Beards Are Back

It’s not just a trend. It’s a statement.

When Prince William stepped onto Salisbury Plain in September, beard intact, it was more than just a new look. It was a signal.

The Prince, fresh from his summer break, wasn’t just there for a photo op. Dressed in full uniform, he trained with the Welsh Guards, tested drones, and observed live firing exercises. Then he posted about it: proud words of dedication and professionalism from the regiment rebuilding its specialist weapons capabilities.

But what everyone noticed? The beard.

William isn’t alone. Beards are making waves everywhere.

The Bearded Brigade

Look at Hollywood.

Jacob Elordi rocked a fuller beard at the Marrakech International Film Festival. Fans? Mixed reactions, but he didn’t care.

Chris Evans? The Captain America heartthrob showed up with long hair and a salt-and-pepper beard. He looked less superhero, more hot professor.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon? The duo grew beards for their Netflix crime thriller RIP. Art imitating life? Perhaps.

Then there’s JD Vance, Ohio senator and Vice President-elect. His beard screams, “I’m not playing by your rules.”

Or Jack Dorsey, ex-Twitter boss, whose beard has become his brand.

Even Richard Branson’s neatly trimmed beard says, “Adventurer, but polished.”

And Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft? A short, sharp beard to match his sharp business acumen.

Breaking Old Rules

This isn’t just about style. Beards are pushing boundaries.

In March, the British Army lifted its centuries-old no-beard policy. Soldiers can now grow beards, as long as they’re tidy and natural. The Times reported King Charles III himself approved the change.

It’s personal for William. He joked about how his daughter Charlotte cried when he first grew a beard. He shaved it off, but this time, he convinced her it’d be fine.

And for Prince Harry, the beard debate fueled royal drama. His 2023 memoir Spare revealed how wearing a beard in uniform for his wedding triggered tensions with his older brother.

Why It Matters

Beards aren’t just facial hair. They’re identity. They’re defiance. They’re confidence.

When William stood with his beard among soldiers in ghillie suits, it wasn’t just about the Welsh Guards. It was about signaling change. Beards aren’t a rebellion anymore—they’re a choice.

From princes to Hollywood, from boardrooms to battlefields, the beard is here to stay.

So, whether you’re a captain, an actor, or a CEO, the question isn’t why grow a beard in 2025.

The question is, why not?