Prince William returns to royal duties with a beard

Published 1 months ago on Sep 05, 2024

Prince William's Return to Royal Duties After Summer Break with a Fan-Favorite Beard.

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, resumed his royal duties after a summer break, making headlines as he sported his popular beard. The 42-year-old royal, known for his dedication to homelessness causes, visited the Homelessness: Reframed exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London. Fans were thrilled to see the return of his facial hair, which gained attention during his support for Team GB last month.

William's first engagement after his break focused on a cause close to his heart—highlighting the complexities of homelessness. The prince reunited with his friend, Dave Martin, a Big Issue vendor whom he has supported for years. Martin, who became homeless in 2011, now shares a close bond with William, exchanging Christmas cards and collaborating on projects like selling The Big Issue in London. The pair greeted each other warmly, with William saying, "Dave, lovely to see you again."

During the visit, the Prince of Wales engaged deeply with the exhibition, even extending his half-hour stay by almost an additional hour. He praised the artists involved and the public response to the event, which had attracted over 25,000 visitors, far exceeding expectations. The exhibition, featuring works from those who have experienced homelessness, aligns with the Homewards program launched by The Royal Foundation in June 2023, which aims to change public perceptions about homelessness and ultimately eradicate it.

A Personal Connection to Homelessness Advocacy

William's bond with Dave Martin highlights his genuine commitment to helping those affected by homelessness. Martin, proud of his contributions to the exhibition, was touched by William’s recognition of his work. He shared, "He recognised my work straight away," reflecting the Prince's familiarity with the people he supports.

The Homelessness: Reframed exhibition, which opened on August 7 and will run until September 20, features contributions from various artists, including former soldier and rough sleeper David Tovey. Tovey’s life-sized house sculpture, made from an old Peugeot 206 he once lived in, left William deeply moved. The prince even raised the idea of taking the exhibition on tour to reach more communities across the UK.

William’s passion for addressing homelessness extends beyond this event. He expressed his belief that homelessness can be eradicated, and his ongoing advocacy through the Homewards program demonstrates his long-term commitment to this goal.

Prince William's Rugged Look and Fan Reactions

While the Prince of Wales captivated audiences with his royal duties, his rugged beard also drew attention. Fans were delighted to see William’s scruffier look, with many taking to social media to express their approval. Comments ranged from "Prince William with his stubble is hot" to "Keep the beard, Prince William. Handsome." This isn’t the first time William has experimented with facial hair. In 2008, he grew a beard for the festive season, leaving royal watchers swooning.

Despite his rugged appearance, William maintained his signature royal style during his visit to the Saatchi Gallery, donning a formal suit and light blue shirt. His thoughtful demeanor while observing the exhibits showed his dedication to the cause, as he listened to the experiences of those who had contributed to the event.

A Royal Connection to the Arts and Homelessness

The exhibition also brought together notable figures like British photographer Rankin, who famously photographed Queen Elizabeth II. Rankin expressed his appreciation for William’s involvement, calling it "remarkable" that the Prince chose to focus on homelessness, a complex social issue.

Artists like Robi Walters, who experienced childhood trauma in care, praised William for his vision and commitment to education and awareness. Walters highlighted the significance of William’s platform, stating that his involvement draws attention to issues that often go unnoticed.

Royal Family Dynamics: Beard Controversies and Public Appearances

Prince William’s facial hair has even sparked family discussions. In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry revealed that his brother urged him to shave his beard before his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. Harry, who was the first royal in 125 years to marry with a beard, had to seek special permission from Queen Elizabeth II, a privilege William was not granted when he married Kate Middleton in 2011.

The royal brothers’ differing experiences with facial hair made headlines last year, but William’s recent decision to grow his beard for royal engagements has been met with enthusiasm. Fans have taken to social media to voice their approval, with many praising his rugged look and urging him to keep the beard.

As William continues his royal duties, his dedication to homelessness advocacy and his fan-favorite facial hair have solidified his place as a beloved and influential figure. With the Homelessness: Reframed exhibition making a significant impact and the potential for future tours, William’s commitment to making a difference remains as strong as ever.

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