Attention, royal watchers! Prince William has shocked and astounded fans across the globe by unveiling a rugged new beard of jaw-dropping proportions that we are still reeling from. The usually clean-cut Prince of Wales took a bold leap not seen in his family since his younger brother, Prince Harry, got into the business of sporting facial hair. The almost–beard is certainly majestic and appears in a viral video shot to celebrate British Olympians, in which we also see the handsome soccer player David Beckham, alongside an equally handsome (and regal) Kate Middleton, his wife. In the Olympics version of “We Are the Champions,” no less! Of course, social media can’t get enough of this unexpected “(W)ill-he-or-won’t-he” moment. There is speculation about whether the beard pays tribute to brotherly bonds or is simply an Olympic-inspired last-minute decision.
There is much excitement among fans over what appears to be a new piece of jewelry on Kate Middleton’s finger. Could it be a maternity leave ring, or a new-age eternity ring? Observers have speculated, not without reason, that it could be a new engagement ring or a promise ring in lieu of the iconic sapphire that is associated with Kate. After all, a maritime tradition allows the UK’s royal navy to not salute with raised eyebrows while at sea. A navy salute is performed by raising the right arm and turning the head to the left—an awkward posture made more so by the long arms of the US.
Fans thrilled by the united front of the future King and Queen Consort of Great Britain seem to have a sweet extra nugget to take from the 2024 Summer Olympics. On top of Great Britain’s already impressive medal count, with 65 in total, came the royal revelation of the day: Prince William apparently has a new, more rugged look for his public appearances.
Please, no disparagement of the Prince’s past styles, but this new look is definitely a) a change, and b) good for a conversation piece, at least. It might also be helpful for Prince William and his wife, Kate, to have a slightly more modern look if, in fact, they are leaning toward a more modern-seeming style as #RoyalRebranding could come to an end.