Sam McKnight isn’t one to bite his tongue, especially when it comes to unfair criticism. The renowned hairstylist, a familiar face behind Princess Diana’s iconic looks, recently stepped up to defend Princess Kate Middleton’s new blonde hairstyle. He wasn’t having any of the negative chatter that popped up online.
McKnight, who is 70 years old, spent seven years as the personal hairdresser for the late Princess Diana. He took to Instagram on Thursday, September 4th, to share his thoughts. This came just hours after Kate debuted her new honey-blonde hair, which quickly drew some not-so-nice comments from internet users.
“I am shocked, horrified, appalled, and disgusted by all the nasty comments about the Princess of Wales today,” McKnight wrote in his powerful statement. He reminded everyone that “a woman’s hair is a very personal thing, it is armor, defense, confidence, and so much more.”
He didn’t stop there. McKnight expressed disbelief at the sheer meanness and lack of empathy, especially since many of the comments seemed to come from other women. He pointed out that they were “attacking another vulnerable young woman who has no choice, because of the person she married and the role she took on, but to bravely face the public.”
The veteran stylist believes that Kate, who is 43, would “prefer to be out of the public eye.” He praised her for representing her country “brilliantly and discreetly, selflessly, the soft power we still possess as a nation.” He also touched on a deeply personal topic, adding, “Cancer affects every person differently, but it is life-changing for everyone. So, LEAVE HER ALONE! SHAME ON THOSE WHO ATTACK HER.”
McKnight’s strong words came after many social media users on X suggested Kate might be wearing “a wig.” One person commented, “That’s a wig… she probably lost her hair during cancer treatments.” Others thought her lighter hair made her look older. Some even “hoped” the new color was just “temporary,” saying they liked her natural brown hair better.
Kate showed off her highlighted hairstyle during a visit to the newly updated gardens at the Natural History Museum. She wore her hair with a side part, styled into big, bouncy curls. To complete her look, Kate opted for simple makeup, including pink lipstick, mascara, and a touch of blush on her cheeks.
This hair change comes after the Princess shared her cancer diagnosis in 2024. She underwent treatment, including chemotherapy. In January, she announced the happy news that she was in remission.