Prince William (and his beard) gets a halo as he poses under a lamp on visit to homeless charity

Prince William proved his facial hair to stay as he arrived in Aberdeen today to discuss a topic close to his heart; homelessness.

The royal father-of-three, 42, beamed as he arrived in the Scottish city to meet workers from across the homelessness sector. 

As he arrived, he showed off the beard that has sent royal fans wild in recent months - perhaps suggesting it's a style choice that is here to stay.

It marks the same week that the Princess of Wales returned to royal duties after chairing an Early Years meeting this week, following her announcement that she has finished her chemotherapy as part of her cancer treatment.

The Prince of Wales' busy day of engagements is part of his five year-long Homewards programme, which is a mission to prove homelessness can be ended once and for all.

Aberdeen is one of the six locations around the country being provided with the resources to find innovative solutions to the issue of homelessness.

William's first engagement will see him visiting the Aberdeen office of Shelter Scotland, which supports people on the brink of or already experiencing homelessness.

The charity is part of the Homewards Aberdeen Coalition and will play a key role in delivering early intervention support for young people.

Later in the day, William is set to attend a special 'thank you' event for workers across the homelessness sector to recognise the role they play in preventing homelessness in the city.

The attendees at the event have been nominated by their organisations, and will enjoy a lunch while listening to speakers during the event.

Meanwhile back at home, the Princess of Wales has dipped her toes back into royal duties following the good news she has concluded her course of chemotherapy. 

Kate, 42, held a meeting at Windsor Castle today for her 'Early Years' project, which was her first engagement of its kind for more than nine months.

She was joined by members of her household team as well as representatives from her Centre for Early Childhood at Kensington Palace. 

It was formally recorded in the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, which read: 'The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor.'

It was the first meeting noted in the Court Circular since the princess held a round table of her Royal Foundation on December 6 last year.

She hosted her annual carol service two days later and attended the annual family Christmas at Sandringham but was taken into hospital just weeks later for surgery.

Although she has worked from home a little, keeping in touch with her 'passion projects' and staff, as well as attending the men's finals at Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour, yesterday marks a significant step forward in Kate's recovery.