Kate Middleton has been left deeply unsettled by a torrent of online abuse targeting her new hairstyle, with palace sources telling RadarOnline.com the Princess of Wales was left “shaken to her core” by suggestions her lighter look was linked to her cancer battle.

As we revealed, the 43-year-old princess unveiled honey-blonde locks earlier this month, her lightest shade yet, during a round of public engagements

While some welcomed the change, others took to social media to mock the style, with comments describing it as unflattering or even speculating she was wearing a “cancer wig” to cover up bald patches following her grueling treatments.

Within days, Kate reverted to a darker brunette shade, which she has worn at most recent events.

“This has been a very tough time for Kate,” a family source said.

“She returned from the summer prepared to face the cameras again, but the harshness of the remarks really unsettled her. The suggestion that her hair was tied to her illness struck her particularly hard.”

Another insider added: “Kate believed people would be supportive given all she has faced this past year. She was stunned by how fast the negativity over her new look spiraled. It left her badly shaken – at one stage she even wondered how much more she could endure and stopped Googling things about herself.”

Kate revealed in early 2024 she had been diagnosed with cancer, later confirming she was in remission. Her gradual return to royal duties has been closely watched, with many praising her resilience.

Yet the debate over her hair, sources say, has been a reminder of the harsh scrutiny that comes with her position.

“She accepts that, as a public figure, her looks will always be scrutinized,” one palace aide said.

“But after her diagnosis and recovery, she expected more compassion. Instead, trolls tore her apart over something as trivial as hair color – and it left her disheartened.”