Prince William is 44 years old, born on June 21, 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. As the elder son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, he stands first in the line of succession to the British throne. His life has unfolded entirely in the public eye, shifting from a heavily scrutinized childhood and elite military training to his current role as the Prince of Wales.
Understanding his age and timeline requires tracking the key milestones that shaped the modern British monarchy. From his university years at St Andrews to his marriage to Catherine Middleton, William's path reflects both traditional royal duties and a conscious effort toward a contemporary public profile.
Early Life and Education
Born into unprecedented media attention, William broke royal precedent by becoming the first heir apparent born in a hospital rather than a royal palace. Diana, Princess of Wales, fought to give William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, ordinary experiences outside palace walls, taking them to amusement parks, fast-food restaurants, and homeless shelters.
His education followed an elite path, attending Wetherby School and Ludgrove School before moving on to Eton College. After finishing his secondary education, he took a gap year that included volunteering with Raleigh International in Chile and working on British farms. In 2001, he enrolled at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He initially studied art history before switching his major to geography, graduating in 2005.
Military Service and Career
Following his university graduation, William pursued a career in the British Armed Forces. In 2006, he entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an officer cadet, eventually commissioning into the Blues and Royals.
His focus later shifted to aviation. He completed rigorous training to become a search and rescue helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force. Based out of Anglesey in Wales, he participated in dozens of high-stakes rescue missions over land and sea. He later transitioned to civilian life as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, balancing emergency medical flights with his increasing royal responsibilities before stepping down from commercial piloting to focus full-time on royal duties.
Marriage and Family Life
While studying at St Andrews, William met Catherine Middleton. Their relationship developed over nearly a decade before their engagement was announced in late 2010. On April 29, 2011, the couple married at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony watched by a global audience of millions. Upon his marriage, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the title Duke of Cambridge.
The couple have three children, who follow him in the line of succession:
- Prince George, born July 22, 2013
- Princess Charlotte, born May 2, 2015
- Prince Louis, born April 23, 2018
Stepping Into the Role of Prince of Wales
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, and the accession of his father as King Charles III, William's status shifted immediately. He became the heir apparent and inherited the historic title Duke of Cornwall. The following day, King Charles III officially created him the Prince of Wales.
In this senior position, he focuses heavily on modernizing the institution. He launched the Earthshot Prize to fund environmental solutions and expanded mental health advocacy through initiatives like the Heads Together campaign. His work balances the preservation of centuries-old tradition with pressing modern concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Prince William's birthday?
He was born on June 21, 1982, making his zodiac sign Cancer.
What was Prince William's title before he became the Prince of Wales?
Before becoming the Prince of Wales in September 2022, he was known primarily as the Duke of Cambridge, a title granted to him by Queen Elizabeth II on his wedding day in 2011. He is also styled as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland.
Where did Prince William complete his pilot training?
He trained extensively with the British military, earning his RAF wings in 2008 and later qualifying as a full-time search and rescue helicopter pilot. He also flew operationally for the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017.
Who is next in line to the British throne after Prince William?
His eldest son, Prince George, is second in line to the British throne, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/angelina-jolie-marcheline-bertrand-5-c247f415ea5b4e2496e31fbe2d395410.jpg)
