Kate Middleton ties back new blonde hair at Women's Rugby World Cup

Catherine, Princess of Wales was all smiles today as she joined fellow rugby fans at the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium, sporting a laidback hairstyle.

The sporty future Queen showed her support for England's Red Roses, as they took on Australia, shortly after debuting her blonder locks.

The Princess, known affectionally to loved ones and royal watchers alike as Kate, has long been associated with her glossy chestnut mane, making this lighter look a notable depature.

And today, Kate wore her new 'do in a relaxed yet elegant piece back as she cheered the women's squad on from the stands, her long hair falling in soft waves down her back.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton and Prince William attend separate Women's Rugby World Cup matches

Royal fans were delighted to see Kate, 43, back at her duties this week, after returning from the family's traditional annual seven-week summer break.

As Patron of the Rugby Football Union, attending the final of the Women's Rugby World Cup group stage is of specal significance to the royal mother of three, who was no doubt thrilled by the England team's impressive progress throughout the tournament.

The Princess of Wales was today photographed in the stands with Jonathan Webb, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of World Rugby, clad in a smart black trouser suit with a white ruffled blouse. Showing enthusiasm, Kate cheered and clapped as the game got going.

Meanwhile, Kate's husband, William, the Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Welsh Rugby Union, watched the match between Wales and Fiji at Exeter's Sandy Park stadium.

Earlier this week, the couple paid a joint visit to London’s Natural History Museum, where they "gallantly" shared their umbrellas as a downpour put an end to a 'pond dipping' activity with pupils from south London's Kender Primary School.

Beverley Brown, 44, assistant headteacher at Kender Primary School, revealed: "We had been waiting for the session to start and the children were very excited. As we started to move it started to pour and we didn't know what to do.

"Prince William gallantly held an umbrella over an adult and children. Princess Kate was in amongst us and said 'let them go in' and 'lets take them inside, it's pouring."

Despite all the fun and games, this has also been a somber week for the royal family, following the announcement of the death of the Duchess of Kent

In a heartfelt tribute, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared: " Our thoughts today are with The Duke of Kentand his family, particularly George, Helen and Nicholas.

"The Duchess worked tirelessly to help others and supported many causes, including through her love of music. She will be a much missed member of the family. W & C."

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