On Thursday, September 4, Kate Middleton debuted a new look during an outing with Prince William. The couple visited London’s Natural History Museum, which made it very clear that Princess Kate now has lighter hair. After seeing photos from the outing, royal fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Many of them didn’t have anything kind to say about Kate’s new look.
Some were convinced that it had to be a wig.
Reacting to Kate’s new hairstyle, some people assumed that it was not actually her real hair. Still, they called it “horrid.” On Reddit, one person wrote, “That is a wig, which is a good thing for her because that means she can change it quickly. And should. Immediately.” Someone else said, “This is very unfortunate. It’s a wig and not a good one. It is ill fitting, too long, and the color is not right for her skin.”
Many people questioned why people in her circle let her go out like that — which, ouch.
Who’s that girl?! Princess Kate made a head-turning return to the spotlight, debuting long blonde curls beside her husband Prince William at Britain’s Natural History Museum #katemiddleton #royalfamily pic.twitter.com/mhoKc6lsyB
— HELLO! Canada (@HelloCanada) September 4, 2025
Some of the harsh comments also targeted Kate’s team, with one person writing, “One would think with all the access, opportunities, money and privileges she has … Those surrounding Kate Middleton wouldn’t allowed her to step outside those palace gates looking a complete disaster. The audacity of her entire team.”
On X, another person wrote, “Whoever did that to her deserves jail. Yikes. It’s the wrong tone and somehow also ages her.”
Some critics compared the hairstyle to a wig used for a Halloween costume. “Doesn’t she have anyone in her life who tells her the truth?” a third critic questioned. “This is awful. Like a Halloween costume wig.” A fourth harsh critic said “you can get that on Temu for about £10 ($13.50).”
While some praised Kate for trying something different, they still said the look “isn’t working for her.”
In response to all the hate, Princess Diana’s hairdresser spoke up.
There were so many negative comments about Kate’s new look that Princess Diana’s former hairdresser, Sam McKnight, felt compelled to say something about it. In an Instagram post, he said he was “shocked, horrified, dismayed, and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales.”
He called many of the comments “evil and lacking in any kind of empathy.” After all, in March 2024, Kate announced that she had been diagnosed with cancer. In January 2025, she said she’s in remission.
“I’m sure she would rather be away from the public arena,” Sam continued in his post. “She has brilliantly and quietly, unselfishly represented our country, the soft power we still have as a nation. Cancer affects individuals differently, but it is life changing for everyone.”
He concluded with, “FFS LEAVE HER ALONE. SHAME ON YOU.”
Though Kate’s new look garnered a lot of criticism, some people agreed with the hairdresser’s take. “If you’re making fun of Kate Middleton’s wig (more than likely wearing due to cancer) you are a terrible person,” an X user asserted. “She is a sister, a mother, and a daughter. Watching a loved one battle cancer is the most heartbreaking experience. I don’t wish it on anyone.”
