts and cinched waists for a new era of ultra feminine fashion post-World War II.

Finally, in true royals style, the Princess paired her outfit with two heirloom accessories—Princess Diana’s Collingwood pearl earrings and Queen Elizabeth’s three-strand pearl necklace.

Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Dais in Windsor on July 8, 2025.

Getty Images

This isn’t the first time Middleton has changed up her hairstyle, of course. Though the Princess has sported long, tousled curls for many years now, royals fans will remember her co-signing the side bangs trend back in 2012. Earlier this year, she debuted her lightest hair color yet on an anniversary trip to Scotland with William.

Prince William and Kate Middleton in Tobermory, Scotland.

Getty Images

“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,” Hair expert Shady Harb told The Daily Mail at the time. “These warmer, honey-golden hues help to brighten her complexion and add a healthy radiance that’s perfect for the summer months.”