Prince William and His Beard Visit the Air Force Base Where He Earned His Wings
The prince took a trip down memory lane.
Prince William paid a nostalgic visit to the Royal Air Force (RAF) College in Cranwell, England on Thursday, Sept. 12, returning to the place where he earned his wings in 2008.
The Prince of Wales — who was still sporting his fan-favorite facial hair — attended the Sovereign's Parade on behalf of his father, King Charles, watching on as RAF cadets and international officer cadets graduated at the Air Force station.
Princess Diana's sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, who lives close to RAF Cranwell, also attended the parade.
RAF Cranwell holds a special place in royal history as it was the place where a young Kate Middleton made her first public appearance with her then-boyfriend following their breakup.
Middleton attended Prince William's 2008 graduation alongside members of the Royal Family, stepping out in a white coat and black tights as she beamed alongside her boyfriend.
Prince William followed in his father's footsteps by attending RAF Cranwell; The King took flying training courses at the Air Force Base in the 1970s.
Royal fans took to X to share their thoughts on William's latest appearance, with one writing, in part, "Seems like the beard is here to stay. Perhaps to mark a new phase after overcoming the ordeal of Princess Catherine's health troubles."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Another royal watcher shared a photo of the Prince of Wales from his RAF Cranwell graduation along with one from Thursday's engagement, writing, there was "defintely a gravity there that comes naturally with age."
His appearance Thursday follows the emotional video the Prince and Princess of Wales shared to update the public on the princess's cancer battle earlier this week.
In the moving clip, the Princess of Wales announced she has completed her chemotherapy treatment and is "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months."
However, she added that her "path to healing and full recovery is long."
Kristin Contino joined Marie Claire as its Senior Royal and Celebrity editor in 2024. She's covered major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation over the years, placing a particular focus on the British royal family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.”
-
Eva Mendes Singlehandedly Keeps the "Mob Wife" Aesthetic Going
Just when you think you're out, she pulls you back in.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Sophie Turner Just Went Instagram Official With Peregrine Pearson After Joe Jonas Divorce
The actress shared some sweet snaps of her new boyfriend days after finalizing her divorce.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
All About Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Rarely-Seen Cocker Spaniel, Orla
The pup made a surprise appearance in the princess's cancer update video.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
All About Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Rarely-Seen Cocker Spaniel, Orla
The pup made a surprise appearance in the princess's cancer update video.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Wasn't Cropped Out of Prince Harry's 40th Birthday Post by the Royal Family
Royal sources refuted allegations of a Buckingham Palace snub.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Prince Harry "Unified" After the Death of Their Mother Princess Diana
"Please, please remember, don’t ever forget that you’re brothers."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Secretly Helped a London Food Bank Get Back on Its Feet
The food pantry was robbed on Sept. 8.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Secretly Visited a New Helicopter Base After Hinting He Wants to Fly Again
The Prince of Wales reportedly "surprised people at the event."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Hates Playing Card Games With the "Fiercely Competitive" Middleton Family
"William would flinch at our ruthless determination to win at all costs."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Was "Influential" in "Softening" Prince William's Approach to Old "Grudges"
"Perhaps she has persuaded William that life is too short."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
James Middleton Shares the Low-Key Way He Found Out Sister Kate Was Engaged to Prince William
"Did he deserve my sister? He had to earn my trust."
By Kristin Contino Published