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September 8, 2025

Kate Middleton returns to brunette hair in surprise appearance with Prince William

WATCH: Princess Kate makes rare public appearance

Kate Middleton is back to her signature brunette hair after stepping out with "bronde" tresses in recent weeks.

The Princess of Wales wore her hair in loose curls with soft highlights during a surprise engagement with her husband Prince William on Monday. The couple paid a visit to the National Federation of Women's Institutes in Sunningdale, commemorating the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death.

Kate's refreshed look comes amid her return to royal duties following the family's summer break.

Earlier this month, Kate appeared noticeably blonder when she and William visited London's Natural History Museum, their first joint outing after spending the summer largely out of the spotlight with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Kate was first spotted with lighter hair in late August, when she was photographed in a car on the way to church.

At Monday's event, William and Kate met with Women's Institute members from Berkshire and other regions to learn about the chapter's role in fostering community, skill-building and local initiatives.

Attendees also reminisced about Elizabeth's enduring relationship with the Women's Institutes, or WI, recounting her habit of taking part in meetings with tea, cake and lively discussion.

"The WI holds a special connection to Her Late Majesty, who was a member for 80 years, joining in 1943 and serving as President of the Sandringham WI from 2003 until her death in 2022," the Prince and Princess of Wales' official Instagram account shared. "Very special opportunity to hear from members today about the importance of The Late Queen's involvement in the organisation and meet those who met with her during her reign."

Kate's appearance is part of her ongoing return to public life after announcing earlier this year that her cancer is in remission. She first revealed her diagnosis in March 2024, sharing only that she had undergone chemotherapy without disclosing further details about the type or stage of the disease.

William, Kate and their children also plan to move later this year to Forest Lodge, an eight-bedroom home on the Windsor Castle estate, a Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed to ABC News on Aug. 18. The Wales family currently resides at Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom residence also located on the Windsor grounds.