More and more monarchs proudly display beards, a symbol of maturity and modernity. Philippe of Belgium, Felipe of Spain, Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and even Prince Harry made a real statement. A trend which, beyond aesthetics, reflects their humanity and their desire to evolve with the times.
Wearing a beard, once unthinkable for a monarch, is today a gesture that is both bold and symbolic. Bertrand Deckers, royal chronicler, sees it as a way for sovereigns to embody a more accessible image: “It’s both very royal and a little casual, almost neglected. It creates a link between the palaces and the population.”
This royal hair, which has become trendy, is part of a broader movement. Thomas de Bergeyck, specialist in monarchies for RTL info, recalls: “The beard has been in fashion for several years. Why shouldn’t sovereigns be entitled to it? They are in tune with their times and their contemporaries.”
Philippe and Felipe: the beard as a sign of renewal
For Philippe of Belgium and Felipe of Spain, the beard was a lever of insurance. These two kings, sometimes criticized for their lack of charisma, surprised their people by opting for this look. “The Belgian press even headlined that the beard gave Philippe the appearance of a king ready to reign, making him more credible and mature”explained Thomas de Bergeyck.
For Felipe, the beard also marked a symbolic break with his father, Juan Carlos, tainted by scandals. Bertrand Deckers confirms: “It was a way of assuming a new reign and marking a distance from his predecessor”.
Willem-Alexander: a beard that appears on stamps
On the Dutch side, Willem-Alexander initially wore a beard only during holidays. But under the influence of his wife, Queen Maxima, he adopted her permanently in 2019. “His beard gives him a thinner face and a more elegant look,” notes Thomas de Bergeyck. A decision that caused a lot of ink to flow, especially when it appeared on stamps in the Caribbean, becoming true collector’s items.
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Harry, William and the beard: a matter of protocol
In England, beards remain a more sensitive subject. Historically associated with royalty and the army, it had to disappear for practical reasons after the First World War. Since then, a hairless face has become the norm in the British royal family, particularly during official appearances.
Prince Harry, however, shook up this tradition by choosing to keep his beard during his marriage to Meghan Markle. An exception made possible thanks to the authorization of Elizabeth II, but which caused tensions. William, his older brother, had to shave for his own wedding, a privilege that he did not fail to envy, according to several sources. “It also reflects a form of freedom,” estimate Thomas de Bergeyck. “Harry was able to make this choice, while William embodies discipline and continuity”.
Since February 2024, a new British military decree now authorizes soldiers to sport a mustache and beard while wearing uniform. This reform marks a turning point for members of the royal family, who are often required to follow these strict military rules in their official appearances. “William, as a good student of Elizabeth II, has very little accustomed us to wearing a military uniform and at the same time sporting a beard. It’s almost unheard of, with the exception of in recent months where he displays a more relaxed attitude, a little cooler and where he has been seen with a beard”concludes the royal chronicler, Bertrand Deckers.
Catch the show “Place Royale” this Saturday at 7:40 p.m. on RTL tvi and streaming on RTL play.
Place Royale
Prince William
prince Harry
roi Philippe
Roi Felipe
