Kate Middleton made an unexpected public appearance on September 8, joining Prince William at The National Federation of Women’s Institute in Sunningdale to honor the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s passing.

The Princess of Wales, 43, wore her hair loose in soft curls, revealing a brunette shade with subtle highlights.

A Return to Brunette

The engagement confirmed Kate’s return to brown after briefly debuting her lightest hair yet. Just a week earlier, she had surprised royal watchers by stepping out with striking honey blonde locks—a shade many described as her boldest hair change to date.

Kate’s lighter hair was first noticed on August 24 during a church visit near Balmoral Castle. The transformation became even more evident on September 4, when she attended an event at London’s Natural History Museum with golden-toned tresses.

The style, paired with the noticeable length, marked a rare departure from her signature brunette waves that she has mostly kept since entering the royal family in 2011.

Back to Brown

However, the blonde phase was short-lived. On September 6, at the Women’s Rugby World Cup match between England and Australia in East Sussex, her hair already appeared darker. She wore it in a half-up, curled style, which made it slightly harder to determine the exact color, though the brunette shade was clear again by the following days.

Earlier in the summer, the Princess of Wales had showcased a glossy chestnut brown at several high-profile events. She sported the rich hue at Trooping the Colour in June, the French state banquet in July, and at Wimbledon on July 12 and 13—her last public engagements before taking her summer break.