Kate Expectations

Kate Middleton Makes a Surprise Appearance, Debuting a New Hairstyle

The Duchess of Cambridge joins William, Harry—and Paddington Bear—in her second engagement since announcing her pregnancy.
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By Chris J. Ratcliffe/AFP/Getty

Less than a week after making her first public appearance since announcing she was pregnant with her third child, Kate Middleton graced the world with yet another sighting, this time an unannounced appearance alongside Prince William and Prince Harry at an event in London’s Paddington Station. She wore a blush pink dress by Orla Kiely with a flower appliqué, and yes, at least one British tabloid is working hard to interpret that as a clue about the gender of the third royal baby.

The details of this appearance are a bit confusing, so bear with us. The event was a promotional effort on behalf of the upcoming Paddington 2, which opens in British theaters on November 10 and comes to the U.S. early next year. (In the U.K. it is distributed by StudioCanal, which removes it from the ongoing Weinstein Company fallout; the film’s U.S. release won’t be so lucky). But back to the royals. Yes, it was a promotional stunt for a movie, but it also involved children from the 30 different charities supported by the Charities Forum, which Kate, Harry, and William all dedicate their time to.

The Duchess appeared to be having a blast as she—yes, this really happened—was photographed dancing with Paddington Bear.

By Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images.

Another exciting element at play here: Kate is debuting what the Daily Mail is referring to as a “shorter, glossier new hairstyle,” as it appears she has “had a few inches off her hair” since her appearance last week. (Expect at least nine different stories out of the British press over the course of the next 24 hours about “what Kate’s new look means.” You know at least one will figure out a way to incorporate a Meghan Markle-related motivation for the new hair.)

After her pregnancy was announced at the beginning of September, Kate—who suffers from severe morning sickness—stayed out of the public eye, canceling engagements and missing Prince George’s first day of school. Her due date has not yet been announced.