Secrets of Prince William’s ‘rugged rebrand’: How future King went from balding middle aged dad to hot heir – thanks to new trainers and THAT stubble

When Prince William debuted his new beard in August, a wave of fans praised his fresh look and encouraged him to keep the rugged look.

This outpouring of support seems to have played an important role in William’s choice to maintain and even expand his new style.

However, it’s not just his grooming habits that have evolved; William has also revamped his wardrobe in recent years, confidently showing off his new fashion choices.

Celebrity stylist Martine Alexander says: ‘This positive response has given William the confidence to be more contemporary with his style. It looks like he’s taking on an age-appropriate look and that’s great to see.”

William from the NFL Foundation, wearing a slim-fit blazer, shirt and chinos, with a pair of nice white sneakers

During a recent visit to the NFL Foundation, William opted for a contemporary outfit consisting of a slim-fit blazer, shirt and chinos, finished with a pair of crisp white sneakers from Russell & Bromley.

His relaxed ensemble struck the ideal balance between comfort and style, while maintaining a polished appearance. The white sneakers in particular caused quite a sartorial stir.

Martine says: ‘A slim-fit blazer and open shirt create a younger look. The shorter length of the chino makes the look trendy and contemporary.’

Interestingly enough, William’s relaxed look reflected the kind of effortlessly stylish outfit his wife, Kate, would choose for a casual engagement.

“When Kate is in a sporty environment, she is very relaxed yet smart casual and will always opt for a sneaker and slim-fit jeans,” notes Martine. ‘William may have been inspired by Kate’s style so he could be a little more contemporary and trendy.’

Body language expert Judi James believes William’s evolving style reflects his increasing confidence, with his choice of shoes marking a change in attitude.

She says: ‘William’s recent change in style and his much less cautious-looking and less formal body language seem to indicate both a growing confidence in his accession to the throne and perhaps an update in his priorities since Kate and his father’s illness. .

‘White sneakers seem symbolic of William’s recent change in attitude when he is at work. Some of his signs of inherent shyness have diminished and he looks happy to be more engaging and relaxed as a result.”

Judi James believes William’s evolving style reflects his increasing confidence

William’s relaxed look reflects the kind of effortlessly stylish outfit his wife Kate would choose for a casual engagement (pictured in October 2023)

When William debuted his new beard in August, it caused a wave of backlash from fans, with many praising his fresh look and encouraging him to keep the look.

William is said to have worked with stylist Natasha Archer, who is responsible for creating some of his wife Kate’s most iconic outfits.

At the recent Centrepoint Awards, a homeless charity for which he is a patron, the Prince appeared dapper in a navy blue velvet tuxedo jacket with contrasting satin lapels.

He kept his beloved beard and completed the look with black slim-leg pants, a white shirt and a classic bow tie.

Another standout outfit was William’s appearance at the D-Day commemoration on Omaha Beach in Normandy, where he was immaculately dressed in a black tailored suit, paired with John Lobb Oxford shoes, his Army Air Corps striped tie and military medals.

The next day he looked suave in a morning suit at the wedding of Olivia Henson and the Duke of Westminster, which took place at Chester Cathedral.

On other occasions, William and Kate have coordinated their fashion choices. For example, when Kate wore a burgundy polka dot dress to an engagement in Southport, William complemented her look with a sweater in a matching shade.

Judi suggests that William’s children, George, Charlotte and Louis, may also have influenced his style decisions.

She says: ‘William has three children who are reaching an age where they often comment or joke about outdated dad clothes and are quietly starting to revolutionize his appearance, especially as he seems to be spending more time with them recently.’

William is believed to have collaborated with stylist Natasha Archer, who is responsible for creating some of his wife Kate’s most iconic outfits (pictured in October)

Body language expert Judi James suggests William’s children, George, Charlotte and Louis, may have influenced his style decisions (pictured in October)

Prince William, second left in the back row, isn’t afraid to let loose during the opening Champions League match between his team Aston Villa and Bayern Munich earlier this month

As William adjusts to his new role within the royal family, his path to becoming king has undoubtedly contributed to his growing sense of confidence.

Judi explains: ‘His move closer to the throne may have created pressure as his responsibilities increased, but pressure and stress will often decrease as the sense of control increases, so William’s recent outings seem to imply that he feels he has more has control over his own affairs. fate as a royal fate than he did when he had his grandmother and father to answer to.

‘William has spent most of his life afraid of being too spontaneous or even ‘giving’ with his body language, thanks to how he watched his mother’s life become an ongoing soap opera, but he now seems to have more confidence in the press.

‘He may have seen how to open up a little without inviting rabid control and how to maintain an element of privacy so that his family can live a more normal life.

‘Perhaps the most important quality shown with this more relaxed and open body language is that slowly acquired confidence. Many of the criticisms in his life have come from within his own immediate family group, and perhaps he finally sees, feels and appreciates the strong support and affection he enjoys from the public.”