Prince William unveiled a new beard alongside Princess Kate in a viral video, paying tribute to British Olympic athletes.
The Prince of Wales has recorded a message of thanks as the couple have been away from public life over the summer due to the school holidays of their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
And he had a distinctive stubble and tanned skin, suggesting the couple had managed to relax during their break from the spotlight.
Kensington Palace/Chris Jackson/Getty Images
This is not the first time that William has worn a beard; he already had a full beard before his wedding to Kate.
It remains to be seen whether the 42-year-old prince will keep his new look or whether it is simply a celebratory beard.
William wore a blue Team GB polo shirt as he stood alongside Kate to congratulate the British sporting heroes on their achievements at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“All of us watching at home congratulate Team GB,” Kate said. Prince William added: “Congratulations on everything you have achieved. You are an inspiration to us all.”
Well done @TeamGBwhat an incredible journey!
Every athlete showed tremendous commitment, heart and passion. You all made us so proud!
May every triumph be celebrated at @Paris2024 and look forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in summer 🇬🇧🥇 pic.twitter.com/oCLz7HuuLG
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) 11 August 2024
The couple posted the video, which also featured Snoop Dogg and David Beckham, along with the message: “Well done @TeamGB what an incredible journey! Every athlete has shown tremendous dedication, heart and passion.”
“You have made us all so proud! Here’s to celebrating every triumph at @Paris2024 and looking forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in the summer 🇬🇧🥇.”
The post received over 20,000 likes and 787,000 views on X (formerly Twitter) as fans praised Williams’ new look.
One wrote: “Our Prince and Princess of Wales are definitely in the holiday spirit and they look beautiful as always!!
“Check out William’s beard and Catherine’s new hair color… and she looks so healthy 😍😍😍 what a great surprise today! William can definitely pull off this look.”
William recently received a boost after the British Army changed its dress code, allowing beards in uniform from March 29 this year.
The future King will be Commander-in-Chief of the Crown upon ascending the throne and will hold honorary military titles that will enable him to represent the Crown in uniform, including by taking part in the Sovereign’s Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour.
However, Prince Harry also held such titles and that did not stop him from wearing a beard during his time as an active member of the royal family.
One royal fan also pointed out that both William and Harry’s father and grandfather had beards when they were young: “Prince Philip and Prince Charles with beards. Prince William and Prince Harry get inspiration from that for their beards.”
Another fan wrote on X: “Now I understand why they didn’t go to the Olympics. Princess Catherine saw Prince William with the beard and said, ‘I don’t want to share you with someone like you and I don’t want you to shave it off so we’re not going.’ And I don’t blame her for that.”
Jack Royston is chief correspondent for the royal family Newsweeklives in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek‘S The Royals Facebook page.
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