When Prince William was spotted heading to church in Scotland last month, his clean-shaven face raised eyebrows, especially since he had just appeared in a congratulatory Olympic video sporting a beard.
It seemed like a fleeting fashion choice.
However, it appears that the Prince’s facial hair has made a comeback, as he was recently seen at London’s Saatchi Gallery supporting a homeless charity.
This marks his first public engagement after a summer break spent with his wife Catherine and their three children.
As William entered the gallery, many applauded his commitment to addressing homelessness, but the conversation quickly shifted to his striking appearance.
In a previous video marking the Olympics’ conclusion, a friend jokingly referred to his beard as part of an ongoing “Beard Wars,” alluding to the tension between William and his brother Harry over facial hair.
Harry had claimed that William was envious of his own beard, which he grew after serving in the Special Forces, suggesting a deeper issue in their relationship.
The buzz surrounding William’s facial hair has been palpable.
Following his recent appearance, fans began to speculate whether this stubble would become a permanent feature for official royal duties.
His playful demeanor during the event only fueled the excitement, with one cheeky commenter exclaiming, “Someone call the fire department!”
in jest about the Prince’s rugged look.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, did not accompany her husband on this occasion.
She remained in Windsor, taking time to recuperate after their family getaway at Balmoral.
The last time she was seen publicly was nearly two weeks ago, when she attended church at Crathie Kirk, looking radiant in a stylish trench coat adorned with feathers.
This year, Catherine has made only a few public appearances, focusing on her health following her cancer treatment.
Her absence from the gallery event highlights the ongoing challenges she faces while balancing royal duties and personal well-being.
Meanwhile, the dynamics between the royal brothers have continued to evolve since Harry stepped back from royal responsibilities in 2020.
Their relationship has been strained, particularly after Harry’s candid revelations about life within the monarchy.
Recently, speculation about Harry’s discreet visit to the UK has ignited discussions about a potential reconciliation with William.
However, sources close to Harry have dispelled rumors of any plans for his return to royal duties.
They assert that he is more focused on building a fulfilling life in the United States rather than plotting a grand comeback.
Despite the swirling gossip, insiders reveal that Harry is committed to thriving away from royal obligations.
Interestingly, it has been suggested that Harry would consider re-engaging with the royal family if King Charles were to request his assistance.
Nevertheless, any potential return seems contingent on an apology from William, indicating that unresolved tensions still linger between the brothers.
Reports suggest that Harry is acutely aware of William’s stance, especially considering the fallout from Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
William reportedly believes that reconciliation is unlikely, given the candid nature of Harry’s disclosures.
For now, it seems that a royal return is not on Harry’s agenda, as he prioritizes his life in the U.S.
Despite the turbulence within the royal family, insiders indicate that Harry remains willing to offer support if needed.
This willingness suggests that while the brothers may be at odds, the bond of family may still hold some weight, even amid the complexities of their public lives.