Prince William, the eldest son of Charles III and Diana, was born on 21 June 1982. As second in line to the British throne at birth and now first heir following his grandfather’s accession in 2022, his birthday is marked by official engagements and public reflection on his service. This profile explains his birth date, title changes, family structure, and role within the monarchy, drawing on authoritative records. Below you will find verified biographical data, timeline context, and answers to common questions about his age and duties.
Birth date and early life
Prince William was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary’s Hospital, London. His birth was widely celebrated and followed the marriage of his parents, Prince Charles and Diana, earlier that year. He was the first grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and first great-grandson of King George VI. A public holiday, his birth was marked by customary royal salutes and hospital appearances by senior royals. This date anchors a career that spans decades of evolving royal duties and modernized public engagements.
Line of succession and title changes
William’s place in the succession has shifted across his lifetime. Born second after his father, he moved to second in line upon the accession of his grandfather in September 2022, then became first in line when Charles became king on 8 September 2022. His formal titles have evolved alongside this progression:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Royal household records |
| Birthplace | St Mary’s Hospital, London, England | Official royal biography |
| Current title | His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales | Court circular |
| Heir status | First in line to the throne | Standing Orders of Succession |
| Military rank | Honorary air commodore and senior officer roles | Armed Forces honours list |
Titles over time
- 1982–1999: Prince William of Wales
- 1999–2022: Duke of Cambridge
- 2022–present: Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester
Family structure and upbringing
William is the elder son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. He has a younger brother, Prince Harry, and became an uncle with the birth of his children. He married Catherine Elizabeth (née Middleton) in 2011, and they have three children. His father’s accession changed household responsibilities and succession planning, increasing his schedule of engagements and strategic communications. The influence of his mother’s public work remains evident in his focus on early childhood and mental health initiatives.
Public role and duties
As first heir, William’s role has expanded into areas traditionally led by senior working royals. He carries out domestic and international visits, supports charities, and represents the Crown in civic settings. His responsibilities include promoting national resilience, climate action, and emergency services, often alongside Catherine, the Princess of Wales. These duties reflect long-term priorities of the institution rather than short-term political cycles, making his role predictable and stable over time. His stewardship of the Wales title continues a centuries-old tradition tied to territorial and philanthropic leadership.
Common questions about Prince William’s birthday
- When was Prince William born? He was born on 21 June 1982.
- How old is Prince William in 2025? He turns 43 in June 2025, making him 42 through most of 2025.
- Is Prince William the heir apparent? Yes, he is first in line to the throne.
- Does he share a birthday with anyone notable? His birth date is unique within the direct line; other senior royals have different dates.
- What is his official title now? His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester.
- Where was he born? St Mary’s Hospital, London, England.
Comparative context: William versus other heirs
Understanding his role is clearer when compared with other current heirs. Below is a simplified overview to highlight unique aspects of his position:
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Age at accession of King Charles III (William) | 40 years | Born 1982, succession 2022 |
| Heir status | First in line | Precedes brother and cousins |
| Children | Three | George, Charlotte, Louis |
| Charitable focus | Early childhood, mental health, emergency services | Long-term patronages |
Impact of his birth date on public events
Because William’s birthday falls in late June, it often aligns with summer military campaigns, Trooping the Colour, and Commonwealth observances. Official celebrations may coincide with or precede his actual birth date, but the day itself remains a private occasion. Media attention typically increases around anniversaries of major milestones, such as his university years, engagement, and decade-long patronages. Understanding the consistency of his birth date helps contextualize annual royal calendars and ceremonial planning.