Prince William has debuted a new beard, surprising fans and sparking discussions about royal grooming norms, particularly in light of his past criticisms of facial hair within the family. In a recent video celebrating Team GB's success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, he appeared alongside Kate Middleton, drawing attention to his rugged look for the first time since 2008. Body language expert Judi James suggested that the beard signifies William's commitment to family life over traditional royal expectations. The change comes amid ongoing tensions related to royal protocol regarding facial hair, notably between William and his brother, Prince Harry, who has long sported a beard. The history of royal attitudes toward facial hair adds context to the public's fascination with William's new appearance, especially considering past disputes over grooming rules in the royal family. As the couple enjoys a summer break, this transformation has become a talking point among royal watchers.