On July 2, Kate Middleton made a poignant public appearance at the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, where she reflected on her personal journey with cancer.

The Princess of Wales, currently in remission after being diagnosed earlier in 2024, used the visit to highlight the therapeutic impact of nature on mental, emotional, and physical health.

In honor of the occasion, she planted 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ bushes, a gift to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, while wearing rolled-up brown trousers and happily getting her hands dirty in the soil. But what truly drew attention from royal watchers wasn’t her outfit—it was her hair, subtly revealing a more personal change.

Her Hair Reveals the Effects of Chemotherapy

Though Kate had styled her hair neatly for the event, the rain exposed its new texture—frizzy and flat with gentle curls, a shift from her usual sleek look. These changes are reportedly due to chemotherapy, which can sometimes lead to a condition called “chemo curls.” Middleton, who used to have straight hair, now appears to be embracing her naturally regrown curls.

According to *Inquisitr*, her current hair texture and color are believed to be the result of her recent cancer treatment, a common side effect many survivors experience.

Expert Insights on “Chemo Curls” and Hair Regrowth

Hair expert Nicole Petty spoke with *Hello!* magazine about this phenomenon. “While not all hair types will change due to chemotherapy, it’s quite common to notice shifts in how your hair behaves after treatment,” she explained.

“Someone who’s had straight hair for years might suddenly find themselves with curls—that’s what we call chemo curls. This occurs because the chemotherapy drugs not only affect cancer cells but also impact the hair follicle, potentially changing its structure.”