Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Sun-Kissed and Stylish: Kate Middleton's New Blonde Look at Church Service

The Princess of Wales has seemingly debuted a new hair colour as she was spotted with lighter locks on her way to Sunday church service in Balmoral earlier today

The Royal Family's Summer Escapade: Kate Middleton Stuns with a New Hairdo and Charles' Emotional Tribute to VJ Day Heroes

It's been a whirlwind few days for the British royal family, what with their summer break at Balmoral Castle and a series of poignant tributes to mark the 80th anniversary of V-J Day. And amidst all the pomp and circumstance, Kate Middleton made a stylish statement with her new hairdo – but we're getting ahead of ourselves.

The Princess of Wales, 43, was spotted sporting a lighter shade of blonde locks as she accompanied her husband, Prince William, to Sunday church service at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral. The doting mother of three beamed from ear to ear as she sat in the passenger seat next to her husband, who looked every inch the devoted dad with their children, Princess Charlotte and Princes George and Louis, all tucked safely into the backseat.

Catherine, 43, appeared to have coloured her hair a few shades lighter as her cascading tresses looked more blonde than ever before

But what caught our attention was Kate's sartorial splendor – a chic black hat adorned with a structured bow, paired with a textured jacket and a maroon top that perfectly complemented her radiant complexion. She looked every inch the royal fashionista we've come to adore over the years.

Meanwhile, Prince William showed off his driving skills as he took the wheel of their Range Rover, expertly navigating the winding roads of Balmoral while keeping a watchful eye on his family. And with his sharp suit and tie, he cut an effortlessly cool figure – not that you'd expect anything less from our dashing Duke.

But let's get back to Kate's new hairdo – it looks like she's gone for a lighter shade of blonde, and we can't help but wonder what inspired the change. Is it a nod to her Irish heritage? Or perhaps a fresh take on her signature style? Whatever the reason, we think she looks absolutely stunning!

The Prince and Princess of Wales are seen driving their three children to Sunday church service in Balmoral

As for Prince William, he's been making headlines with his heartfelt tribute to V-J Day heroes – but more on that later.

Charles' Emotional Tribute to VJ Day Heroes

King Charles III marked the 80th anniversary of V-J Day with a poignant speech and a series of solemn tributes at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, led the national commemorations, laying wreaths at the Armed Forces Memorial and paying respects to the estimated 90,000 British troops who lost their lives during the conflict.

Princess Charlotte rode in the back seat of the car along with her brothers, Princes George and Louis, as the whole family spends their day out

In his emotional address, Charles spoke movingly about the "horrors and heroism" of the war in South East Asia, where millions of men and women from around the world fought bravely against the Japanese forces. He paid tribute to the bravery of Allied pilots who flew into enemy fire, as well as the soldiers who endured brutal captivity – a stark reminder of the true cost of war.

As he spoke, Charles' voice trembled with emotion as he reflected on the devastating impact of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which claimed the lives of over 200,000 innocent civilians. He prayed that "no nation need ever pay such an immense price again," a poignant reminder of the ongoing global threat of nuclear conflict.

V-J Day: A Brief History

Princes George (left) and Louis appeared deep in conversation as Louis looked up at his older brother during the car journey

For those who may not be familiar with V-J Day, it marked the end of World War II in Asia and the Pacific, following Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945. The war claimed an estimated 20 million lives, including over 90,000 British troops who fought bravely against the Japanese forces.

As Charles reflected on this pivotal moment in history, he acknowledged the "mental and physical scars" that many of those who survived left behind – a poignant reminder of the ongoing impact of conflict on individuals and communities.

The Prince and Princess of Wales' Message

Prince George scored the middle seat in the family's Range Rover, so he was sat right between William and Kate

In a heartfelt message posted on social media, William and Kate paid tribute to the "courage, sacrifice, and resilience" of V-J Day heroes. They signed their names with an affectionate "W & C," a touching gesture that speaks volumes about their commitment to honoring the past while guiding our future.

As we reflect on this pivotal moment in history, it's clear that Charles' emotional tribute was just one part of a larger effort to remember and honor those who fought bravely against the Japanese forces. And as for Kate's new hairdo? Well, let's just say she looks absolutely stunning – but more importantly, her style is always on point!

In related news:

King Charles and Queen Camilla were also seen heading to the Sunday church service

  • The royal family will be observing a two-minute silence at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral to mark V-J Day.
  • King Charles III has announced plans to lead the national commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
  • A special flypast by the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will take place during the commemoration service.

Stay tuned for more updates from The Scholarly Note – your premier source for all things royal and beyond!

Sources:

The monarch officially began his annual summer residency in Balmoral, a tradition the Royal Family has upheld for decades, and is joined by other members of the family

  • [The Scholarly Note] - "Kate Middleton's New Hairdo Steals the Show at Balmoral"
  • [The Scholarly Note] - "King Charles III Pays Emotional Tribute to V-J Day Heroes"

At one point, the King and Queen rolled down their window slightly and Queen Camilla appeared to look directly at the camera whilst the monarch was in the middle of a sentence

The Princess Royal was also driven to the church service at Cathie Kirk, and was seen smiling in the car on the way there

Queen Camilla, 78, was seen wearing a hat with a jaunty feather and a multicoloured print dress, as well as a large cream shawl draped over her shoulder to keep her warm

The Duke of Edinburgh seen leaving after the church service on Sunday, August 24

A pensive prince! George appears lost in his thoughts on the drive back from Crathie Kirk

Princess Anne, 75, was dressed in the most colourful ensemble of the whole family, wearing a turquoise blouse with a large collar, as well as a matching jacket and hat