The Prince of Wales is celebrating his 44th birthday on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London on June 21, 1982, to the then-Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He spent his earliest years living between Kensington Palace and Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
Early Life and First Public Duties
Prince William was born at 9:03 pm on June 21, 1982, at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington. He was presented on the famous steps of the Lindo Wing by his parents before heading home to Kensington Palace. He was christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace on August 4 — the same day as his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, celebrated her 80th birthday.
The young royal got an early taste of official duties when he travelled with his parents on their 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand. In one of the most popular moments, Prince William performed for the cameras, showing off his crawling skills and playing with his parents on the lawn of Government House in Auckland.
Balcony Debut and Education
Prince William made his Buckingham Palace balcony debut after Trooping the Colour in June 1984, just months before he became a big brother to Prince Harry. Like his children have gone on to become, he was the centre of attention as he watched the spectacular parade open-mouthed with his cousins, Zara and Peter Phillips by his side.
Prince William enrolled at Eton College in 1995, breaking from the family's tradition of attending Gordonstoun College in Scotland. During his time at the school, William would often make the short journey to Windsor Castle to see his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, for tea. Before moving to Eton, William attended Mrs Mynors Nursery School in Kensington, Wetherby Prep School, and Ludgrove Prep School.
Tragedy and Resilience
Following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997, Princes William and Harry made the difficult decision to walk in the funeral procession behind their mother's coffin. The brave brothers were joined by their father, the then Prince Charles, their uncle, Charles, Earl Spencer, and their grandfather, Prince Philip.
Over the years, Prince William has witnessed many milestones, both happy and sad. Whether it is his military honours, his marriage to the Princess of Wales, becoming a father to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, or the huge success he has seen by launching major projects such as The Earthshot Prize and Homewards, he has always been busy.
