Royal Video Sparks New Speculation as William and Kate Middleton Appear Amid ‘Beard Wars’ Controversy
Prince William's recent appearance in a video with his wife, Kate Middleton, has ignited fresh speculation about the ongoing tensions between him and his younger brother, Prince Harry. While the video, which congratulates Team GB on their successes at the Paris Olympics, was celebrated by fans, it also raised eyebrows due to William's new beard.
A source close to the royal family suggests that William's decision to sport a beard in the video may be a calculated move in the ongoing conflict between the two brothers, a conflict that dates back to the time of Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle. This latest development has been dubbed the "beard wars," a term coined to describe the brothers' disagreement over facial hair.
The video, which also featured appearances by rapper Snoop Dogg and football icon David Beckham, included a message from the royal couple: "From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB. Well done on all you've achieved - you've been an inspiration to us all."
Despite the positive tone of the video, a source told The Daily Beast that William’s beard was an unexpected element. The source described it as a "slight surprise" and suggested that it could be seen as a continuation of the disagreement that began when Harry grew a beard during an expedition to the South Pole.
In his memoir "Spare," Harry recounted how he had sought permission from Queen Elizabeth II to keep his beard for his wedding, a request that reportedly irritated William. According to Harry, William objected to the beard on the grounds that it was against military regulations, particularly as Harry was getting married in uniform.
The argument over the beard escalated, with Harry claiming that William "bristled" and eventually ordered him to shave, a command Harry refused to follow. The tension between the brothers over the issue persisted for over a week, with William reportedly feeling that Harry had placed their grandmother in a difficult position by seeking her approval directly.
A former courtier who worked at the palace during the time of Harry and Meghan’s wedding shared that courtiers were often frustrated with Harry's habit of seeking special treatment from the Queen and then using her approval as leverage.
A military source further explained that the issue of facial hair in the armed forces is rooted in practical concerns, such as the need for gas masks to fit properly, which requires a clean-shaven face. They supported William's stance, asserting that Harry had been given special permission by the Queen, much to William’s discontent.
The ongoing "beard wars" highlight the deep-seated issues between the royal siblings, with William’s latest appearance only adding fuel to the fire.
