Prince William was born on June 21, 1982. As of 2026, he is 44 years old. As the eldest son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he is the heir apparent to the British throne. While older tabloid narratives frequently labeled him as the world's most eligible bachelor during his youth, his life has long since transitioned into a dedicated public role as the Prince of Wales, a husband, and a father of three.
Understanding his biography requires looking past sensationalized headlines and examining his actual milestones, lineage, and position within the modern monarchy. This overview explores his birth, education, military career, and family life without the fluff.
Early Life and Royal Upbringing
Born at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, Prince William broke royal tradition simply by entering the world outside palace walls. His parents chose a public hospital rather than a private estate delivery, setting a precedent that William and his brother, Prince Harry, later mirrored with their own children.
Education formed a structured path from an early age:
- Wetherby School: Attended in London from 1987 to 1990.
- Ludgrove School: A boarding school in Berkshire where he spent five formative years.
- Eton College: Studied geography, biology, and history of art at A-Level.
- University of St Andrews: Graduated with a Master of Arts (MA Hons) in geography in 2005.
His childhood was also marked by profound personal tragedy. Following the separation of his parents in 1992 and their subsequent divorce in 1996, William navigated intense media scrutiny. In August 1997, his mother, Diana, died tragically in a Paris car crash when William was just 15 years old.
Military Service and Career Path
Before taking on full-time royal duties, William spent several years in active military service across the British Armed Forces. Following in his family's footsteps, he trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Blues and Royals.
His commitment to service expanded into the skies:
- RAF Cranwell: Completed rigorous pilot training to earn his official RAF wings.
- Search and Rescue Force: Served as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, completing numerous operational missions.
- East Anglian Air Ambulance: Worked as a full-time pilot from 2015 to 2017, balancing civilian emergency response with royal engagements.
Marriage, Family, and Succession
During his years at the University of St Andrews, William met Catherine Middleton. After a long-term relationship, the couple married on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey, receiving the titles Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The couple has three children:
- Prince George: Born July 22, 2013.
- Princess Charlotte: Born May 2, 2015.
- Prince Louis: Born April 23, 2018.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, and the ascension of King Charles III, William became the Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay. The following day, he was officially created the Prince of Wales. He is now the first in line to the British throne, with his eldest son, Prince George, second in line.
Detailed official updates on his public schedule can be tracked through the Royal Family Official Website. For broader historical context on the British monarchy, see the Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on the House of Windsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Prince William born?
Prince William was born on June 21, 1982, at St. Mary's Hospital in London.
What is Prince William's official title?
His primary official title is the Prince of Wales. He also holds subsidiary titles including Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay.
Who is Prince William married to?
He married Catherine Middleton (now Catherine, Princess of Wales) on April 29, 2011.
Where does Prince William stand in the line of succession?
He is first in line to the British throne, immediately following his father, King Charles III.
