Last month, Prince William made headlines with his clean-shaven look during a church visit in Scotland, just days after appearing in an Olympic congratulation video sporting a full beard.
The dramatic shift in facial hair left many questioning whether this was a fleeting style choice or a sign of a more permanent change.
The answer seems to be the latter.
Prince William, who was recently spotted at London’s Sai Gallery supporting a homeless charity, appeared to confirm that his beard is here to stay.
During his appearance, the Prince of Wales shared his anticipation for his first public engagement since his summer break with wife Catherine and their three children. As he entered the gallery, the focus of the media quickly shifted from his charitable efforts to his evolving appearance.
William’s beard has not gone unnoticed in royal circles, where it has been dubbed the “Beard Wars” by friends, referencing a longstanding, albeit playful, family feud. This nickname harks back to Prince Harry’s bearded appearance after a special forces assignment, which was reportedly met with disapproval from William. Harry had alleged that his brother was envious of his new look, leading to an argument that some believe contributed to the rift between the two.
Despite initial speculation about whether the beard would be suitable for official royal duties, William’s current appearance seems to suggest that he is embracing the new look. Reactions from the public have been largely positive, with fans expressing their delight and even humorously suggesting that the Prince might go for a full “Prince Michael” style.
Meanwhile, Princess Catherine was notably absent from today’s event. She remains at home in Windsor following a brief summer break with the royal family at Balmoral. Her last public appearance was nearly two weeks ago when she attended a church service at the Balmoral estate, looking in good spirits despite her ongoing recovery from cancer.
The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry continues to be a topic of intense public interest. Since stepping down from his royal duties in 2020, Harry’s relationship with his brother has strained, especially following Harry’s candid revelations about royal life. Recent speculation about Harry’s possible return to the UK has sparked debates, but insiders confirm that Harry is focused on his life in the US and is not currently planning a royal comeback.
Sources close to Harry have emphasized that while he remains open to offering support if needed, he is not considering a return to royal duties unless there is an apology from William. Any recent conversations with former UK aides are described as straightforward and strategic, rather than indicative of a return to royal life.
As the royal family navigates this period of transition and personal growth, the public remains captivated by every development, from William’s evolving style to Harry’s continued independence and potential for future reconciliation.