You May Need To Sit Down Before You See Kate Middleton’s New Hair Color—We’re Stunned!

Kate Middleton has enjoyed a bright and glossy brunette hair coloring over the past several months, but to usher in the new year and the cold winter months the 40-year-old royal took a trip to the salon to try out a darker, uber shiny look. Straying from the long and flowing, perfectly coiffed curls she wore for her birthday photoshoot, January called for a shorter cut for Middleton as well.

To celebrate her 40th birthday, the Duchess posed for three vintage-looking portraits taken by photographer Paolo Roversi. In the stunning images, Middleton was the picture of classic beauty with long and loose curls flowing down her back, and a minimal touch of makeup to her doll-like features. 

Following the portraits, Middleton and Prince William stepped out for the first time in 2022 with the Duchess debuting a fresh cut and blowout, complete with a darker coloring to compliment her fair skin. Of the new look, London-based hairstylist Daniel Galvin Jr. told PEOPLE magazine, “She always chooses a look that really suits her, a look that she feels confident with and she looks radiant.”

Middleton paired her fresh cut with a long, blue coat and wide leg black trousers for a sophisticated and chic feel. The 40-year-old also rocked a black turtleneck which is undeniably one of the biggest trends of this winter so far, proving she has her finger on the fashion pulse even inside the monarchy.

While her new hair is hardly the most dramatic change, it certainly flatters her features and classic style which she has maintained for the many years that she’s remained in the spotlight. We love the curly look, but a fresh, bouncy blowout never gets old.