As 2024 unfolds, Prince William has faced a year of personal trials and public triumphs.

On the personal front, the Prince of Wales has navigated significant family challenges, including his father, King Charles, and his wife, Catherine, both confronting serious health issues.

Catherine’s recent cancer diagnosis has cast a shadow over the royal household, yet Prince William’s resilience shines through in his professional endeavors.

Despite these personal struggles, William has been making notable strides in his professional life.

His Earthshot Prize initiative, aimed at combating climate change, continues to make substantial progress. The project has disbursed $29 million in funding, supporting 15 innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Similarly, his efforts to tackle homelessness in the UK have seen a significant impact. Last week, the Homewards Foundation, a charity he supports, unveiled a moving exhibition titled “Homelessness,” highlighting the severity of the crisis and promoting public awareness.

Prince William’s work extends beyond tangible achievements; he is also dedicated to reshaping attitudes and beliefs surrounding pressing social issues. His approach to these problems reflects a broader strategy of changing the narrative around these crises.

In a lighter note, the Prince and Princess of Wales recently made headlines with a social media appearance celebrating the end of the Paris Olympics. Their video message to Team GB, congratulating them on their achievements, marked a rare public appearance of Princess Catherine since her Wimbledon outing last month. The spotlight, however, was firmly on Prince William’s new beard, which has sparked a buzz among royal enthusiasts.

The Prince’s new look, a departure from his typically clean-shaven appearance, has reignited interest in the so-called “beard wars” with his younger brother, Prince Harry. The beard, last seen on William during Christmas 2008, is now being perceived as a fresh installment in their long-running family feud, which was notably exacerbated by Harry’s memoir, *Spare*. The book’s revelations about tensions between the brothers, including the contentious issue of facial hair, have kept public interest high.

A source close to the royal family noted that it was unexpected to see William sporting a beard in a public video. “It’s a surprising development, and it certainly adds a new chapter to the beard wars,” the source said. This comment alludes to a long-standing rivalry between the brothers, with Harry previously accusing William of being upset over his decision to keep his beard for his wedding day.

The debate over beards even stretches back to Prince William’s military service. During his time in the armed forces, serving members were required to be clean-shaven for practical reasons, such as the proper sealing of gas masks. William’s beard at his wedding was reportedly granted special permission by the late Queen, a point of contention noted in his memoir and widely discussed by royal commentators.

Amidst all the royal drama, Prince William’s unshaven look has captivated social media users, with many expressing their admiration and excitement. One fan tweeted, “Wow, I’m loving the facial hair. Very handsome!” Another remarked, “William’s beard era is back!”

As Prince William and Princess Catherine continue to navigate a year marked by both personal hardships and significant professional achievements, their public appearances and evolving styles offer a glimpse into their lives and the ongoing dynamics within the royal family.