London, Dec 26: Britain's Prince William set female hearts fluttering as he proudly stepped out in his beard to attend a Christmas Day church service.

Debbie Bartlett, 50, of King's Lynn, Norfolk, was one of 2,000 people who waited to see the royals outside St Mary Magdalene church on the Queen's estate at Sandringham.

"I've wanted to kiss William for 19 years. Every year I ask him for a kiss for Christmas when they leave church," the Sun quoted Bartlett, as saying.

"I've never managed to get one before. He has always blushed and refused. Once he said, `Next year, I promise'.

"Today I called out to William, `Where's my Christmas kiss?' He looked at me and said, `Oh, go on then - but just one kiss'.

"He put his cheek next to mine and I kissed him right on his beard. It was lovely, so soft, not scratchy. He must have put conditioner on it. I can't stop shaking, I'm so excited."

"I really like the beard. I think it gives William confidence," she added.

Jane Hutchings, 40, of Holbeach, Lincs, said: "He's gorgeous, more sexy with the beard."

Wills grew his whiskers while on a Special Boat Service exercise last month and girlfriend Kate Middleton, 26, is said to like it. (ANI)