When Prince William stepped out for a church visit in Scotland last month, many were surprised to see him clean-shaven.
Just days earlier, he had appeared in an Olympic video sporting a full beard.
It felt like a classic case of “here today, gone tomorrow.”
However, it seems the beard is back for good.
Recently, the Prince of Wales was spotted at London’s Saatchi Gallery, lending his support to a homeless charity, and he proudly showcased his facial hair.
William expressed excitement about his first public engagement since enjoying a summer break with Catherine and their three children.
As he arrived at the gallery, the future king drew attention not only for his commitment to homelessness advocacy but also for his striking appearance.
The buzz surrounding his beard quickly overshadowed his charitable intentions.
In a cheeky nod to ongoing family dynamics, a friend had previously joked about a “Beard Wars” saga between William and his brother Harry.
This reference stemmed from a past incident where Harry’s beard reportedly sparked jealousy in William.
Harry recalled how after returning from a Special Forces assignment with a beard, he was told by someone to “be a good boy” and shave it off.
It was clear that Harry relished the idea of flaunting a privilege that William felt was out of reach.
As William confidently flaunted his new beard, fans were left wondering if he would keep it for official royal duties.
Today, he seemed to confirm that the stubble is here to stay, at least for the time being.
Comments poured in from admirers, with some humorously suggesting he should go for a more dramatic look.
On this occasion, Catherine did not accompany her husband.
Instead, she remained at home in Windsor following their family’s short summer getaway to Balmoral.
The last time she was seen publicly was during a church visit at Crathie Kirk, where she appeared cheerful and stylish in a trench coat adorned with a hat and feathers.
That outing marked just the third public appearance for Catherine this year, as she continues to focus on her recovery from cancer.
The relationship between William and Harry has been strained since Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Tensions escalated further after Harry made controversial revelations about their family life within the monarchy.
Recently, Harry’s discreet visit to the UK reignited discussions about his potential return to royal duties and whether reconciliation with William was on the horizon.
However, sources close to Harry have firmly denied any plans for a royal comeback.
They emphasize that he is focused on thriving in the U.S. and is satisfied with his decision to step away from royal responsibilities.
Insiders suggest that Harry would only consider rejoining royal life if William offered an apology, indicating that their relationship remains complicated.
Despite the swirling rumors, it’s reported that Harry’s talks with former aides are purely informal and not part of a grand scheme to re-enter the royal fold.
He is said to be dedicated to establishing his life in America while remaining open to supporting his family if needed.
William, on the other hand, appears to be moving forward with his royal duties, embracing his role as a father and future king while advocating for social causes.
The ongoing speculation about Harry’s return highlights the complexities of their relationship, especially in light of recent family challenges, including King Charles and Catherine’s health issues.
While the royal family navigates these turbulent waters, it remains to be seen how the dynamics will evolve, particularly between the two brothers.
For now, William’s beard seems to symbolize a new chapter in his public persona, one that blends royal duty with a touch of individual flair.