Princess Catherine Stuns with Blonde Hair at Crathie Kirk Service – A Royal Family United Amid Deepening Rift

Crathie, Aberdeenshire – August 24, 2025

The Princess of Wales has debuted a striking new look, unveiling noticeably lighter blonde locks as she attended the traditional Sunday service at Crathie Kirk with Prince William and their three children. The public appearance near Balmoral was not only a moment of fashion intrigue but also a subtle message of unity from the Wales family as royal tensions with Prince Harry continue to loom.

A Fresh Look for the Princess

Catherine, long admired for her signature brunette style, turned heads as she was seen smiling in the passenger seat of a black Range Rover, her hair several shades lighter than usual. Prince William drove, while Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were spotted in the back seats.

Observers quickly noticed the transformation, sparking speculation about the reason for the change. A royal insider told the Mirror: “Every summer the Princess of Wales’ hair appears lighter because of the sun.” Still, her glowing appearance added a new dimension to her public image, particularly as she continues her prominent role within the monarchy.

A Royal Show of Unity

The family’s attendance at Crathie Kirk underscored their commitment to royal tradition. The Sunday service, held annually near Balmoral, is a cornerstone of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy and continues to serve as a gathering point for senior royals.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla also attended, arriving separately, alongside Princess Anne. Their presence reinforced the monarchy’s united front, even as divisions within the family persist.

Three Years Since a Royal Olive Branch

It has now been three years since William and Catherine were last pictured walking alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle outside Windsor Castle, following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on September 8, 2022. That joint appearance was hailed as an “olive branch,” yet the fragile reconciliation has since deteriorated.

According to royal commentator Duncan Larcombe, relations are worse than ever:

“There’s no doubt the feud between them is worse than ever. So much has happened, and there has been so much betrayal and fury. The longer they don’t speak, the deeper the feud will get.”

Larcombe noted that the turning point came with Harry and Meghan’s explosive Oprah Winfrey interview, which openly criticized members of the Royal Family. The publication of Harry’s memoir Spare further deepened the rift, with William said to be “furious” over what he perceived as a betrayal of family confidences.

Two Different Paths

While Harry and Meghan have built a new life in California, pursuing media projects and high-profile business deals, William and Catherine have remained firmly focused on duty. In Scotland, they are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, titles they embraced with their children during Sunday’s service.

The contrast between the couples is striking: Harry and Meghan carving out a career independent of the monarchy, while William and Catherine reinforce their roles at the heart of it.

Symbolism in a Hairstyle

Catherine’s blonde transformation may be a seasonal shift, but symbolically it captures something more—renewal, resilience, and reinvention. Her confident appearance beside William sent a clear message: despite ongoing family turmoil, the Prince and Princess of Wales remain steadfast in their royal duties and united as a family.

As the car carrying the Wales family made its way to Crathie Kirk, the Princess of Wales beamed, her new look catching both sunlight and headlines. For many, it was more than a style statement—it was a reminder that even amid strife, the monarchy continues to evolve and endure.