Two decades after joining the Royal Family, Catherine, Princess of Wales, has earned many titles, including serving as the monarchy’s sometimes reluctant primary fashion powerhouse.
Whether she is stepping out in a tailored coat, a signature hat, a new bag, or a specific shade of lipstick, the “Kate Effect” ensures items sell out within minutes. Kate Middleton’s hair, whether worn in cascading curls or a sleek updo, dominates headlines.
Every detail of her makeup and nail polish choices is meticulously studied by fans and experts alike. However, over the past year, the Duchess’s influence on the monarchy took up so much space that The Firm eventually implemented a strategic shift.
Reports confirmed the institution felt the need to “dial down” the media coverage of the ever-so-loved “what Princess Kate wore today.”. The Palace gently made it clear that they would no longer be sharing specific brand details and prices of the Princess’s attire and accessories.
This decision is to ensure that public and media attention remains squarely on her substantive work and the institution’s charitable engagements, rather than on her attire.
A Surprising Shift In The Royal Spotlight
This week, however, Prince William is the one grabbing the spotlight with an unexpected announcement regarding his own appearance — one that might leave Prince Harry chuckling all the way in Montecito.
During a visit to the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment at Bulford, Wiltshire, the Prince of Wales expressed admiration for the “fashionable” facial hair sported by the troops. Since the British Army updated its regulations in March 2024 to allow neatly groomed beards, the look has become a trend among soldiers.
From Designer Beard To A Potential Mustache
William joked about a potential transformation: “I might end up taking mine off and leaving a ‘tash.”
While the comment was lighthearted, any conversation regarding William’s facial hair carries significant historical weight within the Royal Family.
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry dedicated several pages to the “hairy drama,” detailing a bitter clash over this very topic.
The Bitter “Spare” Dispute Over Facial Hair
The Duke of Sussex claimed that when he sought Queen Elizabeth II‘s permission to keep his beard for his wedding, William — a grown man who was just a few weeks shy of turning 29 at the time — was livid. According to Harry, William ordered him to shave it, leading to a multi-day argument.
Harry wrote in Spare: “He fell in 1 step with me, his face red. ‘I’m telling you, shave it off.’ ‘For the love of God, Willy, why does it matter so much to you?’ ‘Because I wasn’t allowed to keep my beard.'”
A Striking Irony And Potential Double Standard
Harry further alleged that William was jealous because he had been forced to shave his own beard years prior to comply with military and royal protocols.
Harry noted that William “hated the idea of me enjoying a perk he’d been denied.” It is a striking irony that William, who once reportedly fought so hard against Harry’s beard, has now embraced his own.
His suggestion that he might swap the full beard for a mustache — a look that is “creeping in now” among the infantry — suggests a Prince who is finally comfortable experimenting with his image. However, given the past friction, a “Prince William Mustache” would likely have Harry shaking his head at the royal double standard.
