Princess Kate returned to her royal duties with Prince William, sparking debate over her blond hair as Diana’s ex-stylist defended her

The Princess of Wales stepped back into the public eye Thursday with a visit to London’s Natural History Museum, marking her return to official duties alongside Prince William.

Her appearance drew praise for her polished look, but also ignited heated debate online over her noticeably lighter hairstyle.

Kate arrived in a tailored blazer, her hair styled in soft waves with a brighter blond tone, after Prince Harry “crossed the line.”

While many fans admired the refreshed look, others criticized it, sparking a strong defense from one of the fashion world’s most celebrated stylists.

“I am shocked, horrified, dismayed and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today,” wrote Sam McKnight, Princess Diana’s longtime hairstylist, in an Instagram post.”A woman’s hair is very personal to her, its armour, defence, confidence, and so much more.”

McKnight, who has worked with stars such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Lady Gaga, said the tone of the criticism was “evil and lacking in any kind of empathy.”

He noted that many of the remarks came from other women, targeting “a vulnerable other young woman, who has no choice, by dint of who she married and the role she took on, to bravely face the public.”

The hairstylist praised Catherine’s approach to her role despite ongoing health challenges.

“A woman’s hair is very personal to her, its armour, defence, confidence, and so much more.”

McKnight, who has worked with stars such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Lady Gaga, said the tone of the criticism was “evil and lacking in any kind of empathy.”

He noted that many of the remarks came from other women, targeting “a vulnerable other young woman, who has no choice, by dint of who she married and the role she took on, to bravely face the public.”

The hairstylist praised Catherine’s approach to her role despite ongoing health challenges.

“I’m sure she would rather be away from the public arena,” he added.

“She has brilliantly and quietly, unselfishly represented our country, the soft power we still have as a nation. Cancer affects individuals differently, but [it] is life-changing for everyone. So [expletive] leave her alone. Shame on you.”

McKnight’s comments quickly drew support from his followers.

“Well said Sam, she looks beautiful. Shame on those being cruel,” one wrote.

Another commented, “I think these words have real meaning coming from you. Catherine looked absolutely beautiful today. She always does. I cannot imagine what it’s like living with that level of scrutiny. She is a class act.”

McKnight’s perspective carries weight not just for his celebrity clientele but also for his history with the late Princess Diana.

In a 2022 interview with Vogue, he recalled how even subtle adjustments to Diana’s look could dominate headlines.

“Big [hair] changes created too much press attention — even if you changed her parting to the side, it would hit the press,” he said.