PRINCE William grew his beard in a new video with Princess Kate as the couple thanked Team Great Britain ahead of the 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.
The snap of the royal couple – which they shared on their social media channels this evening – also features the likes of Snoop Dogg, David Beckham and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, but Wills’ rugged look is all fans can focus on.
10
Kate and William appeared in a video congratulating Team GBCredit: X
10
The couple filmed the video in the garden, with William sporting a wispy beard Credit: X
10
David Beckham also appears in the video Credit: X
10
Snoop Dogg opened the video by saying, ‘Greetings, my love.’ Credit: Instagram
The closing ceremony included a stunning appearance by Hollywood star Tom Cruise.
Impressive results from the British team saw Keely Hodgkinson, Tom Pidcock and Alex Yee take gold, while Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Josh Kerr and Adam Peaty picked up a heartbreaking silver medal in a heroic campaign.
Kate and William’s post read: “Well done @TeamGB what an amazing journey!
“Each athlete showed tremendous dedication, heart and passion. You made us all so proud!
READ MORE ABOUT THE OLYMPIC
“Here’s to celebrating every triumph at @Paris2024 and looking forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in the summer.”
In the video, Kate, seen in a striped top, says: “From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB.”
William, wearing a Team GB shirt, then added: “Well done on everything you’ve achieved. You’ve been an inspiration to us all.”
The royal couple filmed their portion of the video in what appears to be the garden of their home, Adelaide Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
They are currently on leave from royal duties and the Prince of Wales has a rougher look with a bushy facial stubble.
And fans were quick to notice his new look.
Ireland’s stars in the women’s 4x400m relay reflect on narrowly missing out on Olympic bronze
One commented: “Sorry ladies… I have to chill. Prince William looks so handsome with a little bit of freckles on his face.”
Another added: “Oh William.”
And the third said: “BEARD?!”
A fourth said: “Love the beard – it really suits you.”
Body language expert Judi James told The Sun that while William’s beard allows him to look “horribly rough”, it also means he is currently focusing on his role as a family man rather than needing his clean-shaven look as seen on royal duties.
Ms James said she was clearly “dedicating herself completely to free time” with her husband and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
She noted that William last sported a beard in 2008 when he reunited with Kate during a brief hiatus in their relationship.
She added that it could be “a similar symbolic form of celebration” now that Kate is “back with him in public” following her health scare.
She said he was rocking “not just the hair on his chin, but the sight of his chest hair coming out of that open-collared shirt.”
“He appears to have shaved his head shorter, but he’s more than compensated for it with a beard, which also signals the fact that he takes family time very seriously and fully dedicates himself to free time with his wife and children,” Ms. James continued.
In the video, the expert said that William is happy to take on a supporting role with Kate in the spotlight.
She described him as his wife’s “sexy-looking wingman” who was “standing next to but a little behind her, looking awfully rough.”
Ms James continued: “Here it also implies strength, support and toughness, as well as showing the off-duty vibe that defines him in his new role as a devoted husband and father in extraordinary circumstances.
“He sends encouraging signals that he ‘gets it’, while suggesting commitment and putting Kate’s needs first.”
Snoop Dogg started and ended the video wearing a blue and white half-and-half blazer with a red and white scarf.
The rapper begins with “hello loved ones” and ends with “thank you Great Britain, on behalf of the great Snoop Dogg, Prince and his lovely wife”.
Beckham said: “Hey Team GB, we’re so proud of you. Congratulations.”
Some of the others who appeared in the video include former swimmer Rebecca Adlington, former athlete Ennis-Hill, former middle distance runner Dame Kelly Holmes, presenter and author Greg James and TV presenter Emma Willis.
King Charles also greeted the contestants, saying he and wife Queen Camilla “send our warmest congratulations”.
He then thanked France for hosting and said the couple was looking forward to the Paralympic Games.
The Prime Minister is among other dignitaries who congratulated Team GB athletes today.
Sir Keir Starmer posted on X, formerly Twitter: “To all our amazing @TeamGB athletes and support staff, well done and congratulations.
“You’re bringing home more than medals. You’ve inspired a new generation of athletes while entertaining a nation. Thank you.”
GB MEDAL DRAW
Great Britain finished the Paris Olympics with 65 medals – the same number won in London 2012 and the second-best ever on foreign soil – with only the United States (126) and China (91) winning more.
But Team Great Britain won eight fewer gold medals than in Tokyo three years ago and fell 13 short of the 27 medals collected in Rio 2016.
A final return of 14 golds, 22 silvers and 29 bronzes saw Britain drop to seventh in the medals table – its lowest since 10th in Athens 2004 – and the third best European nation behind hosts France and the Netherlands.
Traditional Olympic sports such as athletics, cycling and swimming returned medals, while rowing shook off its Tokyo nightmare to win three golds in a strong regatta.
But newer sports such as skateboarding, taekwondo and trampoline have also seen success, while Team GB won their first medals in sport climbing.
Team GB has already started planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Games by securing Stanford University as its exclusive training camp.
King Charles welcomes competitors as the Paris Olympics draw to a close
The king sent a message to mark the end of the Paris Olympics, congratulating the competitors and describing them as an “inspiration”.
Charles’ statement was released before Sunday night’s closing ceremony.
The King’s message reads: “My wife joins me in sending our warmest congratulations to the competitors and their support teams from Team GB and across the Commonwealth, for their many outstanding achievements at the Paris Olympics.
“Your achievements, in so many disciplines, have been forged from that priceless combination of raw talent, true determination and hard work over many years, polished these past weeks by sportsmanship and team spirit in the best tradition of the Games.
“To those who missed out on the greatest rewards, you most certainly did not fail in the pride you also created for your nations.
“As we thank France for hosting such a wonderful tournament and look to the Paralympics ahead, I can only say that you have all been an inspiration.”
10
Gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson of Team Great Britain celebrates with the crown during the women’s 800m final Credit: Getty
10
Team GB flag bearers for the Paris 2024 closing ceremony – Olympic winners Alex Yee and Bryony PageCredit: Twitter
10
Tom Pidcock of Great Britain with his gold medal after the men’s cross-country mountain bike raceCredit: PA
10
Team Great Britain silver medalist Katarina Johnson-Thompson celebrates after competing in the women’s 800m heptathlon Credit: Rex
10
Josh Kerr celebrates with fans after finishing second in the 1500m final to win the silver medal Credit: Rex
10
Adam Peaty attends Speedo Athlete Media Day at Hotel Dame des ArtsCredit: Rex
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education