UK’s Prince William poses in charity fundraiser _ but palace says he didn’t dye his hair black

Prince William sports dark hair in charity photo

LONDON — Did Britain’s Prince William dye his blond locks black?

That’s the question British newspapers and magazines have been asking since a photograph of a black-haired prince emerged.

His office says the photograph — in which William posed with a formerly homeless man in a fundraiser for the charity Crisis — was digitally altered to give the illusion that the 27-year-old heir’s hair had turned dark.

A St. James’ Palace spokeswoman says the effect was a result of studio lighting and digital color contrast. She spoke on condition of anonymity in line with the palace’s policies.

She said Friday the portrait was to be auctioned off for the charity, which helps homeless people return to a normal life.