Princess Kate has finally addressed the growing buzz around her ever-changing hair colour, after months of fans debating whether she has quietly swapped her iconic brunette for a golden makeover.

The Princess of Wales sparked confusion earlier this year when she returned from her summer break with noticeably blonde locks, only to switch back to a deeper brunette shortly after. But in recent appearances, she has once again stepped out looking softly sun-kissed.

According to the Daily Mail, Kate let the truth slip during a backstage chat with actress Su Pollard at the Royal Variety Performance on November 19 — her first attendance at the event in two years, alongside Prince William. Wearing a striking green velvet bodycon gown, she stunned on the red carpet as Su complimented her lighter hair. Kate laughed as she explained that it “used to be brown, but it’s gone light in the sunshine.”

It seems her summer of sailing around the Greek islands aboard a superyacht with her family left more than memories — it left a natural highlight only sunshine can create.

But it wasn’t just her hair turning heads. Royal fans quickly noticed the glittering diamond earrings she paired with her gown. Jewellery expert Nilesh Rakholia identified them as the Greville Chandelier Earrings, a breathtaking piece featuring 16 diamonds of various cuts — baguette, baton, emerald, pear, half-moon and square — earning them the reputation of a “lexicon of modern diamond cutting.”

The earrings hold deep royal significance. Originally belonging to Margaret Greville, they were gifted to the Queen Mother before being passed down to Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day. And Kate chose to bring them out on the eve of what would have been the late Queen and Prince Philip’s 78th wedding anniversary — a subtle, emotional nod to both of them.

A touch of sunshine in her hair, a whisper of history in her jewels — Princess Kate’s look carried far more meaning than fans first realised.