Kate Middleton once reportedly quietly gave away one of her most famous features, her hair, to help children battling cancer, years before facing her own health battle.

The Princess of Wales’ glossy brunette locks have long been admired around the world.

In 2017, she reportedly donated seven inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust. The charity creates real-hair wigs for young people who lose their hair due to cancer treatment and other medical conditions.
Kate debuted shorter locks in 2017 after quietly donating her hair (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Kate Middleton quietly donated hair to cancer charity

At the time, the royal had her hair cut at Kensington Palace and suggested the length that was being removed could be put to good use.

The donation was sent anonymously.

A spokesperson for the charity later reflected on the touching gesture.

“It’s lovely to think that somebody, somewhere – probably more than one person – has received a wig containing Princess Kate’s hair,” Helen Kreese told PEOPLE at the time.

She added that the donation was also meaningful for raising awareness: “It’s fantastic… and it’s gorgeous hair. We all lust after that hair!”

Kate debuted a noticeably shorter hairstyle in July 2017, which is believed to coincide with the moment she made the quiet donation.

The gesture has taken on even deeper significance in light of Kate’s own cancer diagnosis.

In March 2024, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after cancer was discovered following abdominal surgery.

In a deeply personal video message, she spoke directly to others facing similar struggles. She said: “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

Kate stepped back from royal duties to focus on her recovery. She later confirmed in January 2025 that she had entered remission.
The Princess of Wales is known for her iconic flowing locks (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Kate returns to public duties

Meanwhile, Kate has kept a lower profile after a string of public engagements earlier this month, including a visit to Hiut Denim in Wales.

During the trip, the Princess of Wales helped create a bespoke pair of £245 jeans for Prince William, sewing in a “Made in Wales” label herself before they were presented as a gift.

“He will love these,” she gushed as she was handed the finished trousers, according to PEOPLE.

Kate also toured the factory floor and tried her hand at cutting and finishing denim. “I love making things,” she told the staff. “I think I would really enjoy making denims.”

The visit formed part of her ongoing mission to support sustainable British fashion. Earlier that day, she stopped at historic woollen mill Melin Tregwynt.

Looking ahead, celebrity psychic Inbaal Honigman suggested Kate may adopt a more balanced routine this year. Inbaal explained that she is “wisely incorporating more rest” while continuing to carry out royal duties with a greater focus on wellness and family life.