Prince William disappoints with new look as his 'rugged' appearance sends fans into meltdown

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND: Royal enthusiasts were abuzz earlier this month when Prince William debuted a rugged new look, sporting a beard in a star-studded video celebrating Team GB's Olympic achievements.

But the whiskers were short-lived as the 42-year-old Prince of Wales was seen clean-shaven just days later, driving alongside the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton as they made their way to Sunday service at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral Castle up near Aberdeen, according to Daily Mail. 

Prince William's ditches beard during church visit

This appearance follows the Prince of Wales’ swoon-worthy moment in the video congratulating Team Great Britain, released at the close of the Paris Olympic Games.

Besides Middleton's appearance in the video, Prince William turned heads with his uncharacteristically rugged look, sporting an unshaven appearance as he praised the British Olympians.

Meanwhile, the Princess, currently undergoing cancer treatment, radiated positivity, shining alongside a lineup of other well-known personalities in the video.

This isn’t the first time Prince William has experimented with facial hair. Back in 2008, he caused quite a stir by growing a beard for the festive season, even joking that it made him unrecognizable to strangers.

Though he promised to shave it off by Christmas Day, he ended up keeping the scruff for several more weeks, much to the delight of fans.

On the other hand, the Sunday service marked Middleton's first visit to the church since revealing her cancer diagnosis in March, and the couple appeared in good spirits, smiling and chatting during the drive.

In a video statement, she described her cancer diagnosis as a "huge shock" after an "incredibly tough couple of months," as per BBC News. 

Despite the challenges, she shared a positive update, stating, "I am well and getting stronger every day." While specific details of the cancer were not disclosed, Kensington Palace expressed confidence in her full recovery.

"However tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment," said the princess.

Hairy-saga of the Prince of William and Prince Harry

Royal facial hair made headlines again in 2023, with Prince William and his brother Prince Harry both embracing beards.

But don’t confuse hair with heir—beards have their own place in royal history.

In his memoir 'Spare', Prince Harry delves into the subject, recalling how his grandfather, Prince Philip, encouraged more facial hair, exclaiming, "Let grow the luxurious bristles of a bloody Viking!," BBC reported.

The beard even became a point of contention between the brothers, as Harry wanted to keep his for his wedding to Meghan Markle, while Prince William reportedly disapproved.

For Harry, though, the beard held deeper significance.

It became a personal symbol, something that helped him manage his anxiety and "quell my nerves."

He wrote, "I couldn't explain it, though I did find articles describing the phenomenon. Maybe it was Freudian - beard as security blanket. Maybe it was Jungian - beard as mask. Whatever, it made me calmer..."

Prince Harry also revealed that he had to seek permission from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to keep his beard for his wedding. This was a privilege that his brother, Prince William, was not granted when he married Kate Middleton in 2011.

Prince William's beard has received mixed reactions, but his 'rugged' look appears to be a hit with his royal fans as opposed to his stubble-less appearance. 

Royal fans unimpressed with Prince William's scruff-less looks

Prince William's 'rare off-duty' beard captured the attention of many fans, as many took to social media to make hilarious comments on his scruff-less look. 

A particular viewer expressed, "I loved his rare, off-duty beard."

Following suit, another observer added, "Thank you for your service, William’s scruff. We hardly knew ye. 🫡"

Additionally, a viewer pointed out on Facebook, "Much better with a little facial hair."

A follower contributed, "I think Prince William looked great with his holiday beard. It reminded me of 'Island Niles' from Fraser. I think the episode was 'Cranes go Caribbean'."

A comment underscored, "I loved the stubble."

Another comment echoed, "Cricky, beards are the rage right now, he would have fitted in so well."

An individual elaborated further, saying, "William indeed looked hot with the beard. Very manly and somehow more care free. He could consider leaving it for longer. Certain type of beard makes a man look more noble. Look at Prince Michael of Kent. Beard really makes him to look like a proper royal. Ah!"

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