Prince William sports dark hair in charity photo

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.