Users Notice Changes in Prince Harry’s Appearance During New York Visit — Here’s What They Said

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.

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.

“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.

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…👏.”

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.

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’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ❤️🥰🙏🏻.”

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!!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.'”

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.

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 AmoMama 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 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.

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.