Hair to stay! Princess of Wales shows off new caramel-blonde tresses as experts say it's the 'perfect transitional shade for autumn'

The Princess of Wales appears to have debuted caramel-blonde highlights during today's joint engagement with Prince William.

Days after she dropped Prince George off at Eton College in a big milestone for the family, Catherine, 44, made a surprise visit to Everton's stadium in Liverpool to support the launch of her husband’s suicide prevention toolkit.

Catherine's hair looked visibly lighter, possibly as a result of a subtle golden balayage when a stylist 'paints' the hair directly without using foils.

The technique results in a softer, more natural finish that requires less maintenance, with experts previously telling the Daily Mail the look feels like a 'natural evolution' of the princess's caramel highlights from seven years ago.

In September 2019, Catherine 'experimented with caramel tones that softened her natural tresses' as she revealed her new hair while taking Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Thomas's Battersea for their first day of school.

While going darker feels like the natural choice for the colder months, the caramel-blonde is actually the 'perfect transitional shade' for autumn, according to Tina Farey, Editorial Director at RUSH HAIR.

'Honey blonde is the perfect way to brighten your hair for the colder months and add a glow to your complexion,' she told the Daily Mail.

'The placement of lighter pieces has been blended throughout the top of her hair and around her face for a multi-dimensional finish, adding depth and framing her face beautifully,' Ms Farey continued, adding the loose waves 'amplify texture and movement'.

The Princess of Wales appears to have debuted honey-blonde highlights during today's joint engagement with Prince William

Catherine's hair looked visibly lighter, possibly as a result of a subtle golden balayage when a stylist 'paints' the hair directly without using foils

While Prince William was due to host the occasion solo, it was later decided that Kate would also attend today's engagement - marking their first joint royal event since their summer break and the return of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the UK. 

The future king teamed up with stars including England captain Harry Kane, F1's George Russell, footballer Alan Shearer and cycling stars Sir Jason and Dame Laura Kenny to create the new On Your Side 'toolkit'.

The practical guide enables people to spot the warning signs better, as well as build knowledge and confidence to offer more timely support.

To launch the initiative, the Prince of Wales was joined by representatives from across the sports world and well-known figures including Dame Kelly Holmes, Gabby Logan, Campbell Hatton and Jill Scott at Hill Dickinson Stadium today.

Kate matched William, who wore a navy suit and tie, in a light blue blazer and coordinating trousers from Edeline Lee, teamed with a white blouse to pay homage to Everton's home colours. She also sported her £185 Laura Lombardi Portrait chain necklace.

Their outing comes after the King ruled out any role for Prince Harry and his wife Meghan within the Royal Family after they moved back to Britain from the US two weeks ago.

In a letter, the monarch told more than 100 'senior stakeholders' across the country that his son and daughter-in-law are not working royals, with a reminder that their HRH titles remain on ice.

Kate has typically favoured darker, chestnut hair. She is seen here in 2012 

The Princess of Wales has made a surprise visit to Everton's stadium in Liverpool to support the launch of her husband’s suicide prevention toolkit

The Princess looked typically elegant in a blue ensemble, teamed with a gold chain necklace

William's initiative is the result of a collaboration between his charitable arm, The Royal Foundation, the British Standards Institution and the charity Chasing the Stigma. Pictured, Kate and William, centre

The Prince and Princess of Wales pictured inside the Everton locker room

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess said they were 'surprised' by the King's unprecedented letter in a statement issued to the media, claiming the couple had not been told about it in advance.

Palace sources told the Daily Mail that this is 'incorrect', insisting Harry and Meghan had received the letter before it was released publicly. However, they were not consulted on its contents.

The Palace made the point the letter was in full accordance with the Sussexes' stated wish to remain 'private citizens while in the UK' and in keeping with the 'Sandringham Summit' agreement of 2020, after which the couple set up a new life in the US.

This prompted a jaw-dropping briefing to the Telegraph, which read: 'The Duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that the couple were to be treated as private citizens. If that were the case, it was claimed, such formal guidance would not be required.

'The Sussexes prefer the term "public figures", and would have liked an acknowledgement that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding.' Buckingham Palace declined to comment, feeling the letter is sufficient. 

Earlier this week, Kate and William, both 44, accompanied their eldest son on his first day of school at Eton College. 

They travelled with their son the short distance from their home, Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, to the renowned private school, which has educated a string of prime ministers and Hollywood stars.

George is following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, the Duke of Sussex, who both attended the college, located just across the River Thames from Windsor Castle in the town of Eton.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support