As we followed his progress racing through freezing conditions to reach the world’s most southern point in aid of the charity Walking With the Wounded, we noticed the rebellious Prince was cultivating some face fuzz.
But on a visit to the National Science Foundation’s South Pole station over the weekend, he revealed a full blown ginger beard, with this images capturing the 29-year-old royal striking a particularly brooding pose.
Harry and his teammates, including several wounded servicemen and women, arrived at the South Pole on December 13 after a tumultuous trip.
He is due for the royals’ annual Christmas appearance outside the Sandringham church next week, sparking speculation that the royal may have to show up clean-shaven.
Harry’s new look has also raised the question over whether his girlfriend, Cressida Bonas, is a beard-loving lady or if she will disapprove of the royal’s rugged look.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of New South Wales indicated women prefer men with heavy stubble over a smooth chin.
An intermediate level of beardedness was most found to be most attractive to women, the study suggested, while a full-bearded man may be perceived as a better father who could protect and invest in offspring.
