Princess Kate Returns From Summer Break in a Tweed Blazer and Suede Loafers Made for Fall Workwear

The Princess of Wales debuted a fresh hair color and autumn-ready separates at London's Natural History Museum.

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Kate Middleton holding a black umbrella in the rain surrounded by people
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis headed back to school on Wednesday, September 3, and on September 4, it was mom and dad's turn to return to work. Prince William and Princess Kate made their first appearance in seven weeks on Thursday, visiting the updated gardens at London's Natural History Museum. While the Princess of Wales embraced fall fashion in neutral tones, she showed off a very summery hair color as she joined schoolchildren at the event.

Fans first got a peek at Princess Kate's extra-long blonde hair in photos snapped as the Wales family drove to church at Balmoral last month, and Thursday's event was the first time the royal has been seen in public with her new style. Although her hair screamed summer, Kate leaned into the approaching autumn with her outfit—and her easy fall workwear uniform is one we can all copy.

Per Instagram account Royal British Fashion, the princess wore a past-season green tweed blazer by Ralph Lauren for the engagement. She added a pair of pleated-front trousers and a classic white button-up shirt, finishing off the look with a pair of tan suede loafers by Pretty Ballerinas.

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Kate Middleton wearing a blazer and pants standing in front of a staircase

The Princess of Wales made her first appearance after the summer break on September 4.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kate Middleton and Prince William wearing blazers and smiling walking outside by a car

The Prince and Princess of Wales explored the updated gardens at the museum.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kate Middleton holding an umbrella in a garden

The royals got caught in a rainstorm during the event.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Kate accessorized with Kiki McDonough blue topaz drop earrings and kept her kids close to heart with another accessory, wearing her gold Daniella Draper necklace featuring the initials G, C and L.

Suede shoes might not have been the most ideal of choices for the Princess of Wales, who is patron of the Natural History Museum. At one point, she and Prince William got caught in a heavy rainstorm, grabbing umbrellas as they interacted with kids taking part in the museum's programs to connect with nature.

Thursday marked the first public engagement in some time for the princess, who was last seen at the Wimbledon men's final on July 18. Following the tennis championships, the Wales family enjoyed the summer break with their children, heading on a reported yacht vacation in Greece before spending time with King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.

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Kristin Contino
Kristin Contino
Senior Royal and Celebrity Editor

Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.