Prince William Reacts to 10-Year-Old's Drawing of His Royal Look (Beard, Hairline and All!)
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12/10/2024 10:16 AM
The Prince of Wales went to see the Mercian Regiment at their base on Dec. 10
AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty; RICHARD POHLE/POOL/AFP via Getty
Prince William on Dec. 3, 2024Prince William joined in with the Christmas festivities during a special outing with military families, and received a heartwarming gift that left him smiling.
Upon his arrival in Bulford, Wiltshire, on Dec. 10, the Prince of Wales, 42, was warmly welcomed by soldiers of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment and their families at the base.
During his visit, William came across a drawing created by 10-year-old Carson Heighway, depicting the prince himself — complete with beard and thinning hair! Finding the portrait amusing, he tucked it into his pocket, presumably planning to share it with his family.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Prin e WIlliam joins in the Christmas party fun with kids and families of the Mercian Regiment in Wiltshire, on Dec. 10, 2024As Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment—a role he was appointed to by his father, King Charles, in August 2023—William took time to meet with the soldiers and their loved ones. He was greeted by two soldiers and the regimental ram Derby, which he affectionately patted between its impressive curling horns.
Related: Prince William Spreads Holiday Cheer While Serving Lunch at Homeless Charity in London
Inside the holiday party, William mingled with families, spoke with children and received thoughtful cards and a festive Santa hat intended for his three children—Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6,
Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty
Prince William, Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief, 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment, visits the Regiment for a Christmas event for families at Picton Barracks on December 10, 2024 in Bulford, Wiltshire.He also shared a glimpse into his Christmas Day plans, revealing that he will join 45 family members for Christmas lunch this year—hinting at a full and festive table for King Charles' traditional gathering at Sandringham, according to the Daily Mail's Rebecca English.
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Prince William met the regimental mascot ram, Derby when he arrived at the barracks on Dec. 10, 2024Prince William joined in the festive spirit by helping to distribute gifts to children from under the Christmas tree before enjoying a lively performance by a Fijian choir composed of soldiers from the Mercian Regiment.
During his conversations, he learned about their efforts outside of military duties—ranging from charity fundraising to volunteering and supporting community activities.
This marked his third holiday-themed engagement in just a few days. On Dec. 5, he lent a hand at a Christmas lunch hosted by the homelessness charity The Passage, assisting in the kitchen alongside head chef Claudette Hawkin, who was celebrating her birthday that day.
"I won't ask you what birthday it is," the royal joked with a smile.
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Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace
Prince William at the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment's Christmas party on Dec. 10, 2024The following day, on Dec. 6, he attended his wife Kate Middleton's annual Together at Christmas carol service alongside their three children, highlighting the festive spirit that defines the royal family's seasonal traditions.
Related: Prince William Wears Camo as He Makes Debut in New Title Following Appointment By King Charles
William's connection with the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment goes back to 2023, when he last visited them on Salisbury Plain. During that trip, he donned camouflage gear to join the soldiers as they demonstrated the work of their armored infantry.
