Kate Middleton Accidentally Reveals Her Natural ‘Chemo’ Hair as Rain Spoils Royal Outing
On July 2, Kate Middleton visited the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, where she opened up about her painful journey with cancer. The Princess of Wales was there to promote the healing power of nature in supporting physical, mental, and emotional health. Now in remission following her 2024 diagnosis, she marked the occasion by planting 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants, donated to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. For the visit, Middleton paired her outfit with brown slacks, which she rolled up as she got her hands and feet muddy. However, it is her hair that caught the attention of royal watchers. As the rain started pouring, it revealed her natural 'chemo' hair.
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According to Inquisitr, while the Princess had styled her hair neatly for the event, the rain left her locks frizzy and flat, revealing her natural curls. Her current hair is reportedly a result of the chemotherapy she underwent during her cancer treatment. Middleton has embraced her post-treatment natural curls. While she previously had straight hair, it’s common for hair regrowth after chemo to change in texture drastically as a lasting side effect.
Hair expert Nicole Petty explained to Hello! magazine, "While not all hair textures will change as a result of cancer treatments, it's not uncommon to see some differences in how your hair behaves. People may go from having straight hair their whole life to curly hair, known as 'chemo curls'. This is because the chemotherapy chemicals can attack not only your cancer cells but also your hair follicle cells, causing them to change." Petty also revealed that Cancer Research UK recommends that cancer patients look into vegetable-based hair dyes, such as henna, as a gentler alternative to traditional dyes.
While the Princess of Wales appears to be embracing her natural curls post-treatment, Petty opines that her new texture might not last forever. She explained, "It usually takes between 6-12 months for hair to return to its original texture, though some will have their new texture permanently." Presently, her hair appears to be a natural mid-brown shade, as it is generally not advisable to dye the regrown hair after chemo. In the past, Middleton has experimented with hair colors such as blonde highlights and darker glossier hues.
Middleton's visit to the RHS well-being centre also saw her candidly speak about her emotional journey with cancer and recovery. As reported by People magazine, she shared, "You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult." The Princess added, "You are not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you are not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to." Her visit to the garden came shortly after she unexpectedly pulled out of Royal Ascot on June 17, to reportedly 'balance' her recovery with royal duties.