Prince Harry | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s recent New York appearance turned heads, but it wasn’t just his work on sustainable tourism that had people talking—it was his noticeable physical transformation.
As soon as photos from Prince Harry’s New York visit surfaced, social media buzzed with comments about his appearance. Observers were quick to point out changes, sparking a mix of opinions.
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
One user
questioned
,
“Has he lightened the top of his head/hair? It’s a bit like the badger look. Or is it skin?”
Others focused less on his appearance and more on his newfound freedom.
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
“Getting out of that horrible monarchy was the best thing he could have done for himself. Go, Harry. Keep prospering. 👊👊👊”
one person
wrote
in support.
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
Some saw a more relaxed side of the prince,
noting
,
“Wow. He seems sooooo happier without Meghan pushing him around,”
while another
added
,
“He looks so relaxed and happy when he is on his own…👏.”
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
And in a lighter vein, one commenter
joked
,
“Didn’t realize how tall Harry is 💀.”
Although much of the online conversation focused on his appearance, Prince Harry was in New York for an important cause.
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
He attended the Travalyst event, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the environmental tourism initiative he founded in 2019. The event, which was part of Climate Week NYC, brought together key figures from the travel and tourism industry to discuss how to make sustainable travel more accessible and effective.
Prince Harry seen during his trip to New York, dated September 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/people
Prince Harry’s dedication to this cause has remained strong, even after stepping back from royal duties. He continues to advocate for environmental sustainability on a global scale, which reflects his commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world through his independent work.
Prince Harry seen on May 8, 2024, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
While Harry’s professional dedication to environmental causes is well-documented, those who’ve worked closely with him have shed light on his personal side.
Prince Harry spotted at a polo event in Wellington, Florida on April 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Mandana Dayani, the former COO of Archwell, recently shared some touching memories from her time working alongside Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle. She revealed the couple’s quiet acts of kindness, which often go unnoticed by the public.
“Part of the profound injustice of having to speak publicly on this in light of these endless and damaging narratives is that so much of the kindness, mentorship, and support that Prince Harry and Meghan share with others happens quietly behind closed doors,” Dayani
recalled
.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a walkabout as they visited a new sculpture in Hamilton Square on January 14, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
She shared a heartwarming moment when Meghan was making cold calls to senators to advocate for paid leave while feeding their daughter, Lilibet. This glimpse into the couple’s home life showed just how hands-on they are, both as parents and advocates.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Dayani also recalled how Meghan traveled to Uvalde, Texas, after the devastating 2022 school shooting to spend time with grieving families. Meghan’s empathy and continued support for these families highlighted the couple’s commitment to making a difference, even when it doesn’t grab headlines.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the “Responsible Digital Future” on August 15, 2024, in Colombia | Source: Getty Images
Over time, Dayani formed a close bond with the Sussexes and expressed admiration for their humility and hospitality. She fondly remembered weekly meetings at their Montecito home, where Meghan would prepare snacks and homemade dishes.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during their Colombia tour on August 18, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
These reflections provide a fuller picture of Prince Harry’s life today, balancing his role as a dedicated father, husband, and advocate, all while remaining true to his values outside the royal bubble.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary on May 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
As
Prince Harry
continues to chart his independent path, his brother, Prince William, remains firmly rooted within the royal family, taking on his own set of responsibilities. Although the two brothers have taken different paths, they share a strong commitment to global causes, particularly when it comes to the environment.
Prince William and Prince Harry on their way to greet well wishers in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Just hours after Harry’s appearance at the Travalyst event, Prince William
addressed world leaders
at the United Nations. His speech focused on the urgent need to preserve biodiversity and prevent the extinction of endangered species.
William’s message was clear: the world is running out of time. He reminded leaders that “one million species face extinction” and called for immediate action to halt the loss of vital natural habitats.
His plea echoed the goals laid out during the 2022 Montreal Summit on biodiversity, where a global commitment was made to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. “We now have just five years to deliver on our collective promise,” he
warned
.
Though their roles have diverged since Harry departed from royal duties, the brothers’ dedication to the environment and humanitarian causes is a shared passion.
This isn’t the first time the brothers have been compared in the public eye.
Netizens recently ignited conversations about Prince William’s stubble, pointing out the irony of his facial hair resembling the beard he once chastised Harry for wearing.
The Duke of Sussex at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit on September 23, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
On September 10, the Prince of Wales visited South Wales, where he was seen sporting rugged facial hair. His appearance struck a chord with social media users. One netizen referenced the fact that Prince William’s stubble is reminiscent of his younger brother’s signature look.
reader comment about Prince Harry and Prince William, posted on August 14, 2024 | Source: Facebook/ Nostalgia
Online photos of Prince William showed the senior royal with an expressive face and a big smile as he visited different locations in Llanelli. The prince was
photographed in Wales
where he celebrated the region’s sporting achievements and culture while engaging with the locals.
Prince William during his visit to Llanelli, South Wales on September 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In addition to paying Swiss Valley Community Primary School a visit, Prince William also met with former and current members of the Wales female international rugby team who have qualified for the 2025 World Cup.
Prince William interacting with former female rugby players during his South Wales visit, posted on September 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
After seeing the pictures of Prince William rocking his stubble, netizens took to online comment sections to assert their judgments on his appearance.
“Not a good look on him,”
remarked
an Instagrammer.
Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Echoing a similar sentiment while praising his character, another
shared
,
“Sorry William I don’t like the stubble 😏But ur kind / thoughtful / caring / and a lovely family man so who cares what I think ❤️🥰🙏🏻.”
Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Expressing concern for the prince, someone else
penned
,
“William lost weight and aged. He needs to rest and be there for himself. With [Harry], his father and wife all too much pressure on his shoulders!!”
Prince William spotted out in New York City on September 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Juxtaposing the criticism Prince William received concerning his stubble, a fan
swooned
,
“Looks good on him,”
while another admirer
exclaimed
,
“Love the beard!!!!” “Even more handsome with his beard😍😍,”
gushed
a fan.
Prince Harry posing for pictures with people, posted on September 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
Referencing Prince Harry, a social media user
expressed
,
“[They] told William not [to] grow his beard, so he is copying Harry when [he] had a [fight] with [him] to [shave] it. William is always copying Harry.”
Past reflections
shared by Prince Harry in his tell-all memoir “Spare” corroborate the aforementioned comment as far as the part that mentions the two princes fighting over the Duke of Sussex’s beard.
Copies of Prince Harry’s book “Spare” in a book store in Bath, England on January 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
In the book, Prince Harry detailed how he had grown out his beard during a previous voyage to the South Pole and had decided to keep it upon returning to the U.K.
Prince Harry speaking during a forum about digital responsibility at EAN University in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
More than just being a feature of his physical appearance, Prince Harry revealed how his beard helped calm his nerves and acted as a “security blanket.”
“[It] made me feel calmer, and I wanted to feel as calm as possible on the day of my wedding. Also, my wife-to-be had never seen me without it. She loved my beard […] I didn’t want her coming down the aisle and seeing a total stranger,”
divulged
Prince Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle outside St. George’s Cathedral on the day of their wedding in Windsor, England on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Explaining his reasons for wanting to keep his beard to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry mentioned how the late queen was okay with his decision. “But then I explained it to my brother and he…bristled?”
wrote
the prince.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
According to Prince Harry, Prince William had a problem with his beard because of military rules. Countering his older brother’s arguments, Prince Harry explained how many royals before him, like King Edward VII, King George V, and Prince Albert, rocked beards even in uniform.
Prince Harry also gave a more recent reference by mentioning Prince Michael of Kent and showed his brother pictures of such instances.
A portrait of King Edward VII circa 1901. | Source: Getty Images
Still, Prince William would not budge. “When I informed him that his opinion didn’t really matter, since I’d already gone to Granny and got the green light, he became livid,”
revealed
Prince Harry of his confrontation with his brother.
Continuing, he
recalled
, “He raised his voice. ‘You went to ask her! Yes. And what did Granny say? She said keep the beard. You put her in an uncomfortable position, Harold! She had no choice but to say yes.'”
Prince William and Prince Harry at the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite chastising his brother for rocking one, Prince William went ahead and let his stubble grow out years after fighting with Prince Harry to shave his.
Prince William in a congratulatory video for Team Great Britain (GB) who competed at the Paris Olympics, posted on August 11, 2024 | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales
The Prince of Wales was first seen with his stubble in the
congratulatory video
he,
Princess Catherine
, and many other public figures, like Snoop Dogg, made for Team Great Britain after they competed at the Paris Olympics.
Now that both British princes are sporting facial hair, we asked our readers who they think rocks the unshaven look better on August 14.
We received a flurry of responses.
“Harry rocks the better beard,”
opined
a reader, while another
commented
,
“Harry however William looks better with the beard.” “It suits [Harry] better, it looks scruffy on William,”
ruled
someone else.
A month after
Prince William
debuted his rugged facial hair, a report came out stating that
Prince Harry
may be willing to return as a working royal in some capacity. However, he allegedly
will only do so if his brother meets one condition
.
Prince Harry and Prince William during the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their late mom, Princess Diana, in London, England, on July 1, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry has allegedly no plans to return to the royal family without an apology from Prince William. The Duke of Sussex stands by his choice to step away from royal duties, expressing satisfaction with his decision.
Despite his firm stance, Prince Harry is said to be open to
a temporary role
within the royal family if
King Charles III
requests him to.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “Our Planet” global premiere in London, England on April 4, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Friends reportedly told The Mirror that he is well aware of Prince William’s attitude towards him. The brothers have reportedly not spoken for months and remain distant. They even avoided contact during their uncle Lord Fellowes’ funeral in Norfolk last month, despite being in the same room.
Prince Harry and Prince William | Source: Getty Images
Furthermore,
reports
surfaced that Prince William believes there’s zero chance of reconciliation after his brother released his memoir “Spare.”
Prince Harry and Prince William follow the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, Prince Harry appears to be moving forward without seeking his brother’s approval. According to The Mirror, he has reconnected with former trusted advisors and old friends to create a plan for potentially reintegrating into UK social circles in the future.
Prince Harry greets the public while departing The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Nevertheless, sources close to Prince Harry reportedly suggest that any recent communication with former aides is more about seeking strategic or friendly advice rather than a plan to
rejoin the royal fold
.
Prince William, King Charles III, Princess Catherine, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry arrive for the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas Day service in Sandringham, Norfolk on December 25, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
While returning isn’t his current focus, it’s understood that Prince Harry is open to helping if needed. This assistance would come in handy given the recent challenges faced by King Charles III during his extended breaks for cancer treatment.
Prince Harry greets well-wishers on the Long Walk outside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
According to The Mirror, Prince Harry is keen on
strengthening his relationship
with his dad, especially given the king’s recent health challenges. However, the 39-year-old would still seek an apology from his brother before agreeing to represent the royal family in any capacity.
In previous interviews, Prince Harry hinted that there were events between him and his brother that were left out of his memoir.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Princess Catherine and King Charles III attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 in London, England on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
When asked why those details weren’t shared, he suggested that he consciously chose to
omit certain incidents
, knowing any revelations about family members would invite criticism.
Others, particularly those involving his brother and father, would cause
irreparable harm
and lead to unforgivable consequences
Prince William and Prince Harry follow the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, he acknowledged that his family played an essential role in his story, making it difficult to exclude them entirely.
King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry visit the tunnel and trenches at Vimy Memorial Park during the commemorations for the centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in Vimy, France on April 9, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Some of the details about his family were included so they could provide insight into the characters and personalities involved in Prince Harry’s life. Still, he acknowledged that even the contents he did include might already be difficult for his family to forgive.
Princess Catherine, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex also
declared
, “But the way I see it is, I’m willing to forgive you for everything you’ve done, and I wish you’d actually sat down with me, properly, and instead of saying I’m delusional and paranoid.”
Prince Harry and Prince William | Source: Getty Images
He also emphasized the need for an honest talk,
stating
, “Actually sit down and have a proper conversation about this, because what I’d really like is some accountability. And an apology to my wife.”