The 2024 Paris Games came to an end yesterday (11 Sunday) and the Prince and Princess of Wales took to social media to share a short video congratulating Team GB for all their efforts.
The pair captioned the post: "Well done @TeamGB, what an incredible journey!
"Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart and passion. You made us all so proud!
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"Here's to celebrating every triumph at @Paris2024 and looking forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in the summer."
However, it's clear many X users were taken by surprise at Prince William's new look as he spoke beside Kate commending the athletes for all they've achieved.
Many were quick to notice William's facial stubble which is quite a noticeable difference from this typical clean-shaven look.
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Speaking to The Sun, body language expert Judi James explained his 'terribly rugged' new beard indicates he is clearly 'dedicating himself totally to time off' with his wife and their children; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
"It looks even more telling that it is Kate who takes the lead in this clip, just as she often used to before her illness," Judi continued.
"She speaks first and uses the animated, emphatic gesticulation to send out the stronger message of pride in Team GB."
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She added: "Kate rewards us with her signature, symmetric smile here that suggests warm, regal pride in the team while William’s clamped lips and puckered smile also hints at pride in his wife as she steps into the lead again here."
Carrying on about William's facial hair, the body language expert said: "William’s rugged beard looks like a poignant nod to the last time he was seen sporting one, which was back in 2008 when he was celebrating being reunited with Kate after their four-month break-up."
This, Judi says, could be a 'similarly symbolic form of celebration' now that Kate is 'back at his side in public again' after her health scares following the cancer diagnosis.
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She also noted that William is sporting 'not just chin hair but a glimpse of some chest hair emerging from that open-neck shirt, too'.
"He seems to have shaved his head hair shorter but more than compensated with his beard, which also signals the fact that he has been taking his family time really seriously and dedicating himself totally to time off with his wife and children," Judi continued.
According to the expert, William's 'more modern' facial hair 'implies both strength, support and toughness here as well as showing the kind of off-duty vibe that defines him in a new role as dedicated husband and dad under extraordinary circumstances'.
She added: "It sends out reassuring signals that he has 'got this', with a suggestion of dedication and putting Kate’s needs first."
Topics: Prince William, Royal Family, Celebrity, Kate Middleton, Olympics
Rhiannon Ingle