William’s Beard Sparks Debate on Royal Image and Relatability
Prince William’s recent decision to embrace a beard has sparked discussions about royal tradition, modernization, and his evolving image as the Prince of Wales.
The now-signature facial hair, showcased over the festive season, has been praised by grooming experts as a step toward making the Royal Family more relatable. Hair expert Jack Miles told GB News, “This breaks away from the clean-shaven protocol typically associated with royal events, making William far more relatable to the everyday person.”
However, the new look has reignited a past controversy. In 2018, Prince Harry revealed that William insisted he shave his beard for his wedding to Meghan Markle, despite its personal significance. The disagreement, which reportedly lasted a week, is now being branded as “out of touch” by experts.
“For regular people, the idea of needing permission for facial hair seems so foreign and, frankly, silly,” Miles remarked. “The Royal Family’s stance then felt disconnected from the public.”
Fast forward to today, William’s beard appears to signal a shift in the monarchy’s approach—one of modernity, relatability, and evolution.
Miles highlighted the practical benefits of William’s current look, noting, “For older men, a beard acts as a natural contour, breaking up the skin between the head and neck, creating a smarter, slimmer appearance.”
As William continues to embrace a more contemporary image, his facial hair is seen as a symbol of his efforts to modernize the monarchy and bridge the gap between tradition and a relatable future.