Princess of Wales Kate Middleton explains the simple reason behind her new blond hair

Kate Middleton has finally addressed the subtle blond transformation that caught public attention earlier this fall. Speaking backstage at the Royal Variety Performance, the Princess of Wales confirmed that her lighter locks weren’t the result of an elaborate makeover, just sunshine.

Actress Su Pollard told the Daily Mail she complimented Middleton’s brighter hair during their backstage chat. Middleton reportedly smiled and replied, “It used to be brown, but it’s gone light in the sunshine.”

The princess, 43, attended the event at London’s Royal Albert Hall alongside Prince William, wearing an elegant emerald velvet gown and styling her honey-tinted waves in soft curls. It was one of several recent appearances where her subtly lightened color was on display.

Middleton first debuted the warmer, sun-kissed look on September 4 during a visit to the Natural History Museum’s newly renovated gardens. Her refreshed shade immediately drew attention, and analysis, from royal watchers and stylists alike.

Royal hairstylist Neville Tucker, known for working with the late Queen Elizabeth II, previously told Vanity Fair that the princess appeared to have “a full set of highlights,” calling the change “the blondest we have seen her.”

“She has been playing with blonde tones for a while,” he noted, adding that the new hue was likely to inspire a wave of copycat requests for blond or honey-toned highlights.

While the lighter look was widely praised, Middleton, who revealed she was in cancer remission in January, briefly returned to a deeper chestnut shade days later when she attended the Women’s Rugby World Cup on September 6. Even then, golden undertones remained visible.

For her recent outing, she again showcased the lighter, sun-brightened hair in a full, voluminous style, and confirmed that sometimes, even a princess’s beauty shift has the simplest explanation.