>
Kate Middleton debuted a new lighter hairstyle today as she stepped out in Windsor alongside Prince William for a surprise joint engagement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, 40, took to Windsor to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen, who died in Balmoral on Thursday, aged 96.
During the engagement, they were joined by Prince Harry, 37, and Meghan Markle, 41, marking the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown.
The royal mother-of-three was dressed in a black midi dress for the occasion, wearing her brunette locks, which had appeared to have been highlighted with a lighter colour, down her back.
Just last month, the then-Duchess of Cambridge was seen at the Commonwealth Games with significantly darker coloured locks.
Kate Middleton debuted a new lighter hairstyle today as she stepped out in Windsor alongside Prince William for a surprise joint engagement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Just last month, the then-Duchess of Cambridge was seen at the Commonwealth Games with significantly darker coloured locks
The Princess has often lightened her hair from a darker tone each September, as she returns to royal duty following the summer break.
King Charles III’s warring sons Prince William and Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan all appeared in black at Windsor Castle this evening to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
While the foursome were greeted by applause as they walked through the gates of Windsor Castle together to honour the legacy of Her Majesty, other moments between the British public and the Duchess of Sussex appeared not to run as smoothly.
Tonight’s bombshell marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown.
The Princess has often lightened her hair from a darker tone each September, as she returns to royal duty following the summer break
The royal mother-of-three was dressed in a black midi dress for the occasion, wearing her brunette locks, which had appeared to have been highlighted with a lighter colour, down her back
Harry and Meghan, who sensationally quit frontline duties two years ago to strike out on their own in California and then levied a series of bombshell allegations against The Firm, held hands as they looked at the tributes, with Harry at one point affectionately putting his hand on Meghan’s back.
They were seen pointing at different tributes and discussing them as members of the crowd waved at them.
A Kensington Palace source said that the Prince of Wales invited the Sussexes to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier today.
The Sussexes’ friend and preferred journalist Omid Scobie later claimed on Twitter that the invitation was made at the ’11th hour’. However, hinting that William is prepared to extend Harry an olive branch and work towards melting the ice between them, he declared: ‘It is, without a doubt, a significant moment in the history of the relationship between the two brothers’.
The Princess of Wales, who was spotted chatting to children during the walkabout, showed off a new lighter hairstyle
Earlier today, it was reported Kate has said that she ‘appreciates the history’ associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her ‘own path’
At one moment, a small Paddington Bear was given to William, which he passed on to an aide. He was seen lightly touching Kate’s back at one moment as she crouched down again to speak to a child at the front of the gates.
Kate crouched down at one moment and began speaking to a child who had started to cry. The child stopped crying when Kate approached her.
Meanwhile the Duchess of Sussex was seen being given a close hug by a young girl in the crowd at Windsor Castle.
Meghan walked over to a section of the crowd and approached a teenager, who was seen putting her hand over her mouth in shock. The pair spoke briefly for a few moments and Meghan could be seen assuring her by putting her hand on her shoulder.
The girl then said: ‘Can I have a hug?’ and Meghan was seen nodding, before leaning in and giving her a big hug. The touching moment was filmed by other members in the crowd.
Earlier today, it was reported Kate has said that she ‘appreciates the history’ associated with the role of the Princess of Wales but wants to create her ‘own path’.
A source said the new Princess of Wales ‘appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path’.
The royal source said: ‘The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.
‘The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.’
In his first televised address to the nation since the death of the Queen, King Charles III confirmed his son Prince William would inherit his title of the Prince of Wales and his wife Kate would become Princess.
The King said: ‘Today, I am proud to create [William] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty.
‘With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.’