Prince William and Princess Kate stayed together to proudly congratulate Team GB on their Olympic success in a sweet new video. The pair, filming from their home in Norfolk, were both in casual attire as they dubbed the contestants an “inspiration to us all”.
The short clip, fronted by Snoop Dogg, sent fans into a frenzy — and it wasn’t because Kate made a rare appearance amid her recovery from preventative cancer treatment. It was Prince William‘s new beard that got people talking.
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, an account called @MeghansMole immediately commented: “Sorry girls… I need to calm down. Prince William looks so handsome with a little stubble.”
Another added: “Great to see so many people congratulating GB and wow William…” The 2024 Olympics ended today (August 11), with the Welsh releasing their video of support at around 7pm.
It begins with Princess Kate saying: “From all of us watching at home, congratulations to Team GB.” It then moves on to William, who continues: “Congratulations on everything you have achieved, you have been an inspiration to us all.”
It then cuts to David Beckham, who adds: “Hello Team GB, we’re so proud of you, congratulations.” This is followed by a series of star-studded clips from former Olympian Rebecca Adlington, Gabby Logan, Sir Chris Hoy, Dame Kelly Holmes, Mark Chapman, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Colin Jackson, Emma Willis, Greg James, Andrew Cotter, Michael Johnson and Clare Balding.
The video was signed by Snoop Dogg saying: “Thank you, Great Britain. On behalf of the great Snoop Dogg, the Prince and his lovely wife.” A Kensington Palace logo closes the video.
Despite the flashy lineup of celebrities all congratulating the team, it was the beard that caught viewers’ attention.
One X user said: “Love the holiday look. Love the beard – it really suits you.” While other users attributed the stubble to a look William will sport while on holiday.
“Love the summer beard! Catherine, you look so happy and hoping you continue to recover. Well done Team GB,” another user said. Other excited fans added: “Respectfully, William…” followed by a heart emoji.
The backlash then turned into a torrent of demands to “keep the beard”, with the prince’s new look having quite the impact. One of the last times the prince sported a beard was in 2008, around Christmas.
He grew a beard during a 10-day exercise in Barbados with the Royal Navy’s Special Boat Service in 2008 — beards being permitted by the Navy.