Overview
- Prince William appeared with a beard in a video celebrating Team GB's Olympic success, surprising royal watchers.
- The beard recalls the 2018 'beardgate' controversy between William and Harry over wedding appearance rules.
- Prince Harry had received special permission from Queen Elizabeth II to keep his beard for his wedding, causing friction with William.
- William's friends suggest the new beard is a casual vacation look, but some see it as a nod to past sibling rivalry.
- The royal family has seen evolving regulations on facial hair, with the Army relaxing its rules as recently as March 2024.