Prince William showcased his new beard for the first time in uniform as he undertook military duties on behalf of his father on Thursday. The heir to the throne attended the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, donning his Wing Commander’s uniform for an officers’ graduation ceremony.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) implemented new rules in September 2019, allowing personnel to grow beards as part of efforts to promote inclusivity. Under these regulations, members can wear “a smart, neatly-trimmed, full set beard,” although the RAF has emphasized that “high standards of appearance” must still be maintained. According to a Ministry of Defence spokesman, “scraggly or patchy beards will not be accepted.” Notably, a century-old ban on beards was lifted for the Army in March of this year.
William has been sporting his beard since August, affectionately referred to as his “summer beard.” Given its current length, it looks like it may be here to stay.
Regal men have customarily just worn whiskers momentarily lately as Sovereign Elizabeth was not supposed to be a fan.
William, 42, was likewise joined by his auntie, Woman Sarah McCorquodale, for the occasion.
The sister of his late mother, Princess Diana, lives nearby and it is perceived she needed to come and show ‘her help’.
She lives 15 miles from RAF Cranwell, in Grantham, and served a one-year term as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 2009.
It comes after William and his alienated sibling, Sovereign Harry, both went to their uncle Master Robert Fellowes’ burial service the month before.
Harry proceeded to remain at the Spencer’s hereditary home, Althorp, with Diana’s sibling, Baron Spencer, on the 27th commemoration of his mom’s demise, prompting a lot of guess about his closeness with the family, instead of the Windsors.
William showed up for the two hour function via vehicle, assessed the alumni and took the salute prior to giving awards to the school’s ‘top firearms’.
The sovereign passed his official preparation at Sandhurst however acquired his ‘wings’ at Cranwell after flight preparing in 2008.
He likewise conveyed a location to the new officials on the motorcade ground, saying: ‘We live in a period of progress and vulnerability, and you, as the eventual fate of the Regal Flying corps, are the ones who will guarantee that we can adjust and confront future dangers.’
Talking about his time at the RAF preparing base, he said: ‘I’m really glad to see so many loved ones here – I know their adoration and support will have been instrumental in getting you to this point.
‘While I didn’t graduate on this definite Procession Ground, I moved on from flying preparation here so I know something about the festivals that will come later.’
The passing out service was finished off with a stunning flypast from a RAF Hurricane fly.
Addressing graduates inside the school a while later, he said: ‘The dais shook.’ And added: ‘You must have a flypast just to go out in style.’
The motorcade included moves on from the Dispatched Warrant Officials Course and Secluded Beginning Official Instructional class.
Altogether 48 Regal Aviation based armed forces Trainees graduated at the procession, close by four Global Official Recruits from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda.
The cadets have undergone up to 24 weeks of intensive training, which prepares them with the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s and knowledge required to set the foundations for a successful career in the RAF.
Afterwards, the Prince joined graduating officers, their friends and families in the College Dining Room to hear about their experiences of the training programme and their hopes for their future careers.
Lady Sarah McCorquodale was seen in the same room behind William chatting to his staff.
Pilot Officer Alexandra Manseer-Jeffrey said after the ceremony: ‘It’s a real honour as he (William) knows what we are going through. He was here for flying training so he knows what we have been through.’
