Prince William introduced his beard last summer, sparking varied reactions.
However, his wife, Kate Middleton, has remained largely silent on her thoughts. On March 17, she finally shared her opinion during a St. Patrick’s Day event, addressing the topic with humor.
During her visit to Wellington Barracks in London, Princess Kate participated in the Irish Guards’ annual parade. She met with senior officers and engaged with troops, observing their traditional festivities. While enjoying a pint of Guinness in the sergeants’ mess, she casually discussed William’s facial hair with section commanders.
“These trends come and go,” Kate remarked. “I was saying to my husband, I’m not sure how long he’s going to keep his for.” Her lighthearted response suggested she remained open-minded about William’s changing look. This moment offered rare insight into the princess’s thoughts on the matter.
Adding further context, former royal aide Jason Knauf shared an interesting perspective. In a February 2025 interview with 60 Minutes Australia, he stated, “If she didn’t like it, it wouldn’t be there. I could tell you that.” His comment hinted that Kate ultimately approves of William’s beard.
While Kate’s reaction remained measured, their daughter, Princess Charlotte, had a more dramatic response. William recalled her emotional reaction in a November 2024 interview while in South Africa for the Earthshot Prize Awards. He admitted she disliked his beard when he first grew it.
“Well, Charlotte didn’t like it the first time,” William revealed. “I got floods of tears. The first one I got tears, so I had to shave it off.” His young daughter’s disapproval influenced his initial decision to remove his facial hair. However, he later reconsidered.
After some persuasion, William decided to grow his beard back. “I thought, ‘Hang on a second,’” he said. “And I convinced her it was going to be okay.” His determination to keep the look suggests he enjoys experimenting with his appearance.
Interestingly, a reporter in South Africa commented that William’s beard gave him a more relaxed look. In response, the prince admitted that external appearances can be misleading. He revealed that, despite seeming calm, he had faced a stressful year.
“It’s interesting you say that because I couldn’t be less relaxed this year,” he said. His family faced significant challenges, including King Charles and Princess Kate being diagnosed with cancer. Still, he emphasized the importance of resilience.
“But it’s more a case of just crack on, and you’ve got to keep going,” he added. His words reflected his commitment to duty despite personal hardships. Through it all, William continued fulfilling his royal responsibilities.
William’s beard first made headlines in 2008 during the Christmas holidays. At the time, the look was short-lived. Unlike his younger brother, Prince Harry, he did not maintain a beard. Harry, however, adopted facial hair in 2015 and kept it ever since.
Prince Harry’s beard even played a role in a royal disagreement. Before his May 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, he sought permission from Queen Elizabeth to keep it. She approved his request, allowing him to wear a beard with his military uniform.
This decision, however, frustrated Prince William. In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Harry described the tension between them. William believed their grandmother treated Harry with more leniency, which irritated him. The moment highlighted their long-standing sibling rivalry.
“Willy always thought Granny had a soft spot for me,” Harry wrote. “She indulged me while holding him to an impossibly high standard.” This perception fueled William’s frustration and contributed to their ongoing conflicts.
Despite receiving the Queen’s approval, Harry recalled his brother urging him to shave. The disagreement escalated, prompting Harry to question William’s strong feelings about the matter. He was surprised by his brother’s persistence on such a personal choice.
“For the love of God, Willy, why does this matter so much to you?” Harry asked. William’s response revealed lingering resentment. He admitted, “Because I wasn’t allowed to keep my beard.” This exchange underscored the differing expectations placed on the two brothers.
Kate Middleton’s recent comments about William’s beard suggest a relaxed attitude. While Charlotte initially disapproved, Kate appears to accept it. Meanwhile, William’s facial hair has sparked discussions, both within the royal family and among the public.