Ever see those photos of Prince William looking like he just stepped off a recruitment poster? It’s a vibe, for sure. But honestly, most people just see a guy in a fancy red jacket and some medals and think "royal pageant." There is so much more going on with prince william in military uniform than just looking sharp for a balcony photo op. Every single stitch, button, and weird little gold rope—they call those aiguillettes, by the way—actually means something specific about his career, his rank, and his relationship with his father, King Charles III.
Why he doesn't always wear the same thing
You've probably noticed he swaps outfits a lot. One day he’s in a dark blue RAF kit, the next he’s in a bright scarlet tunic. It isn't just a fashion choice. He holds commissions in the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. Basically, he can pick the uniform that fits the event.
🔗 Read more: Taraji P. Henson Nude: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Body Positivity
Most famously, at his 2011 wedding, everyone thought he’d wear his RAF uniform because he was a Search and Rescue pilot at the time. Instead, he showed up in the bright red of the Irish Guards. Why? Because the Queen had just appointed him as their Colonel. It was a massive nod to his senior honorary role.
But wait, things changed. In 2026, you’re more likely to see him in the uniform of the Welsh Guards. Since he became the Prince of Wales, he took over as their Colonel (a role his dad held for ages). If you look at his collar when he’s in the red tunic now, you’ll see a tiny leek symbol. That’s the giveaway. If he’s wearing a white and green plume in his bearskin hat? Yep, Welsh Guards.
The medals: More than just "shiny stuff"
People love to joke that royals get medals just for showing up. Kinda true, but also kinda not. William actually earned his "wings." If you see a little badge with a crown and two wings on his chest, that’s his RAF pilot qualification. He didn't just get that for being a prince; he had to actually fly the helicopters.
👉 See also: The Real Story Behind Billy Bob Thornton’s Brother’s Death and Why He Still Won't Talk About It
The other stuff usually marks big milestones:
- The Queen’s Jubilee Medals: He has them for the Gold, Diamond, and Platinum celebrations.
- The Coronation Medal: To mark King Charles taking the throne.
- The Garter Star: That big eight-pointed star pinned to his chest. It’s for the Order of the Garter, which is basically the most senior knighthood in the UK.
There was a subtle but really moving change to his uniform recently that most people missed. On his right shoulder, he now wears the royal cyphers (initials) of both his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his father, King Charles. It’s because he’s an Aide-de-Camp to both. It’s a tiny detail, just a couple of letters, but it’s a huge signal of his dual loyalty to the past and the future of the monarchy.
The beard controversy (Yes, really)
Military geeks went wild in 2024 and 2025 when William started sporting a beard while in uniform. For a long time, the British Army had a strict "no beard" rule unless you had a skin condition or a religious exemption. The RAF and Navy were always a bit more chill about it.
When William appeared at Trooping the Colour in 2025 with facial hair, it was a big deal. It showed a shift toward a more modern, slightly more relaxed military image. He still looked formal as heck on his horse, but the beard made him look less like a Victorian oil painting and more like a guy who actually served in the 21st century.
🔗 Read more: JFK and Mary Meyer: What Most People Get Wrong About the Secret Heart of Camelot
It’s not just for show
It’s easy to get cynical and say he’s just "playing dress-up." But William actually spent seven years in full-time military service. He wasn't just sitting in an office; he was pulling people out of the Irish Sea in 60-knot winds as a Sea King pilot. When he wears the uniform, he’s connecting with the veterans and active-duty soldiers he meets.
Recently, he even took over as Patron of the SAS Regimental Association. You won’t see him wearing a beige beret and jumping out of planes in the dark—that’s the "secretive" side of things—but it shows how deeply embedded he is in the actual military structure.
What to look for next time
Next time you see a photo of him, don't just look at the color of the jacket. Check the buttons.
- Buttons in groups of five? That’s the Welsh Guards.
- Buttons in groups of four? That’s the Irish Guards.
- A blue lanyard on the left shoulder? He’s wearing his Blues and Royals (cavalry) kit.
Actionable insights for royal watchers
If you're trying to identify which version of prince william in military uniform you're looking at, follow these steps:
- Check the Headgear: A forage cap with a red band is standard Army, but the badge on the front tells you the specific regiment.
- Look at the Wings: If he has the pilot wings on his left breast, he's acknowledging his flight status, even if he's in an Army uniform.
- Spot the Cypher: Look at the shoulder straps. If you see "ER" and "CR," you're looking at his Aide-de-Camp insignia.
- Count the Buttons: This is the easiest way to tell the Foot Guards apart. It's a "secret" code that once you know, you can't unsee.
The uniform isn't just a costume; it's a map of where he's been and where he's going. Whether he’s riding a horse at Trooping the Colour or standing somberly at the Cenotaph, that gear is a heavy reminder of his job. It’s about tradition, but with the beard and the updated cyphers, it’s also clearly about a Prince who is carving out his own path in a very old system.