Sam McKnight, Princess Diana’s former hairdresser, has come to Kate Middleton’s defense after recent criticisms of her new blonde hairstyle sparked a wave of negative sentiment. The controversy arose after Middleton and her husband, Prince William, visited the Natural History Museum in London, where her long, blonde look was widely shared online. While some praised her new look, others expressed disapproval, prompting McKnight to speak out in support of the princess.
McKnight, who provided hair and makeup services to Diana from 1990 until her death in 1997, took to Instagram to share his statement. He described the online comments as ‘evil’ and criticized the lack of empathy from those making the remarks. In his post, he emphasized that a woman’s hair is a significant part of her identity and that Middleton, as a royal, faces scrutiny for her appearance regardless of personal choice. McKnight also highlighted the pressures that come with public service, noting that Middleton has ‘bravely faced the public’ in her role.
The backlash against Middleton’s new look follows her recent announcement that she is cancer-free. In March 2024, she revealed her cancer diagnosis, and in September 2024, she shared that she was in complete remission after a nine-month battle with the illness. McKnight expressed concern for her well-being, saying that she would ‘rather be away from the public arena’ given her health struggles. He also drew a parallel between Middleton’s situation and Diana’s, recalling how she once embraced a crop hairstyle after McKnight suggested it during a 1990 Vogue photoshoot. The comment, ‘Let’s do it,’ marked a shift in Diana’s public image and remains a defining moment in her royal legacy.
McKnight’s support for Middleton has reignited discussions about the public’s scrutiny of royal family members, particularly in terms of appearance. His comments also raised questions about the expectations placed on women in high-profile roles, especially when their personal choices are scrutinized by the media and public opinion. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the royal family will respond to the growing emphasis on personal appearance in their public image.