The Eccentric Beard of Prince William
Prince William caused quite a stir when he made a public appearance sporting a beard to congratulate Team GB for their success in the Paris Olympics. This marked a significant departure from his usual cleanly-shaven look, catching the attention of royal fans worldwide. The rugged edge brought about by the beard was a surprising change for the royal father of three, sparking comparisons to his father Prince Charles.
Interestingly, Prince Charles had also experimented with facial hair in his younger years, sporting what is known as a “naval beard” during the 1976 Badminton Horse Trials. This particular style of facial hair, originating from the Royal Navy, consists of a full beard and mustache that join together to cover the jawline. The resemblance between father and son in their bearded states is uncanny, indicating a potential source of inspiration for Prince William’s recent change in appearance.
While Prince Charles eventually returned to a cleanly shaven look and maintained it throughout the years, Prince William has made a few exceptions to the rule. One such exception was during the annual Christmas Day Church Service in 2008, where he sported a beard similar to his recent appearance. However, for most public engagements, Prince William has stuck to his familiar hairless look, contrasting with his brother Prince Harry’s more frequent embrace of facial hair.
Prince Harry, known for his more relaxed approach to royal conventions, famously sported a beard on his wedding day to Meghan Markle in 2018. This decision was met with some controversy, as it directly contradicted military protocol, especially since he was expected to wear the formal frock coat uniform of The Blues and Royals. In order to keep his beard for the wedding, Prince Harry sought permission from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to go against tradition.
In his memoir, Prince Harry disclosed Queen Elizabeth II’s permission for his beard on his wedding day, citing his desire for Meghan Markle not to see a “total stranger” at the altar. Additionally, he shared an anecdote about Prince William’s own experience with facial hair, mentioning a time when William was sporting a full beard after returning from an assignment with Special Forces. According to Harry, someone advised William to “be a good boy, run along, and shave it,” highlighting the varied attitudes towards facial hair within the royal family.
The evolution of royal facial hair, from Prince Charles to Prince William and Prince Harry, reflects a changing perception of tradition and personal style within the British monarchy. While some royals have embraced beards, others have preferred a more traditional and cleanly-shaven look. The decision to sport facial hair, whether for a special occasion or a public appearance, continues to be a topic of interest and discussion among royal fans and observers alike.
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