Duchess Kate Debuts New Look: Bangs!

— -- The Duchess of Cambridge is preparing for a return to the public spotlight after a maternity leave following the birth of her second child -- and it appears she will be doing it with a new look.

Kate, 33, who gave birth to Princess Charlotte in May, was spotted Sunday on a car ride with her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, sporting new bangs.

Kate had her hair pulled half-way back, with the long bangs swept to each side, and was wearing a dark turtleneck and earrings.

The mother-of-two last sported bangs in 2012, before she was pregnant with older child, Prince George. Her new look at that time included a darker look from her signature brunette locks and new layers around her face, including the slight bangs.

The public will get a better glimpse at Kate’s new look on Thursday, when she is scheduled to make her first appearance of the fall in London at the Anna Freud Center, a charity that helps vulnerable children with mental health support using holistic methods education and therapeutic support.

The appearance will mark Kate’s return to a limited program of public engagements that will also include attending the opening of the Rugby World Cup the following night, Sept. 18, also in London. Kate will attend the latter event with her husband, Prince William, and brother-in-law, Prince Harry.

Kate has spent the bulk of the summer with her children and Prince William at their country home in Norfolk since giving birth to Charlotte, the fourth-in-line to the British throne, on May 2.