Prince William Wears a Sweet Tribute to His Kids During South Africa Visit
He's in his dad era.


We all know Prince William is a Swiftie (see: this summer's Eras tour selfie with Taylor in London). And while he shook it off with some serious dance moves during a July Eras tour stop with Princess Charlotte and Prince George, the Prince of Wales carried the Swiftie energy to South Africa this week with an adorable friendship bracelet.
The dad of three was dressed for business in a classic navy suit and green floral tie as he took part in a panel discussion for his Earthshot Prize on Nov. 5, but a closer look at his wrist revealed a blue-and-green beaded bracelet that spelled out "PAPA" in white beads with gold lettering. Per Getty Images, the design was made by Princess Charlotte for her dad to wear during the trip. (Insert heart-eye emoji here).
Earlier in the day, he paired his Swift-approved bracelet with a casual khaki jacket and green chinos as he visited Table Mountain National Park with Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's son, Robert Irwin, who serves as a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.
William—who traveled without wife Princess Kate—also showed off the bracelet during several events on Nov. 4 as he played rugby with South African students and met with the Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Program.
William's bracelet spells out "Papa."
His friendship bracelet could be seen during an event with Robert Irwin earlier on Nov. 5.
He's not the first royal to wear a homemade friendship bracelet; King Charles sported a colorful string design on his wrist over the summer, as did Prince George in his 11th birthday photo.
Prince William is carrying out engagements in South Africa ahead of his annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, which will take place in Cape Town on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The prize's ambitious goal is to try and repair the planet by 2030 by focusing on five "Earthshots," which are "protect and restore nature," "clean our air," revive our oceans," "build a waste-free world" and "fix our climate." Each year through 2030, a £1 million prize is awarded to a winner in each Earthshot category to help them carry out their project to save the planet.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
According to the Earthshot Prize, this year's event is being held in Africa "in acknowledgement of its enormous contribution to enhancing climate action and tackling the biggest environmental challenges our planet faces."
As for Wednesday's ceremony, stay tuned to see if William pairs his bracelet with a tux.
Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.
Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.
Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.
-
The Runway Might Be Telling You the Stock Market’s Next Move
When trend forecasters look at these throwback styles, they see economic history repeating.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Kate Spade's Signature '90s Bags Are Headed to a Target Collab
Pretty spring dresses and matching sets are right behind them.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Hottest Person You Know Is Probably Wearing This Unusual Perfume for Spring
The season’s new signature scent.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Prince Harry and Prince William "Hated" Princess Diana's One Tactic to Show How They Were "Equal"
Former royal butler Paul Burrell said "the boys didn’t like that and they didn’t understand."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William's Love of Family Travel "Has Been Shaped" by Princess Diana's Death and Desire for a "Normal Upbringing"
"He understands his duty but also wants to make sure his family comes first."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Fans Want Details About Kate Middleton and Prince William's "Mysterious" New Family Member
This is a case for the FBI!
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Inside Kate Middleton's "Extra Special" Mother's Day Celebrations With Prince William and Family
"This Mother’s Day is one they can wholeheartedly celebrate as Catherine continues her recovery."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Want to "Renovate" an "Abandoned" Part of Their Home, Adelaide Cottage
"I think they surprised a lot of people when they moved there," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Exclusive: How Prince Harry and Prince William Honored Princess Diana on Mother's Day
"Their mother was paramount in their life," former royal butler Paul Burrell tells 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William Will Be Making More Joint Appearances "Whenever Possible," Says Royal Expert
A royal expert weighed in on their plans, calling them "the world's most glamorous royal couple."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When Prince William Received "Special Treatment" as a Child, Says Royal Butler
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published