Prince William's beard has been attracting plenty of attention since he debuted (and briefly shaved off) his fan-favorite facial hair this summer. But on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Prince of Wales set social media ablaze when he stepped out in a rugged military look.
The future King—a British Army veteran himself—visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards on Salisbury Plain to learn how the battalion "have been transitioning from ceremonial duty back to the Field Army," per Kensington Palace. The Welsh Guards have led ceremonial events such as Queen Elizabeth's funeral, King Charles III's coronation and Trooping the Colour over the past two years.
Prince William dressed in army fatigues and a green beret as he joined the troops in live firing exercises, learning how they used everything from sniper rifles to aerial drones. He also met with soldiers to discuss "how they are finding the transition back from their ceremonial roles."
Prince William visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards on Nov. 26.
When Kensington Palace shared photos from his day out, fans couldn't help but focus on William's military aesthetic.
"Damn. I love this new era of William. Looking great," one commenter wrote, while another added, "I know this is very controversal to say, but damnnn.. looking good your highness😎🤘."
"With utmost respect and admiration, if I may say, HRH looks extra damn hot with that facial hair🔥" a third fan commented.
My own group chats were not immune to this dose of royal hotness. The first thing I saw when I woke up was a text from one of my friends sending a 🥵 emoji with William's picture (justified) and another friend writing, "I just saw this on Instagram and briefly thought, who is that hot man? Then I read the caption."
William tested out a drone with soldiers.
On Nov. 27, William, who is patron of African conservation charity Tusk, will trade his military fatigues for a tuxedo as he attends the annual Tusk Conservation Awards in London. And he'll need to hang on to that formalwear next week as the Amir of Qatar travels to Buckingham Palace for a state visit.
The Royal Family announced that Prince William will be joined by wife Kate Middleton for the Amir's official ceremonial welcome on Dec. 3, although she'll be skipping the glamorous state banquet to be held in honor of the Amir and his wife.
However, the Prince and Princess of Wales will step out together on Friday, Dec. 6 for the princess's annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey—and with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis expected to attend, there will be plenty of festive fun to look forward to next week.
-
Beyoncé Says She "Forgot to Thank" Someone Important at the Grammys"She's at home watching."
-
King Charles Has a Bizarre Coffee Routine That'll Have You Scratching Your Head, Per Former Butler"It actually isn’t too bad!"
-
Bella Hadid Forgets to Wear Pants in Her New Ôrebella CampaignShe takes the pantsless trend literally.
-
This Royal Risked Her Life to Hide a Jewish Family During World War IIPrince William shared the courageous story of one of his relatives during a Holocaust Memorial Day event.
-
Prince William Reveals the Hilarious, Blunt Responses George, Charlotte, and Louis Give Him About SchoolThe Prince and Princess of Wales's kids certainly have a way with words.
-
Prince William Is Seriously Considering Giving This Young Relative a Brand "New Royal Title"The Prince of Wales reportedly noticed "the devotion she has shown over the years."
-
Prince Harry and Prince William Won't Inherit Late Mom Princess Diana's Childhood Home–Here's Who WillAlthorp House won't be handed down to Diana's two sons.
-
Kate Middleton Unexpectedly Joins Prince William at a Holocaust Day Memorial, as King Charles Visits AuschwitzThe Princess of Wales's attendance was only confirmed at the last minute.
-
Queen Elizabeth Would "Very Much Approve" of One Change Prince William Has Made Within Royal FamilyThe Prince of Wales is following in his late grandmother's footsteps.
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William's Relationship Has Become "More Open" After Her Cancer Battle"They are able to express themselves in a way they would never have done before."
-
Prince William Just Made an Impromptu Trip to Monaco Without Kate Middleton for an Unexpected ReasonThe Prince of Wales jetted off to Monaco after completing a solo engagement in London.
