Secrets of Prince William’s ‘rugged rebrand’: How future King went from balding center aged dad to scorching inheritor – because of new trainers and THAT stubble

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

This outpouring of support appears to have played a significant role in William’s choice to maintain his new style, and to even expand on it. 

However, it’s not only his grooming habits that have evolved – William has also revamped his wardrobe in recent years, confidently showcasing 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 seems that he’s adopting an age-appropriate look and it’s great to see.’

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

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

Martine says: ‘A slim-fit blazer and open shirt creates a younger look. The cropped length of the chinos makes the look more on-trend and contemporary.’ 

Interestingly, William’s laid-back look mirrored the kind of effortlessly stylish outfit his wife, Kate, might choose for a casual engagement. 

‘When Kate is in a sporting environment, she is very relaxed but still smart casual and will always opt for a trainer and slim-fit jean,’ Martine notes. ‘William has potentially been inspired by Kate’s style – for him to be slightly more contemporary and trendy.’

Body language expert Judi James believes that William’s evolving style reflects his increasing confidence, with his choice of footwear signifying a shift in attitude.

She says: ‘William’s recent change of style and his much less cautious-looking and less formal body language seems to indicate both a growing confidence in terms of his stepping up to the throne and maybe an update in his priorities since Kate’s and his father’s illnesses.

‘White trainers look symbolic of William’s recent shift in attitude when he is working. Some of his signals of inherent shyness have decreased and he looks happy to be more immersive and more relaxed as a result.’

William is believed to have been working 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 serves as patron, the Prince appeared dapper in a navy velvet tuxedo jacket, featuring contrasting satin lapels. 

Maintaining his beloved beard, he completed the look with black slim-leg trousers, a white shirt and classic bow-tie. 

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

The following 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 harmonised their fashion choices. For instance, when Kate wore a burgundy polka dot dress during an engagement in Southport, William complemented her look with a jumper in a matching hue. 

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

She says: ‘William has three children that are getting to the age where they will often make comments or jokes about any out-of-date dad clothing and start to quietly revolutionise his look, especially as he seems to have been spending more time with them recently.’

As William adjusts to his new role within the royal family, his path towards becoming King has undoubtedly contributed to his growing sense of self-assurance. 

Judi explains: ‘His step-up closer to the throne might have created pressure as his responsibilities increased, but pressure and stress will often decrease when feelings of control increase, making William’s recent outings seem to imply that he feels more in control of his own destiny as a royal than he did when he had his grandmother and father to answer to.

‘William has feared being too spontaneous or even “giving” with his body language for most of his life thanks to the way he witnessed his mother’s life become an ongoing soap opera, but he seems more trusting with the press now.

‘He might have seen how he can open up a little without inviting rabid scrutiny and retain an element of privacy for his family to have a more normal life.

‘Perhaps the key quality being shown with this more relaxed and open body language then is that slow-learned trust. So many of the barbs in his life have come from within his own closest family group, and perhaps he finally sees, feels and appreciates the strong support and affection he can enjoy from the public.’