Over the weekend, Prince William surprised the nation by appearing on screen sporting a full beard. While royal watchers were taken aback by this new facial hair, it was likely even more surprising for his younger brother, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex, known for his own shaggy beard during his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle, had a well-documented disagreement with his brother over the issue. In his memoir, Prince Harry revealed that the late Queen had given him permission to keep his beard, much to the annoyance of Prince William.
Prince Harry recounted in his memoir the tense conversation he had with Prince William regarding his decision to keep his beard for his wedding. He explained how Prince William disapproved of the choice, citing military rules and traditions. Despite Prince Harry’s attempts to justify his decision by referencing past royals with beards, Prince William remained steadfast in his disapproval. This disagreement over facial hair caused a rift between the brothers, as Prince Harry believed his beard was a personal choice that helped him cope with anxiety.
For Prince Harry, his beard was more than just a physical attribute – it served as a coping mechanism for his anxiety. He mentioned how growing the beard during his trip to the South Pole and maintaining it upon his return helped calm his nerves. Despite the backlash he faced from Prince William and concerns about his grandfather’s opinion, Prince Harry held onto his beard as a form of personal autonomy and mental health support.
The decision to keep his beard was not taken lightly by Prince Harry, as he worried about the reaction from his family and the media. He recalled a shooting weekend where his grandfather, the late Prince Philip, playfully dismissed the controversy surrounding his beard. While the media speculated about the Queen’s possible disapproval, Prince Philip simply joked about the length of Prince Harry’s beard, showcasing a lighthearted approach to the situation.
The beard controversy between Prince Harry and Prince William highlighted both personal autonomy and family dynamics within the royal household. While facial hair may seem like a trivial issue, it became a point of contention between the brothers, reflecting deeper tensions and disagreements. Ultimately, Prince Harry’s decision to keep his beard symbolized his commitment to self-expression and mental well-being, despite facing disapproval from his family members.