Catherine’s cancer diagnosis in March sent shockwaves through the public and media alike, as many wondered how her treatment might affect her physically—particularly her iconic hair, which has become a signature aspect of her royal persona. Rumors quickly began circulating, with some speculating that she had cut her long locks or that her hair had thinned as a result of the chemotherapy. These potential changes were seen as a significant shift for the Princess of Wales, and fans anxiously awaited her next public appearance to see how she would emerge.

When Catherine stepped out for the first time since her diagnosis at the Trooping the Colour ceremony in June, those concerns were laid to rest. Her signature silky, bouncy hair cascaded elegantly over her shoulders, looking as radiant as ever. Fans were overjoyed to see that her iconic hairstyle, a symbol of her grace and poise, had not visibly changed. Subsequent appearances, including her presence at Wimbledon in July and her outing at Crathie Kirk Church, further confirmed that Catherine’s hair remained full of vitality, a comforting sight for her admirers.

Catherine’s hairstyle has become synonymous with her polished royal image, but she has not been afraid to experiment with different looks in the past. In 2017, she surprised fans with a chic bob haircut that fell just below her shoulders—a sleek and sophisticated departure from her usual bouncy blow-dry. The shorter style drew positive attention when she appeared at Wimbledon that year, where fans praised her for the voluminous and fresh look.

The fascination with Catherine’s hair has often led to speculation about whether she enhances her natural locks with extensions. However, celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton, who has styled the likes of Kim Kardashian, confidently dispelled these rumors, saying in an interview, “She’s got great hair, she always has. I can tell by the ends of her hair that they’re not extensions; they have a softness to them, and they’re split in places.”

Much of the magic behind Catherine’s flawless hair can be attributed to her longtime hair stylist, Amanda Cook Tucker, who has been responsible for many of the Princess’s most iconic looks. Cook Tucker famously shared a glimpse into the extensive hair care routine required for Catherine’s royal appearances when she posted a photo of her travel kit ahead of a 2018 tour of Norway and Sweden. The kit included 13 brushes, seven combs, two hair dryers, and an array of styling products like Charles Worthington mousse and L’Oreal Elnett hairspray.

Interestingly, Catherine’s hair journey hasn’t always been about maintaining her signature brunette locks. Childhood photos of her during the time her family lived in Jordan reveal a young girl with bright blonde hair. The Middleton family’s three-year stay in Jordan, where the sun-kissed climate likely contributed to her lighter hair color, offers a stark contrast to her current look.

As Catherine continues her battle with cancer, her public appearances, including her unchanged iconic hairstyle, have been a source of comfort for many of her supporters. The resilience she has shown in balancing her royal duties with her personal health battle only adds to the deep admiration the public holds for her. While her health remains the top priority, her ability to inspire through both her style and strength serves as a beacon of hope to many who follow her journey closely.