Netizens are divided in their opinions of how Prince William’s stubble looks on him. Interestingly, his facial hair is very similar to the beard that he once chastised his younger brother for having.
On September 10, The Prince of Wales visited South Wales, where he was seen sporting rugged facial hair. His appearance struck a chord with social media users. One netizen referenced the fact that Prince William’s stubble is reminiscent of his younger brother’s signature look.
AmoMama reader comment about Prince Harry and Prince William, posted on August 14, 2024 | Source: Facebook/AmoMama Nostalgia
Online photos of Prince William showed the senior royal with an expressive face and a big smile as he visited different locations in Llanelli. The prince was photographed in Wales where he celebrated the region’s sporting achievements and culture while engaging with the locals.
Prince William during his visit to Llanelli, South Wales on September 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to paying Swiss Valley Community Primary School a visit, Prince William also met with former and current members of the Wales female international rugby team who have qualified for the 2025 World Cup.
Prince William interacting with former female rugby players during his South Wales visit, posted on September 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
After seeing the pictures of Prince William rocking his stubble, netizens took to online comment sections to assert their judgments on his appearance. “Not a good look on him,” remarked an Instagrammer.
Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Echoing a similar sentiment while praising his character, another shared, “Sorry William I don’t like the stubble But ur kind / thoughtful / caring / and a lovely family man so who cares what I think ❤️.”
Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Expressing concern for the prince, someone else penned, “William lost weight and aged. He needs to rest and be there for himself. With [Harry], his father and wife all too much pressure on his shoulders!!”
Prince William spotted out in New York City on September 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Juxtaposing the criticism Prince William received concerning his stubble, a fan swooned, “Looks good on him,” while another admirer exclaimed, “Love the beard!!!!” “Even more handsome with his beard,” gushed a fan.
Prince Harry posing for pictures with people, posted on September 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Referencing Prince Harry, a social media user expressed, “[They] told William not [to] grow his beard, so he is copying Harry when [he] had a [fight] with [him] to [shave] it. William is always copying Harry.”
Past reflections shared by Prince Harry in his tell-all memoir “Spare” corroborate the aforementioned comment as far as the part that mentions the two princes fighting over the Duke of Sussex’s beard.
Copies of Prince Harry’s book “Spare” in a book store in Bath, England on January 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In the book, Prince Harry detailed how he had grown out his beard during a previous voyage to the South Pole and had decided to keep it upon returning to the U.K.
Prince Harry speaking during a forum about digital responsibility at EAN University in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More than just being a feature of his physical appearance, Prince Harry revealed how his beard helped calm his nerves and acted as a “security blanket.”
“[It] made me feel calmer, and I wanted to feel as calm as possible on the day of my wedding. Also, my wife-to-be had never seen me without it. She loved my beard […] I didn’t want her coming down the aisle and seeing a total stranger,” divulged Prince Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle outside St. George’s Cathedral on the day of their wedding in Windsor, England on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Explaining his reasons for wanting to keep his beard to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry mentioned how the late queen was okay with his decision. “But then I explained it to my brother and he…bristled?” wrote the prince.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
According to Prince Harry, Prince William had a problem with his beard because of military rules. Countering his older brother’s arguments, Prince Harry explained how many royals before him, like King Edward VII, King George V, and Prince Albert, rocked beards even in uniform.
Prince Harry also gave a more recent reference by mentioning Prince Michael of Kent and showed his brother pictures of such instances.
A portrait of King Edward VII circa 1901. | Source: Getty Images
Still, Prince William would not budge. “When I informed him that his opinion didn’t really matter, since I’d already gone to Granny and got the green light, he became livid,” revealed Prince Harry of his confrontation with his brother.
Continuing, he recalled, “He raised his voice. ‘You went to ask her! Yes. And what did Granny say? She said keep the beard. You put her in an uncomfortable position, Harold! She had no choice but to say yes.'”
Prince William and Prince Harry at the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite chastising his brother for rocking one, Prince William went ahead and let his stubble grow out years after fighting with Prince Harry to shave his.
Prince William in a congratulatory video for Team Great Britain (GB) who competed at the Paris Olympics, posted on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
The Prince of Wales was first seen with his stubble in the congratulatory video he, Princess Catherine, and many other public figures, like Snoop Dogg, made for Team Great Britain after they competed at the Paris Olympics.
Now that both British princes are sporting facial hair, we asked our AmoMama readers who they think rocks the unshaven look better on August 14.
We received a flurry of responses. “Harry rocks the better beard,” opined a reader, while another commented, “Harry however William looks better with the beard.” “It suits [Harry] better, it looks scruffy on William,” ruled someone else.
A month after Prince William debuted his rugged facial hair, a report came out stating that Prince Harry may be willing to return as a working royal in some capacity. However, he allegedly will only do so if his brother meets one condition.
Prince Harry and Prince William during the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their late mom, Princess Diana, in London, England, on July 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry has allegedly no plans to return to the royal family without an apology from Prince William. The Duke of Sussex stands by his choice to step away from royal duties, expressing satisfaction with his decision.
However, despite his firm stance, Prince Harry is said to be open to a temporary role within the royal family if King Charles III requests him to.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “Our Planet” global premiere in London, England on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, friends reportedly told The Mirror that he is well aware of Prince William’s attitude towards him. The brothers have reportedly not spoken for months and remain distant. They even avoided contact during their uncle Lord Fellowes’ funeral in Norfolk last month, despite being in the same room.
Prince Harry and Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore, reports surfaced that Prince William believes there’s zero chance of reconciliation after his brother released his memoir “Spare.”
Prince Harry and Prince William follow the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, Prince Harry appears to be moving forward without seeking his brother’s approval. According to The Mirror, he has reconnected with former trusted advisors and old friends to create a plan for potentially reintegrating into UK social circles in the future.
Prince Harry greets the public while departing The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Nevertheless, sources close to Prince Harry reportedly suggest that any recent communication with former aides is more about seeking strategic or friendly advice rather than a plan to rejoin the royal fold.
Prince William, King Charles III, Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive for the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service in Sandringham, Norfolk on December 25, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
While returning isn’t his current focus, it’s understood that Prince Harry is open to helping if needed. This assistance would come in handy given the recent challenges faced by King Charles III during his extended breaks for cancer treatment.
Prince Harry greets well-wishers on the Long Walk outside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
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According to The Mirror, Prince Harry is keen on strengthening his relationship with his dad, especially given the king’s recent health challenges. However, the 39-year-old would still seek an apology from his brother before agreeing to represent the royal family in any capacity.
In previous interviews, Prince Harry hinted that there were events between him and his brother that were left out of his memoir.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Princess Catherine and King Charles III attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 in London, England on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
When asked why those details weren’t shared, he suggested that he consciously chose to omit certain incidents, knowing any revelations about family members would invite criticism.
Others, particularly those involving his brother and father, would cause irreparable harm and lead to unforgivable consequences
Prince William and Prince Harry follow the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, he acknowledged that his family played an essential role in his story, making it difficult to exclude them entirely.
King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry visit the tunnel and trenches at Vimy Memorial Park during the commemorations for the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, France on April 9, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Some of the details about his family were included so they could provide insight into the characters and personalities involved in Prince Harry’s life. Still, he acknowledged that even the contents he did include might already be difficult for his family to forgive.
Princess Catherine, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex also declared, “But the way I see it is, I’m willing to forgive you for everything you’ve done, and I wish you’d actually sat down with me, properly, and instead of saying I’m delusional and paranoid.”
Prince Harry and Prince William | Source: Getty Images
He also emphasized the need for an honest talk, stating, “Actually sit down and have a proper conversation about this, because what I’d really like is some accountability. And an apology to my wife.”