Princess Kate's new spring highlights are the hair trend for 2025 - just you wait

On Tuesday, the Princess of Wales looked incredible as she stepped out at the National Portrait Gallery in London, surrounded by children.

The wife of Prince William was there to launch a new project from The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood aimed at supporting young children in the development of crucial social and emotional skills.

Kate delighted onlookers with her latest outfit, which was formal yet chic. The 43-year-old wore a sumptuous chocolate brown blazer with a coordinating knitted roll-neck, which she teamed with wide-leg trousers and block high heels to elongate her silhouette. She looked fresh and glowing, with minimal makeup highlighting her pretty features.

But did you see her hair? Since the start of the year, Kate has been wearing her famous mane even longer than usual - we have been told it hangs at around 20 inches long.

On Tuesday though, not only was it a tumbling mass of luscious, healthy curls, but we couldn't help but notice it looked slightly lighter in parts - perhaps subtly highlighted.

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As always, we called in an expert for the lowdown. Michael Gray, award-winning hairstylist to the stars, confirmed he thinks Kate has indeed lightened her hair.

He explained: "The Princess of Wales always has the most beautiful, healthy, and shiny hair. Her colour tends to be on the warmer side of brown with woven in, light caramel tones. With all her events and appearances, she always keeps her hair sophisticated, but with effortless maintenance due to her busy schedule."

The stylist continued: "With the days about to get longer and brighter into the evening, it seems that Kate’s colourist has introduced some fresh spring subtle highlights in a balayage form around the face which is framing, giving the illusion of her hair being lighter. [She is still] keeping the depth in places along the parting and underneath around her neckline where you can see the highlight pop subtly."

Michael added: "I love the placement and how the hair hasn’t been lifted too much for it to still look natural looking without being bright and bold. Her hair is toned beautifully and complements her base colour and skin tone, with a soft golden blonde glaze."