The Princess of Wales appeared radiant alongside Prince William as they visited the Natural History Museum in London today, marking their return to royal duties after enjoying a summer hiatus, which reportedly featured a yacht journey to Greece.

Kate, 43, with a background in art history from university, has been an advocate of the museum since 2013. Her appearance today highlighted her sun-kissed, newly blonde hair, reflecting her time spent in the sun.

Prince William also showed signs of a tan as the couple enjoyed a day out in the city, following their customary summer retreat. This year’s break included a voyage on their superyacht around Kefalonia and the Greek islands.

Kate’s hair, now dyed a few shades lighter, complemented her elegant outfit—a fitted Ralph Lauren tweed jacket, white blouse, smart dark green tailored trousers, and brown flats.

Her hair styled in soft waves, the princess chose a natural makeup look and accessorized with an alphabet necklace by Daniella Draper, engraved with the initials of her three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Their visit today commenced the couple’s ‘autumn term,’ as they explored the newly revamped museum gardens and engaged with children and youth participating in educational programs.

As they arrived at the venue, the supportive Prince was seen placing a hand on his wife’s back, making for a sweet display of affection. 

The princess appeared firmly in her element as she laughed with school pupils as it began to pour with rain during their time in the gardens – even sweetly helping one child to shelter under her umbrella. 

Kate and William, also 43, were shown how cutting-edge technology is being used around the garden for conservation and research biodiversity projects. 

These include a network of sensors, which collect environmental data to give a picture of life in the gardens. 

At one point, the Princess was seen smiling as she took shelter from the rain under a black umbrella.  

Elsewhere during their visit, they school pupils from Lewisham for a pond-dipping session, before meeting students from Manchester who have been creating new habitats in their school grounds through the National Education Nature Park programme. 

This trailblazing education programme, led by the Museum working with the RHS and commissioned by the Department for Education, has seen more than 7,500 schools, colleges and nurseries getting involved so far, and is inspiring action in young people by developing their connection with nature. 

The gardens and National Education Nature Park programme are part of the Natural History Museum’s ambitious Urban Nature Movement, an initiative which aims to help people feel more connected to nature and more confident in their ability to protect it. 

It’s a cause clearly close to both of their hearts, as Kate is currently spearheading her ‘Mother Nature’ project to highlight humanity’s connection to the natural world, while William’s annual Earthshot Prize has reaffirmed the couple’s commitment to tackle the world’s biggest climate challenges. 

The Princess has spoken in depth about how she turned to nature as a source of comfort and solace during her cancer diagnosis last year, even calling it her ‘sanctuary’ in a video released in May to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. 

Kate said at the time: ‘Over the past year, nature has been my sanctuary.

‘The natural world’s capacity to inspire us, to nurture us and help us heal and grow is boundless and has been understood for generations.

‘It is through nature, that we can fully understand the true interconnectedness of all things, the importance of balance and the importance of renewal and resilience. Connecting to nature helps us to experience a deeper sense of ourselves, the world around us, and each other.’

In a follow-up video titled ‘Summer’ released last month, Kate again released a personal message about her connection with nature. 

She said: ‘Our lives flourish when we cherish the bonds of love and friendship. It has never been more important to appreciate the value of one another, and of Mother Nature. Here’s to Summer. C’.  

In 2019, Her Royal Highness launched the ‘Back to Nature’ garden at the Chelsea Flower Show to spotlight the power of nature in enriching early childhood development. The Princess has also had a longtime relationship with the Scouts which focuses on enabling children and young people to experience the outdoors and natural world. 

The gardens first opened in July 2024 and are intended to serve as a ‘living laboratory’, where visitors and scientists can monitor wildlife in an urban environment. 

Since then, they have welcomed more than five million visitors – and hope the space will encourage young people to take positive action for nature and spend more time in nature through hands-on activities. 

According to the museum, visitors have reported feelings of enhanced wellbeing after spending time in the gardens. 

In 2021, The Princess spent time at the Museum while they were in the early stages of development for the Urban Nature Project – hearing how work was underway to transform the Natural History Museum gardens into a cutting-edge research centre and outdoor classrooms. 

The year before, she visited the attraction once again and said it was ‘wonderful to be back’ at the reopened museum. 

In a video clip, she explained: ‘It’s so wonderful to be back at the re-opened Natural History Museum where we can all enjoy it’s treasures once again.

‘I’m here because tomorrow night, I’m announcing the 56th Wildlife Photographer of the Year.’

South Kensington’s museum district – usually a tourist and school holiday hotspot in London – had been closed for months during the coronavirus lockdown. 

This year, the Wales family were reported to have spent time sailing around the Greek islands during their summer break in July.

At the time, the royals were said to have headed south in the Ionian sea from Kefalonia, to another island, Zakynthos and were said to have borrowed a $40million superyacht called Almax for their trip.

After dropping anchor some distance from shore, it was then said Prince George had fancied something off the menu, though sources have remained tight-lipped about details. 

A source said at the time: ‘George required a specific dietary item which led to the tender going ashore in Zakynthos to purchase it. Nothing extravagant, just something particular.’ 

A week beforehand, the Daily Mail revealed that a retired civil servant spotted some of the royal party – Kate, Charlotte and Louis – on their superyacht off the coast of Ithaca, a tiny island 25 minutes by ferry from Kefalonia.

Penelope Likoudi, 64, was swimming in secluded Mavrouna Bay when she came within 30 metres (100ft) of the yacht.

‘Kate was standing on the top level with Charlotte and Louis,’ she said. ‘There was an older lady next to them, possibly Kate’s mother, but I wasn’t able to see her well.

‘I literally shivered with excitement. I was shocked, I couldn’t believe it. Now I wish I’d called out hello to them. But I didn’t, I got starstruck and couldn’t get the words out.

‘There was no sign of William or George though.’

The Daily Mail has learned that not once during the sailing trip did the royals set foot on any of the islands.

It is thought to have been considered but quickly ruled out because of security concerns. Instead the royals made good use of a platform that transforms the stern hatch into a private beach area, where they swam and played on inflatables and paddleboards.

It was rumoured at the time that the Prince and Princess of Wales had been joined by Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton – although this has not been confirmed. 

The couple were reported to have touched down in a private jet, before being whisked away in a convoy of vehicles with tinted windows.

Prior to taking time out from the public eye for the summer, Kate’s last official engagements included attending Wimbledon tennis tournament and visiting the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in July. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined King Charles and Queen Camilla to spend time at Balmoral during their summer break. 

Kate was last seen publicly when she attended the traditional Sunday service at Crathie Kirk during their stay. 

The royal mother-of-three was in the passenger seat as William drove to the service, while their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were in the backseat. 

The princess appeared to have coloured her hair a few shades lighter as her cascading tresses looked more blonde than ever before. 

William, appearing a calm and collected driver, looked smart in a suit and tie as he sat behind the wheel.

Meanwhile, Kate was the picture of elegance in a black hat with a structured bow, a textured jacket and a maroon top as she smiled in the passenger seat next to William.

Charlotte, 10, gazed out the car window with a curious expression on her face, her hair tied up neatly so it stayed out of her face. She was wearing a cream cardigan over a polka dot dress – her mother Kate’s favourite print.

During the drive, it appeared Prince George, 11, was deep in conversation with Prince Louis, seven, whose eyes were large as he looked up at his big brother.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, experts claimed that the mother-of-three’s blonder locks may also be the result of spending more time in the sun than usual. 

Sarah Gadsdon, a freelance stylist, told the Daily Mail: ‘After a sun-soaked holiday in Greece, Kate returned not only with a refreshed spirit but also with naturally lightened hair. 

‘The combination of sea air, sunshine, and saltwater had gently lifted her hair to a softer shade – creating the perfect starting point for her next salon visit.’

Sarah believes that Kate’s naturally lightened hair led her hairdresser to ‘see an opportunity’ to go a few shades blonder – as it required ‘less chemical processing’ to do so. 

On a trip to Tobermory back in April, Kate was also seen with the lighter look, instead of her usual dark brunette.  

Sarah added: ‘As Kate embraces the natural changes that come with aging, such as the increasing presence of grey strands, she’s made a thoughtful shift in her hair colour strategy. 

‘Rather than covering greys with darker dyes – which often require more frequent maintenance- she’s opted for a lighter, blended tone. This approach not only gives her hair a softer, more natural appearance but also helps camouflage greys in a subtle, low-maintenance way.

‘Thanks to her time in the Greek sun, Kate has found a new, more effortless hair colour that flatters her features, respects the health of her hair, and celebrates the beauty of aging with confidence.’