London, December 29 : Prince William was said to be "still bristling with pride" about his shaggy new beard as he headed to attend a church service.

The second in line to the throne, who grew the disguise while working undercover in Barbados with the Special Boat Service, had previously said that he would return to his clean-shaven form on Christmas Day.

However, the 26-year-old royal had reportedly been still swelling with pride about his new look to a blind woman.

"People don't recognise me now. I've got a beard," the Sun quoted wheelchair-bound Phyllis Burnapp, 93, as saying.

Williams had apparently been following in the footsteps of his ancestors since his great, great grandfather King George V was known for his beard.

His father Prince Charles also grew one when he served in the Navy back in 1975. (ANI)