On July 2, Kate Middleton made a poignant public appearance at the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, where she reflected on her personal journey with cancer.
The Princess of Wales, currently in remission after being diagnosed earlier in 2024, used the visit to highlight the therapeutic impact of nature on mental, emotional, and physical health.
In honor of the occasion, she planted 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ bushes, a gift to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, while wearing rolled-up brown trousers and happily getting her hands dirty in the soil. But what truly drew attention from royal watchers wasn’t her outfit—it was her hair, subtly revealing a more personal change.
Her Hair Reveals the Effects of Chemotherapy
Though Kate had styled her hair neatly for the event, the rain exposed its new texture—frizzy and flat with gentle curls, a shift from her usual sleek look. These changes are reportedly due to chemotherapy, which can sometimes lead to a condition called “chemo curls.” Middleton, who used to have straight hair, now appears to be embracing her naturally regrown curls.
According to *Inquisitr*, her current hair texture and color are believed to be the result of her recent cancer treatment, a common side effect many survivors experience.
Expert Insights on “Chemo Curls” and Hair Regrowth
Hair expert Nicole Petty spoke with *Hello!* magazine about this phenomenon. “While not all hair types will change due to chemotherapy, it’s quite common to notice shifts in how your hair behaves after treatment,” she explained.
“Someone who’s had straight hair for years might suddenly find themselves with curls—that’s what we call chemo curls. This occurs because the chemotherapy drugs not only affect cancer cells but also impact the hair follicle, potentially changing its structure.”
Petty also mentioned that for those looking to color their hair post-chemo, gentler alternatives like vegetable-based dyes such as henna are often recommended. Traditional dyes can be too harsh for fragile regrowth.
While Kate seems comfortable with her new look, experts say the texture might not be permanent. “It usually takes about six to twelve months for hair to return to its natural form, but in some cases, the changes can be lasting,” Petty added.
For now, Kate’s hair appears to be a soft mid-brown color—likely her natural shade, as most doctors advise against coloring hair too soon after treatment. In the past, the Princess has experimented with both blonde highlights and deep brunette hues, but she now seems to be keeping it natural.
Beyond the physical transformation, Kate also opened up emotionally during the visit. As reported by People, she reflected on how difficult the post-treatment phase has been. “You put on a brave face and show resilience throughout the treatment,” she said. “Then, when treatment ends, there’s an expectation that you’ll bounce back to normal. But in truth, the phase afterward is incredibly hard.”
She elaborated further: “You’re no longer under the direct care of a clinical team, but you also can’t function the way you did before. That gap can feel very isolating.”
Her appearance at Colchester Hospital came not long after she unexpectedly withdrew from Royal Ascot on June 17. Reports suggested that the decision was made to help her manage her health and balance recovery with her return to royal duties.
A Powerful Message of Healing and Acceptance
Kate Middleton’s visit was not just about her royal duties—it was a moment of raw honesty and resilience. By allowing the world to see her post-chemo curls and speaking openly about her journey, the Princess of Wales offered a powerful message about strength, healing, and accepting change after illness.