On November 10, 2024, the Royal Family gathered for a poignant evening at the Festival of Remembrance. King Charles III, alongside Prince William, Princess Catherine Middleton, and other members of the Royal Family, joined in commemorating those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present.

Pictures of the event were shared online and several fans noticed a change in Princess Katherine Middleton’s appearance. They shared heartfelt messages filled with concern and well-wishes. One admirer observed, “She looks like she need [sic]a vacation, like to let loose…Beautiful .”

Another fan was moved by her recent photo, saying, “This is a much nicer shot of her, she’s tired..the treatments have taken there [sic] toll.” A concerned supporter also chimed in, “Poor thing looks so thin, and in so much makeup. I hope she’s getting stronger everyday [sic].” Other commenters were empathetic. One of them wrote, “She looks so tired !!”

Someone else commented on her lack of strength, “You can see it on her face , she is sick , I wish her to recover soon , she’s got the look ❣️ [sic]” Another observant well-wisher noted, “Thought she looked so poorly and drained today. Sending love and best wishes xxx.”

A fan reflected on her resilience amid her exhausted appearance, “Her beauty shines when she smiles, she looked very tired this morning.. she has been through so much and probably needs more time!”

In a similar tone, one supporter shared, “It’s wonderful to see Princess Katherine back, but she still looks tired, she probably needs more time before she devotes time to building up her strength, bless her “ Lastly, an admirer echoed, “Beautiful I thought she looked tired this morning.”

Fans concern about Catherine at the Festival of Remembrance stems from her recent battle with cancer. This was an incredibly tough period for her and her family. The Princess of Wales announced in September 2024 that she was cancer-free and was determined to regain her strength. She also vowed to do everything she could to remain cancer-free even as she resumes royal duties.

Organized by the Royal British Legion, the Festival of Remembrance is an annual event that brings together veterans, the royal family, the military, and civilians to celebrate those who died in service. This year’s solemn concert featured moving musical performances, reflective readings, and ceremonial tributes.

It created a powerful atmosphere of respect and gratitude for all those who served and sacrificed. This annual tradition holds a special place in the national calendar, offering a time for reflection and unity in remembrance.

The Royal British Region noted that “This year’s Festival of Remembrance commemorated the 80th anniversary of key WW2 battles such as D-Day, marked a decade since UK forces ended combat operations in Afghanistan, and we paid tribute to the children of those that serve in the Armed Forces.”

King Charles honored the fallen by laying a wreath at the Cenotaph during the ceremony, paying tribute on behalf of the nation. Prince William, Catherine, The Duke of Edinburgh, and representatives for The Queen and The Duke of Kent also laid wreaths in a solemn ceremony of respect and remembrance.

Aside from this appearance, Catherine has been seen in public a couple of times since she was declared cancer-free. In one of these appearances, Catherine shared a heartfelt hug with a talented photographer drawing a range of reactions from fans, with many commenting on her healthy hair despite her cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.

On October 2, 2024, Liz Hatton, 16, who is battling a rare and aggressive tumor, was photographed with her hair cut short. She smiled as she posed for a picture with the princess and Prince William, alongside her family who accompanied her at Windsor Castle.

Liz and Catherine shared a warm hug in a photo posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’s social media, highlighting the noticeable difference in their hair, despite both sharing something in common—their battle with cancer. This interaction marked Catherine’s first photographed public engagement since she resumed royal duties.

As Catherine was pictured offering support to the photographer, one comment took a different tone, saying, “A hug that says ‘look at my healthy color-treated hair’ will speak volumes. IJS .”

Many of these comments were critical and probing as a skeptical observer asked, “How did Catherine not lose any hair after chemo?” and another cynically pointed out, “How come that all the real cancer patients are without hair on their head and your hair is longer and longer?!”

One even questioned, “Why is her head so big?” Other comments on Catherine’s recent appearance were a mix of admiration for her hair and beauty.

One fan gushed, “Catherine looks stunning ,” while another was in awe, writing, “Kate’s hair! Wow!” Others couldn’t help but wonder, “Has kate got extensions? My goodness her hair has grown [sic].”

Another admirer expressed, “Catherine, it’s so great to see you looking so healthy and beautiful ❤️,” while a similar comment noted, “Her hair is so beautiful but more than that I’m glad to see her out and about❤️.”

Nevertheless, this appearance, which has sparked many reactions, is a rare one for Catherine as she has largely stayed out of the spotlight this year due to her battle with cancer.

Regardless, Catherine was happy to have met Liz as she and William penned in a post on Instagram, “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. ❤️ W&C.”

William learned about Liz through his role with the London Air Ambulance Charity. He then gave her a chance to photograph an investiture at Windsor Castle, which included cyclist Mark Cavendish and former footballer Ally McCoist.

Following the photo session, the royal couple held a private meeting with Liz and her family. Liz gushed about this meeting on her Instagram stories, “Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience.”

While Catherine’s appearance and interaction with Liz were highly significant, it was clear that her hair was the focus of much online discussion. Fans have speculated whether Catherine’s mane featured extensions and their suspicions may be valid.

Lisa Richards from the NYC salon at 45 Rockefeller Plaza and founder of the RPZL team confirmed that the Princess of Wales has worn their brand’s extensions. Even so, it remains unclear when, as Catherine has never addressed this topic.

Stylists have also weighed in on Catherine’s signature hair, which remains a rich brunette and is usually styled just past the shoulders with long layers and sleek waves.

This timeless look shows that a classic hairstyle can be just as glamorous, and arguably more regal than constantly changing up one’s appearance.

Spoke and Weal’s master stylist and cut director Lindsay Victoria praised the princess’s hair, “The common denominator throughout the years of Kate’s style is shiny, healthy, and full hair.”

Lauren Bailey-Chaidez, owner of Feverfew Salon in Los Angeles also chimed in, “Kate is a great example of timeless beauty. Classic cuts never go out of style. Just cause it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s boring.”