In a surprising move, Prince William has come to his father’s aid just hours after King Charles III revealed that his health will limit his upcoming royal engagements.

The revelation came during a poignant meeting with New Zealand’s women’s rugby team at Buckingham Palace, where the King provided a rare update on his health.

King Charles, who has faced significant health challenges recently, confirmed that while he has been cleared for long-haul travel, his upcoming trip to Australia will be adjusted to accommodate his health needs.

Traditionally, royal tours to Australia also include a stop in New Zealand.

However, Charles’s first trip down under as monarch will now include an additional stop in Samoa. The itinerary has been designed to allow for rest periods between engagements to help manage the King’s energy levels.

Despite the adjustments to the tour, the Prince of Wales has made headlines for reasons beyond his father’s health. Recently, Prince William stirred significant discussion by appearing in public with a new beard and military uniform during an official engagement. The event featured graduates from the Commissioned Warrant Officers Course and Modular Initial Officer Training Course.

The Prince’s new look quickly sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some royal fans praised the beard, calling it dashing and a fresh change, with one enthusiastic comment noting, “While others commented with all due respect your highness, the Prince of Wales, you are just taking our breath away with this beard. He’s definitely giving off major King vibes today.”

However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Critics argued that the beard did not suit the Prince, with some speculating whether it was an attempt to mimic his brother Harry or channel a resemblance to David Beckham, a close friend of King Charles. The debate over the beard has led to a variety of conspiracy theories, and some fans even compared the Prince’s facial hair unfavorably with his brother’s.

Prince William’s appearance also comes at a time of increased public scrutiny. The Prince has been balancing the pressures of public life with the need to support his family, especially in light of the recent controversies surrounding his brother Harry and Meghan Markle. The continuous media criticism and the complexities of royal duties have added to the pressures on William.

Amid these challenges, William’s new look and his father’s health issues have captivated the public’s attention. As King Charles prepares for his modified royal tour and Prince William navigates his responsibilities and public perception, the royal family remains under the spotlight, with fans eagerly watching for their next moves.

As for the beard, whether it becomes a permanent feature or fades into royal history remains to be seen. For now, it’s clear that Prince William’s latest public appearance has given royal watchers plenty to talk about.