Prince William is 44 years old. Born on June 21, 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, he is the eldest son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. As the heir apparent to the British throne, his life, age, and constitutional trajectory are subjects of constant global public interest.
Understanding his place in history requires looking past his birth date to examine his military service, his transition into senior royal duties, and the immediate line of succession that follows him.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in the public eye, William experienced a childhood distinct from previous generations of heirs. Diana actively sought to expose both William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, to ordinary experiences outside palace walls, taking them to amusement parks, youth shelters, and fast-food restaurants.
His education followed traditional elite paths, yet blended modern choices:
- Eton College: He attended the Berkshire boarding school from 1995 to 2000, focusing on geography, biology, and history of art.
- University of St Andrews: After a gap year spent working on community projects in Chile and visiting Belize, he enrolled in Scotland's oldest university. He graduated in 2005 with a Master of Arts degree in geography.
- University Romance: It was at St Andrews that he met Catherine Middleton, whom he would marry years later.
You can read more about his academic background and public role on the Official Royal Website.
Military Career and Search-and-Rescue Work
Before taking on full-time royal duties on behalf of the Crown, William spent over seven years in the British Armed Forces. He entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006, commissioning as an officer in the Blues and Royals.
He later pursued a career in aviation, training as a search-and-rescue pilot. He served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Search and Rescue Force based in Anglesey, Wales, participating in numerous high-risk rescue missions over mountainous terrain and coastal waters. Following his active military service, he worked as a civilian pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017, balancing emergency medical flights with his rising royal responsibilities.
Marriage, Family, and Royal Titles
William married Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. Upon his marriage, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the title Duke of Cambridge. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and the accession of King Charles III, William inherited the ancient titles of Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay, subsequently being named the Prince of Wales.
The couple have three children, who occupy the top positions immediately following him in the constitutional order:
- Prince George: Born July 22, 2013, currently second in line to the throne.
- Princess Charlotte: Born May 2, 2015, currently third in line.
- Prince Louis: Born April 23, 2018, currently fourth in line.
Detailed historical records regarding the House of Windsor and peerage laws are maintained by Debrett's.
The Line of Succession
As the primary heir, William sits directly behind the reigning monarch. The line of succession dictates who ascends to the throne based on descent and parliamentary statute, notably updated by the Perth Agreement to absolute primogeniture for royals born after October 2011.
- William, Prince of Wales (Age 44)
- Prince George of Wales (Age 13)
- Princess Charlotte of Wales (Age 11)
- Prince Louis of Wales (Age 8)
- Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
For comprehensive data and updates regarding constitutional protocols, consult Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Prince William's birthday?
He was born on June 21, 1982. His astrological sign is Cancer.
When did Prince William become the Prince of Wales?
He received the title on September 9, 2022, one day after his father ascended to the throne as King Charles III.
Did Prince William serve in active military combat?
While he completed rigorous military training and served operationally as an RAF search-and-rescue helicopter pilot and air ambulance pilot, he was not deployed into active combat zones due to his status as a senior member of the royal family and future monarch.
Where do Prince William and his family live?
The family's primary official residence is Adelaide Cottage, located on the Windsor Great Estate, having previously split their time between Kensington Palace in London and Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
