William was one of three royals who rode on horseback during the Trooping the Colour parade in London, joined by his aunt, Princess Anne, and his uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.

His wife, Kate Middleton, attended the celebration with their children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — riding a horse-drawn carriage together.

King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, also took part in the event, seated in a carriage due to his ongoing cancer treatment. As the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, William wore the regiment’s red uniform featuring a leek symbol at the neckline, along with the traditional bearskin cap topped with the white and green plume.

The prince’s attire was completed with the Most Noble Order of the Garter sash, adorned with the Lesser George, and a Welsh Guards sword. He also wore four full-size medals: the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilee medals, along with the Coronation Medal.

Still, it was his facial hair that drew the most attention, with fans, accustomed to seeing him clean-shaven, flocking online to share their mixed reactions.

One netizen couldn’t hold back their surprise, asking, “Why he copy Harry’s beard???? [sic].” Another person chimed in with a blunt critique, “William looks dirty with his beard…copying Harry for sure.”

Someone else had a different opinion, declaring, “The next king does not need to copy anyone.” Another fan concurred, “I agree…the beard doesn’t suit William he looks better clean-shaven.” More people shared their views, “The beard doesn’t suit him at all IMO x [sic].”

And amid all the mixed reactions, one royal admirer kept things positive, saying, “Our future King! Such strength and dignity. Enjoy the special day 💛💚.”

Other moments during the event also caught public attention. A body language expert, Judi James, noted that the Princess of Wales appeared to give William a flirty, appreciative glance as he rode past on horseback.

In one photo, she’s seen looking over at him with what was described as a subtle yet playful expression. Judi observed that while William looked striking in his uniform, he seemed unaware of the glance.

She interpreted Catherine’s look as slightly furtive and cheeky, rather than one of concern for how he might be faring under the heat in his full ceremonial attire. Judi also noted that the couple, married for 14 years, often share gestures that reflect their strong connection.

This year’s Trooping the Colour had its fair share of attention-grabbing moments during the centuries-old tradition that marks the Sovereign’s official birthday.