After Kate Middleton stepped out with her lightest hair color yet, she quickly found herself the subject of mixed opinions.

The 43-year-old Princess of Wales unveiled a caramel blonde hairstyle during an official visit to the Natural History Museum gardens in London on September 4, alongside Prince William.

Wearing her hair in soft waves, Kate paired her new look with a neutral tweed blazer, white shirt, black trousers, and flat shoes.

This wasn’t the first hint of a change—she had first revealed lighter locks in late August during a church service near Balmoral. Over the past year, the princess has been gradually moving away from her signature brunette shade.

Even her sister, Pippa Middleton, opted for a fresh style this summer, while Princess Anne surprised royal fans by debuting a new look for the first time in decades.

Sam McKnight Defends Kate Against Critics

While the change brought plenty of compliments, it also drew criticism online. Sam McKnight, the celebrated hairstylist who worked closely with Princess Diana until her death in 1997, was quick to defend Kate.

“I am shocked, horrified, and dismayed by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today,” McKnight wrote on Instagram. “A woman’s hair is very personal to her—it’s armour, defence, confidence and so much more.”

He went on to condemn the negativity, pointing out that many of the harsh remarks appeared to come from women. “I cannot believe how evil and lacking in empathy are the comments… attacking a vulnerable young woman, who has no choice, by dint of who she married and the role she took on, to bravely face the public.”

Linking Criticism to Kate’s Health Journey

McKnight also drew attention to the princess’s ongoing health journey. Kate revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing cancer treatment, later announcing in January 2025 that she was thankfully in remission.

Acknowledging her resilience, McKnight wrote, “I’m sure she would rather be away from the public arena. She has brilliantly and quietly, unselfishly represented our country, the soft power we still have as a nation. Cancer affects individuals differently, but is life-changing for everyone. So FFS LEAVE HER ALONE. SHAME ON YOU.”

A Symbol of Renewal and Strength

Earlier this year, during a hospital visit, Kate opened up about her treatment experience, noting that she did not require cold cap therapy, a procedure designed to reduce hair loss. Her choice to embrace a bold new style after recovery may represent confidence, renewal, and strength in the face of personal challenges.

McKnight’s passionate defense underlines just how symbolic something as simple as hair can be—and why, for Kate, this change goes far beyond style.