PRINCESS Kate made an incredibly kind gesture to a children's cancer charity years before she too was diagnosed, it has been revealed.
The Princess of Wales is renowned for her long, glossy, brunette hair, and is thought to have donated seven inches of it to a children's charity in 2017.
It is believed the kind mum-of-three thought of the idea while her hairdresser, Joey Wheeler, was cutting her hair at Kensington Palace.
A royal source told : "Joey persuaded her it was time to take off some of her hair, he said it was just getting too long.
“While Joey was snipping away the idea came to her of doing some good with it rather than throwing it away."
The source added: "She mentioned it to Joey, who thought it was a brilliant idea."
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Although the date of the kind gesture is unknown, Kate stunned fans in July 2017 when she appeared at Wimbledon rocking noticeably shorter locks then her usual long, curled style.
LITTLE PRINCESS TRUST
Kate's hair was then donated to Little Princess Trust - a charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through illnesses, including cancer.
But the 42-year-old's locks were not sent under her name or title, with the source saying: "It was sent using someone else's name so that the trust didn’t know it was from a royal source – they just thought it was from a female donor in the Kensington area."
Upon hearing the news that the donation was in fact from the Princess, the Little Princess Trust said that it was a "great surprise".
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Helen Creese, a spokeswoman for the charity, explained: "It's a complete surprise.
“We're all absolutely delighted that she donated her hair, and we're very grateful as well, just as we're grateful to everyone who chooses to support the charity in this way, and so many people do.
“We're assuming that she might have sent the donation anonymously."
Helen revealed that the charity often receives anonymous donations, as she continued: "It's such a selfless act anyway to donate your hair to help a sick child or young adult."
CANCER DIAGNOSIS
The news of Kate’s hair donation comes less than a fortnight after her announcement that she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Kate has remained absent from any official duties following abdominal surgery in January.
Kate said in a video message she initially showed no signs of cancer but post-op tests showed the disease had been “present”.
The Princess said the family now needs “time, space and privacy” while she completes her treatment.
We're all absolutely delighted that she donated her hair, and we're very grateful as well, just as we're grateful to everyone who chooses to support the charity in this way, and so many people do
Helen Creese
In the video message, she said: “My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.
“At this time I am also thinking of all those lives affected by cancer. For everyone facing this disease in whatever form please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
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The Princess spoke about the "huge shock" after tests identified cancer following the surgery and the "incredibly tough couple of months" her family have experienced.
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Timeline of Kate’s health treatment
What we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis so far:
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEBRUARY 27: Prince William pulls out of service at last minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate's health
MARCH 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MARCH 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day - then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MARCH 11: Kate admits she edited the photo and is snapped in the car with William
MARCH 16: Royal fans spot the princess at a farm shop near Windsor
MARCH 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MARCH 18: The Sun exclusively published the video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MARCH 22: Kate reveals cancer diagnosis in a video message released on Instagram