Prince William‘s looking rough and rugged these days … changing up his iconic look with a thick beard on his jaw — and, people are loving it.

The Prince of Wales stepped out at the Royal Air Force (RAF) College in Cranwell Thursday … clad in his sleek military uniform and ready to present an award to a graduate cadet during the Sovereign’s Parade.

Check out the pics … the beard’s pretty prominent here — brown and slightly graying whiskers, he’s 42 after all, covering his royal chin as he chatted with servicemen and walked the grounds.

It’s a different look for the future King of England … who many are used to seeing clean-shaven, bald head gleaming in the sun.

BTW, not the first time Will has been seen with the beard in recent days — he’s been growing it out for a while — but, this is the thickest we’ve seen it so far.

If you’re wondering about the internet reaction … X is abuzz with people complimenting the prince on his new look. Many say they weren’t sure on day 1 or 2 of the stubble — but add it’s quickly growing on them, and him, obviously.