A few months ago, many believed she had dyed her hair blonde. This week, however, she debuted something entirely different — at least as far as the public knows. During a royal engagement, the Princess of Wales stepped out with her hair styled in a plait, and fans couldn’t stop talking about it.

A style icon who still surprises

Kate Middleton has long been admired for her fashion sense and polished appearance. Yet even after years in the spotlight, she continues to catch royal fans off guard. Last September, when photographers captured Kate walking through the Natural History Museum gardens with Prince William, her hair appeared noticeably lighter. Many assumed she had changed her hair color, but the reality was far simpler.

Later, while attending the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall, Kate chatted with actress Su Pollard, who remarked, “I like your hair, it looks a lot lighter.” According to Hello Magazine, Kate replied, “It used to be brown, but it’s gone light in the sunshine.”

Sun, sea, and a natural transformation