Princess Catherine Middleton and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh | Source: Getty Images
The Princess of Wales was seen at the Festival of Remembrance, an annual event that brings together military personnel, veterans, and civilians to honor lives lost in service.
Princess Catherine Middleton’s appearance at the iconic Royal Albert Hall sparked concern among fans, who noted she looked visibly tired and hoped she was allowing herself time to fully recover.
An online user comments on Catherine, Princess of Wales’ appearance as she attends the annual National Service of Remembrance, from a post dated November 11, 2024 | Source: Facebook/dailymirror
On November 10, 2024, the Royal Family gathered for a poignant evening at
the Festival of Remembrance
. King Charles III, alongside Prince William, Princess Catherine Middleton, and other members of the Royal Family, joined in commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present.
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the annual National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph in London, England, on November 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Pictures of the event were shared online and several fans noticed a change in
Princess Katherine Middleton’s
appearance. They shared heartfelt messages filled with concern and well-wishes. One admirer
observed
,
“She looks like she need [sic]a vacation, like to let loose…Beautiful
👍.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the annual National Service of Remembrance | Source: Getty Images
Another fan was moved by her recent photo,
saying
,
“This is a much nicer shot of her, she’s tired..the treatments have taken there [sic] toll.”
A concerned supporter also
chimed
in,
“Poor thing looks so thin, and in so much makeup. I hope she’s getting stronger everyday [sic].”
Other commenters were empathetic. One of them
wrote
,
“She looks so tired !!”
Catherine, Princess of Wales is seen on November 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Someone else commented on her lack of
strength
,
“You can see it on her face , she is sick , I wish her to recover soon , she’s got the look ❣️ [sic]”
Another observant well-wisher
noted
,
“Thought she looked so poorly and drained today. Sending love and best wishes xxx.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, Prince of Wales attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in London, England | Source: Getty Images
A fan
reflected
on her resilience amid her exhausted appearance,
“Her beauty shines when she smiles, she looked very tired this morning.. she has been through so much and probably needs more time!”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the annual National Service of Remembrance | Source: Getty Images
In a similar tone, one supporter
shared
, “It’s wonderful to see Princess Katherine back, but she still looks tired, she probably needs more time before she devotes time to building up her strength, bless her 🙏”
Lastly, an admirer
echoed
, “Beautiful I thought she looked tired this morning.”
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in London, England, on November 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans concern about Catherine at the Festival of Remembrance stems from her recent battle with cancer. This was an incredibly tough period for her and her family. The Princess of Wales announced in September 2024 that she was cancer-free and was determined to regain her strength. She also vowed to do everything she could to remain cancer-free even as she resumes royal duties.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Prince William, Prince of Wales at the Royal Albert Hall | Source: Getty Images
Organized by the Royal British Legion, the Festival of Remembrance is an annual event that brings together veterans, the royal family, the military, and civilians
to celebrate
those who died in service. This year’s solemn concert featured moving musical performances, reflective readings, and ceremonial tributes.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, King Charles III, and Princess Anne, Princess Royal attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on November 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
It created a powerful atmosphere of respect and gratitude for all those who served and sacrificed. This annual tradition holds a special place in the national calendar, offering a time for reflection and unity in remembrance.
The Royal British Region
noted
that “This year’s Festival of Remembrance commemorated the 80th anniversary of key WW2 battles such as D-Day, marked a decade since UK forces ended combat operations in Afghanistan, and we paid tribute to the children of those that serve in the Armed Forces.”
King Charles
honored the fallen
by laying a wreath at the Cenotaph during the ceremony, paying tribute on behalf of the nation.
Prince William
, Catherine, The Duke of Edinburgh, and representatives for The Queen and The Duke of Kent also laid wreaths in a solemn ceremony of respect and remembrance.
Aside from this appearance, Catherine has been seen in public a couple of times since she was declared cancer-free. In one of these appearances,
Catherine shared a
heartfelt hug with a talented photographer drawing a range of reactions from fans, with many commenting on her healthy hair despite her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.
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
On October 2, 2024, 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 at Windsor Castle.
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 Catherine’s first photographed public engagement since she resumed royal duties.
As Catherine 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 due to her battle with cancer.
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.”
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 and 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.”