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Ever since Prince William entered into adulthood, he’s been nothing short of prim and proper. But over the last few years, the Prince of Wales and his wife, Kate Middleton, have been trying to relax some of the royal rules. William has showed a side of himself that the public has not previously seen; he’s been acting and dressing a lot more casually.

The prince was recently in South Africa for the Earth Shot Prize awards ceremony, and people noticed something different about his fashion: It wasn’t nearly as fancy as the other outfits around him.

Prince William (center) wearing a blazer, dark pants and sneakers. He stands between Robert Irwin and Nomzamo Mbatha
Prince William (center) wearing a blazer, dark pants and sneakers. He stands between Robert Irwin and Nomzamo Mbatha | Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/ Getty Images

Prince William’s fashion choices have raised questions

William and Kate have always been a fashion-forward duo. Kate is one of the most influential women in the world when it comes to what she wears, and her ability to repeat outfits has actually made her somewhat more relatable. Now, William seems to be trying to do the same, but rather than repeat outfits, he’s become far more casual with his look. While in South Africa, he attended an event wearing a blazer and sneakers as opposed to the full suit that he’s usually spotted in, and it ultimately led the public to make comments about his laid-back look.

“Did someone forget to tell the prince that this was [an] evening event? Or is there another explanation for the disaster of an outfit?” one user wrote on Instagram after the Prince and Princess of Wales’ account shared a series of event photos.

“I love Will, but he’s looking less & less royal with this new look,” another person wrote.

“He needs a stylist,” someone else added.

William’s outfit did appear much more casual compared to the people he was taking photos with. There were ballgowns and tuxedos — and then, there was William.

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Some people defended Prince William’s relaxed look

It seems that William is trying to appeal more to the masses. Back in 2020, his younger brother, Prince Harry, stepped away from the royal family, and many saw Harry as the chill, cool brother. Now, it seems William is trying to fill that role while also recognizing he’s the future king. And some people are very much in favor of his relatable style.

“Loving his new look it’s more down to earth and approachable,” one person wrote on Instagram.

“I really liked Prince Williams’s casual style! I know a lot of people disagree … but I think he looks like he’s having a great time,” someone else added.

It seems that William is trying to balance his role as king in a way that doesn’t separate him so much from the rest of society.