Royalty

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Call him The Fresh-Faced Prince of the Air as Prince William gets a new look while embarking on a new life training to pilot rescue helicopters. The prince, 26, arrived back in London after a romantic trip to the seclusion of the Scottish highlands with girlfriend Kate Middleton Tuesday, sparking a new round of impending engagement rumors. And gone was the beard that he grew before Christmas. The news of William’s clean-shaven return to London came as he and his brother, Prince Harry, 24, announced at the same time that they have now been given their own office by their granny, Queen Elizabeth II. William is set to be in London for some royal work and then starts training as a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter pilot later this month. This month also sees Harry beginning two-and-a-half years of training to fly British army helicopters.The princely pair’s training will even mean that they are stationed at the same base at some point in the year. Tell us: What do you think of Prince William’s shaving off his beard? Do you prefer him clean-shaven? — Simon Perry

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Perceptive royals-watchers have noticed that the Windsors have a new addition to the family — Prince William’s bushy facial hair. The heir to the throne has been sporting the sea-captain look in recent weeks, with photographers catching a clean-shaven Prince Harry and a noticeably shaggy Prince “Hairy” playing soccer on Christmas Eve. Wills even snagged runner-up in the Beard of the Year award, given out annually by the Beard Liberation Front to those who give the facially fuzzy a good name. Prince William joins other high-wattage names who’ve taken to letting their inner lumberjacks out, including Robert Pattinson, Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman. Tell us: What do you think of Prince William’s new beard? Vote in our poll below! –Michael Y. Park

wenn; Simon Hammond/Splash News online

Kate Middleton needs no advice when it comes to fashion. Stepping out in a regal looking white dress and white cotton Issa trench coat for the Diana memorial concert in London on Sunday she showed off a royal sense of style. With rumors of a reconciliation in the air all eyes were on the beaming Middleton, who dressed down the outfit with her favorite black knee high boots and a perfect blow dry. We love that her outfit was stylish yet practical. As Issa designer Daniella Helayel tells PEOPLE “She looks very chic, demure and understated in the trench coat. It was the perfect outfit for the weather and the event!” We couldn’t agree more. If you can’t afford Kate’s $900 designer trench, try this casual white trench for a similar look, on sale $30 from $80, at gap.com. Add these Isaac Mizrahi boots, $36 at target.com, and this Ann Taylor sheath, $80 at anntaylor.com — and you’ve got the look!

Kate Middleton must be taking a cue from Carmen Electra and Reese Witherspoon on how to handle a very public romantic break up. Look fabulous, of course! After her split with Prince William, the accessories buyer stepped out for a night of dinner and clubbing with her girlfriends, proving that just because she isn’t going to be the next princess, she can still be every bit as chic. We love her long-sleeve, printed shift dress paired with dark tights — very young Hollywood of her. Even without the Prince by her side, we’d still love to keep our fashion eye on her. Tell us: Will you miss seeing Kate?

Love her dress? Get the Look:
Kate’s Lipsy dress, $90 (plus international shipping), lipsy.co.uk.

BCBG Max Azria Floral Print Dress, $178, bloomingdales.com

Tonal Swirl Printed Black and White dress, $54, asos.com

Photo: RAMEY

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Kate Middleton has been shopping on the high street again and everyone (including us) loves it! Prince William’s girlfriend, who turned 25 this week, was snapped on Tuesday morning as she left her house for work (at retail chain Jigsaw) in a black and white retro tunic dress from Topshop, £40 (or $78). The accessories buyer put her skills to use by teaming with a classic black blazer, opaque tights and suede knee high boots… and voila, the dress instantly becomes less sixties swing and more princess chic. After the photos surfaced in the British press, the dress sold out completely from Topshop, and it’s already turning up on Ebay!

Photo: MALIBU MEDIA(2)

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In this week’s PEOPLE magazine, you can see how Prince William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton’s style stacks up against his much-missed mother. As it turns out, Kate might be dating a Prince, but at least her wardrobe is achievable. Last week, she partied with Prince William and Prince Harry at the exclusive, member-only Cuckoo Club in London wearing an indigo flower print jersey dress from Topshop, a British store that is like H&M but better, costing only £38 (or $72)! A Topshop spokesperson confirms that “she often shops in Topshop.” The dress was in stores back in July and was so popular they have a mustard version out for Autumn/Winter. (Sadly, Topshop doesn’t ship to the US, but there are rumors that it is opening in New York next year.) Although, the fairy tale comes crashes down with her accessories — she was carrying a Mulberry Angelica bag in fuschia, which retais for £250 or $475. The fairytale always has to end, doesn’t it? — Monique Jessen

Photo:TPF/Retna

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