Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Prince William has sent royal fans into meltdown over the return of his hit designer stubble – and a glowing tan. The Prince of Wales stepped out today (September 5) for his first engagement since summer to visit the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea, London.
He attended the Homelessness: Reframed exhibition which aims to highlight the complexities of homelessness and tell the stories of those who have experienced what it’s like first-hand to sleep on the streets.
As the father-of-three was pictured entering the gallery, many praised the future King’s homelessness agenda, and his plight to support it, but attentions quickly turned to his appearance.
One X user said: ” What are my eyes seeing?! Prince William is back and has a new Daddy’s beard look and I love this era.”
It’s not the first time William has donned stubble, as over the summer he was seen with a short beard as he congratulated Team GB at the end of the Olympic Games. He joined wife, Princess Kate, in a short video which saw other celebrities praise the team’s sporting efforts on August 11.
His new beard went down so well, people were questioning whether or not he’d be allowed to keep it for official royal duties. But today, he appeared to confirm the stubble is a permanent fixture, at least for now.
Another X user cheekily added: “Someone call the fire department.”
One person said: “Prince William toys with fans emotions as he rocked up to “Homelessness: Reframed” at the Saatchi Gallery today, with a distinctive 5 day facial hair growth, blowing the “Awww he shaved it off for work” rumours out of the water.”
Today’s public outing saw the 42-year-old see the exhibition in three sections – split into Invisible Words, Reframed and Open Doors. He also spoke to artists whose work had contributed to the display.
Princess Kate did not join her husband today and remained at home in Windsor following a short summer break with the rest of the Royal Family at Balmoral.
Despite a noticeably rugged look, William still appeared smart in a light-blue shirt and navy suit.
In 2023, William and the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales launched Homewards, a programme that aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to end homelessness.
“Through Homewards, I want to make this a reality and over the next five years, give people across the UK hope that homelessness can be prevented when we collaborate,” William said when it was announced. “I am fortunate to have seen first-hand the tireless work of people and organisations across the sector, the tangible impact their efforts can have and what can be done when communities are able to focus on preventing homelessness, rather than managing it.”
He added: “It’s a big task, but I firmly believe that by working together it is possible to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated and I am very much looking forward to working with our six locations to make our ambition a reality.”