Princess Catherine Middleton and Prince William | Source: Getty Images
In a touching moment, Catherine Middleton, who was last seen in September 2024 attending a church service, embraced a young cancer-stricken photographer during her engagement at Windsor Castle on October 2, 2024. The encounter had fans noticing the striking difference in their hair, sparking online discussions.
A fan comments on Princess Catherine Middleton’s hair as she embraces Liz Hatton, from an X post dated October 2, 2024 | Source: X/Foreman13Marcy
Liz Hatton, 16, who is battling a rare and aggressive tumor, was photographed with her hair cut short. She smiled as she posed for a picture with the princess and Prince William, alongside her family who accompanied her.
Princess Catherine Middleton, Prince William, Liz Hatton, and her family members, from an Instagram post dated October 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales/
Liz and Catherine shared a warm hug in a photo posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media, highlighting the noticeable difference in their hair, despite both sharing something in common—their battle with cancer. This interaction marked Princess Catherine’s first photographed public engagement since she resumed royal duties.
As Princess Catherine Middleton was pictured offering support to the photographer, one comment took a different tone,
saying, “A hug that says ‘look at my healthy color-treated hair’ will speak volumes. IJS 🤔.”
Catherine, Princess of Waleson day fourteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2024 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England, on July 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Many of these comments were critical and probing as a skeptical observer asked,
“How did Catherine not lose any hair after chemo?”
and another cynically pointed out,
“How come that all the real cancer patients are without hair on their head and your hair is longer and longer?!”
Catherine, Princess of Wales attending the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, on November 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
One even questioned, “Why is her head so big?”
Other comments on Catherine’s recent appearance were a mix of admiration for her hair and beauty.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrives to Horse Guards Parade for the King’s Birthday Parade “Trooping the Colour” in London on June 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One fan gushed, “Catherine looks stunning 😍,”
while another was in awe, writing, “Kate’s hair! Wow!”
Others couldn’t help but wonder,
“Has kate got extensions? My goodness her hair has grown [sic].”
Catherine, Princess of Wales chats with well-wishers after attending the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another admirer expressed,
“Catherine, it’s so great to see you looking so healthy and beautiful ❤️🥹,”
while a similar comment noted,
“Her hair is so beautiful but more than that I’m glad to see her out and about❤️.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, officially opens the new Children’s Day Surgery Unit in London, United Kingdom on December 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Nevertheless, this appearance, which has sparked many reactions, is a rare one for Catherine as she has largely stayed out of the spotlight this year. The Palace has previously stated that it is currently uncertain whether the princess is cancer-free, even after completing her chemotherapy treatment.
Regardless, Catherine was happy to have met Liz as she and William penned
in a post on Instagram, “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. ❤️ W&C.” Prince William
learned about Liz through his role with the London Air Ambulance Charity. He then gave her a chance to photograph an investiture at Windsor Castle, which included cyclist Mark Cavendish and former footballer Ally McCoist.
Following the photo session, the royal couple held a private meeting with Liz and her family. Liz gushed
about this meeting on her Instagram stories, “Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience.”
Liz Hatton speaks after her meeting with Princess Catherine Middleton and Prince William on her Instagram stories on October 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/stories/lizhatton_photography/
While Catherine’s appearance and interaction with Liz were highly significant, it was clear that her hair was the focus of much online discussion. Fans have speculated whether Catherine’s mane featured extensions and their suspicions may be valid.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends a SportsAid mental fitness workshop to mark World Mental Health Day in Marlow, England, on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Lisa Richards from the NYC salon at 45 Rockefeller Plaza and founder of the RPZL team confirmed that the Princess of Wales has
worn their brand’s extensions. Even so, it remains unclear when, as Catherine has never addressed this topic.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham, England, on October 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Stylists have also weighed in on Catherine’s signature hair, which remains a rich brunette and is usually styled just past the shoulders with long layers and sleek waves.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, reacts as she participates in a series of workshops that focus on emotions, relationships, and community action in Birmingham, England, on October 10, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
This timeless look shows that a classic hairstyle can be just as glamorous, and arguably more regal than constantly changing up one’s appearance.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at Royal Albert Hall in London, England, on February 10, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Spoke & Weal’s master stylist and cut director Lindsay Victoria praised the princess’s hair, “The common denominator throughout the years of Kate’s style is shiny, healthy, and full hair.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives to officially opens The Young V&A at V&A Museum Of Childhood in London, England, on June 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Feverfew Salon in Los Angeles also chimed in, “Kate is a great example of timeless beauty. Classic cuts never go out of style. Just cause it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s boring.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, holds hands with a guest on her visit to the Foundling Museum in London, England, on May 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
While her presence at Windsor Castle marked her first photographed royal engagement since completing chemotherapy, it wasn’t her first public appearance.
As we previously reported, after weeks of absence, Catherine returned to the public eye in September 2024, attending a church service alongside William.
The princess made her highly anticipated return to the public eye after completing chemotherapy. The 42-year-old royal was spotted attending a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk Church, located near Balmoral Castle in Scotland, which earned mixed reactions from observers.
A fan comment posted on September 22, 2024 | Source: Facebook/DailyMail
Accompanied by William, Catherine was seen sitting in the passenger seat of their car. She offered a brief but warm smile as William dutifully drove them to the service. Dressed in her signature style, the beloved Princess of Wales looked beautiful in a dark brown
Suffolk fedora decorated with feathers.
Her chic brown tartan checked coat made a graceful yet understated entrance. William, equally polished, opted for a sharp dark suit for the occasion. Also in attendance were King Charles and Queen Camilla, arriving separately in their own vehicles.
As news of Catherine’s public appearance spread, social media was flooded with reactions. Some users were perplexed. ”
Doesn’t look like her,” one user skeptically posted.
Another chimed in, “Doesn’t look like Kate,”
followed by a third writing,
“Doesn’t even look like.”
Someone else recalled seeing her at Wimbledon not long ago, confidently
noting,
“She look very well at the Tennis a few weeks ago!! [sic]”
Amidst the skepticism, Catherine received a flood of positive messages. One fan applauded her for making time for her faith,
writing, ”
I love that she is going to church and she is thinking at her soul too.”
A fan comment dated September 22, 2024 | Source: X/Voiceoftru62364
Another admirer praised her resilience,
“Strength and grace in every step.”
And heartfelt encouragement flowed, with one user
penning, “Good on you Kate, happy for beautiful soul [sic].”
Comments of joy and relief continued, “I’m so happy for her,”
and “I’m happy that she is feeling better.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Catherine’s strength has clearly inspired many.
Following her recent return to public life, the Princess of Wales has wasted no time in resuming her royal duties and getting back to what she’s passionate about—early childhood development.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, interacts with children during her visit to Foxcubs Nursery on January 18, 2023, in Luton, England. | Source: Getty Images
Her first public engagement, which appeared in the Court Circular, was a meeting at Windsor Castle. The entry, published by The Telegraph, stated, “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales meets with the Early Years Advisory Group at Windsor Castle on January 25, 2023, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
She was joined by her dedicated team from the Centre for Early Childhood and Kensington Palace staff, discussing the project closest to her heart.
Catherine helps feed a lamb with children from two local nurseries during a visit to The Ark Open Farm on February 12, 2020, in Newtownards, Northern Ireland. | Source: Getty Images
It was a quiet but powerful step as she eased back into her role with “a handful” of engagements over the coming months. This marked the first official record of her activities this year since stepping back from public life to undergo major abdominal surgery and cancer treatment.