The Evolution of Facial Hair in the Royal Family

Prince William recently surprised royal fans with a significant change in his appearance. The usually cleanly-shaven royal decided to sport a beard for a more rugged edge. This shift in grooming style caught the attention of many, given that it had been many years since the Prince of Wales had been seen in public with facial hair.

It appears that Prince William may have taken inspiration from his father, King Charles, when it comes to experimenting with facial hair. In April 1976, the then-Prince Charles sported a smart naval beard to the Badminton Horse Trials. This style, known as a ‘naval beard,’ features a full beard and mustache that join together and cover the jawline. Interestingly, King Charles’ appearance with the beard bore a striking resemblance to his son, Prince William.

While both Prince Charles and Prince William have dabbled in facial hair, the royal family typically opts for a cleanly shaven look. Prince William, in particular, has only sported a beard on a few occasions, such as the annual Christmas Day Church Service in 2008. On the other hand, Prince Harry, William’s brother, has been more inclined towards maintaining a beard and even wore one on his wedding day to Meghan Markle in 2018.

Controversy Surrounding Beards

Despite the growing trend of bearded royals, facial hair has not always been met with approval within the royal family. Prince Harry faced backlash for sporting a beard on his wedding day, as it contradicted military protocol. The groom was scheduled to wear the frock coat uniform of The Blues and Royals, which traditionally required a clean-shaven face. Harry had to seek permission from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to keep his beard for the wedding ceremony.

Personal Preferences and Family Dynamics

In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry shared insights into his family’s views on facial hair. He mentioned a humorous encounter with Prince William, who was once advised to shave off his beard after returning from a Special Forces assignment. This anecdote sheds light on the dynamic between the royal siblings and their differing grooming choices.

The evolution of facial hair in the royal family reflects personal preferences, historical influences, and societal expectations. While some royals have embraced beards for a more modern and casual appearance, others have chosen to maintain a traditional and cleanly shaven look. The changing trends in grooming styles highlight the individuality and diversity within the royal family, offering a glimpse into their personal lives beyond their public personas.