
Prince William’s Beard: A Royal Debate
Prince William’s Beard: A Royal Debate
Prince William is often recognized for his clean-shaven, polished appearance. However, there was a brief period when the future king surprised the world by growing a beard, sparking a media frenzy and public curiosity. But why did Prince William grow a beard, and why did it disappear so quickly? Let’s explore the story behind the royal whiskers.
The Origins of Prince William’s Beard

In 2008, Prince William took part in a military mission with the Royal Navy. During this time, he grew a full beard - likely to blend in with fellow servicemen and perhaps to test a new look. His facial hair made headlines, with some royal enthusiasts praising the rugged transformation while others were shocked by the drastic change from his usual clean-shaven face.
Despite the warm reception from many fans, William’s beard was short-lived. Reports suggest that Queen Elizabeth II, who famously preferred clean-shaven appearances for royal men, was not particularly fond of it. Royal protocol has historically leaned toward a polished, well-groomed image, which could explain why Prince William quickly returned to his usual look.
Public Reaction to the Royal Beard

The brief beard era of Prince William sparked discussions about how beards fit into modern royal style. Some compared his look to that of Prince Harry, who has maintained a well-groomed beard for years. Others speculated that William might have wanted to experiment with a more rugged, masculine look, similar to his ancestors who sported beards in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Prince Harry’s beard, on the other hand, has remained a key part of his identity. He grew his beard during his military service and kept it even after stepping back from royal duties. Unlike William, Harry's beard has become a signature look, symbolizing his more relaxed and independent persona. Some royal insiders even noted that his beard was a topic of discussion during his wedding to Meghan Markle, as beards are uncommon among high-ranking royals on formal occasions.
Social media and tabloids were flooded with opinions - some praising the change, others expressing relief when William shaved it off. Ultimately, his beard became a topic of royal fashion discussion rather than a lasting feature.
Beards and Royal Protocol
Historically, British royals have adhered to traditional grooming standards. King George V and King Edward VII proudly wore beards, but in more recent generations, clean-shaven faces have become the norm. Prince Harry, however, has continued to sport a beard even after marriage, signaling a shift in royal traditions.
Whether or not Prince William will ever revisit the bearded look remains a mystery, but it’s safe to say that his brief beard phase left a lasting impression.
Achieve a Royal Beard with Bearded Coast
While Prince William’s beard was temporary, yours doesn’t have to be! To maintain a healthy, regal-looking beard, consider using high-quality beard care products. Bearded Coast offers premium grooming essentials, such as:
-
Carpe Diem Beard Oil – Keep your beard moisturized and soft like a true gentleman.
-
Dapper Dude Beard Butter – Achieve a sleek, nourished beard with this rich formula.
-
Tea Tree + Grapefruit Beard Wash – Cleanse and refresh your beard with a premium wash.
The big question I have is, will he go for the yeard or keep it short?