Prince William was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, England. As the firstborn son of Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales, his birth established him as the second in line to the British throne at the time. This verified profile focuses on when and where he was born, his birth name, the context of his arrival within the royal succession, and notable early milestones, using authoritative public records and palace statements to provide a clear, factual foundation.
Birth date and place
Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London. The timing followed his parents' earlier public duties and was widely covered by media and official palace channels, marking the arrival of a future key figure in the monarchy.
Birth registration and public record
His birth was formally registered in the district of Westminster, with entries held in official records. Palace communiqués at the time confirmed the safe delivery and provided canonical details now cited in biographies and reference works.
Full name and title at birth
His full name is Prince William Arthur Philip Louis. At birth he received the title His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales, and he was second in line to the throne after his father, then Prince of Wales.
Meaning of the name
Each given name carries historical and familial references. Arthur links to legendary British figures and previous royal usage; Philip honors his paternal grandfather Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Louis honors his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten and maintains a multi-generational family tradition.
Place of birth and circumstances
Born at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, a London teaching hospital with a long history of royal deliveries, his birth took place in a clinical obstetric setting. This reflected a shift toward medical oversight in royal births, consistent with modern healthcare standards.
Hospital history and royal deliveries
St Mary's Hospital has been associated with several royal births, including earlier children of Queen Elizabeth II's family. The choice underscored a preference for medically supervised birth within a trusted London institution.
Line of succession significance
As the first son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William moved up the order of succession on the day of his birth. His arrival reinforced continuity and provided a male heir within the direct line following his grandfather and father.
Position over time
With the passage of time, marriages, and births in other branches, William's place in the succession has shifted, though he has remained among the top individuals in the line. This status is publicly documented in official succession lists and updated following key family events.
Notable early milestones
Key moments such as his christening, first public appearances, and early schooling frame how his public role developed. These events are recorded in palace announcements and biographical accounts.
Christening and public duties
William was christened on 4 August 1982 in the Maple Room at Buckingham Palace, with selected godparents and close family in attendance. His early public engagements alongside his parents helped establish a visible public presence.
Education and early public life
William attended primary and secondary schools before studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he met Catherine Elizabeth Bowles. Subsequent military training and public engagements prepared him for future royal responsibilities.
Verified details summary
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Official palace statement; birth registration |
| Place of birth | St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, England | Hospital records; reputable biographies |
| Birth name | Prince William Arthur Philip Louis | Official documents; palace announcements |
| Title at birth | His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales | Royal protocol; government gazette |
| Order of succession at birth | Second in line after his father | Succession list; historical records |
Frequently asked questions
- Where was Prince William born? He was born at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, England.
- What is Prince William's full name? His full name is Prince William Arthur Philip Louis.
- What was his position in the line of succession at birth? He was second in line after his father, then Prince of Wales.
- When was he christened? He was christened on 4 August 1982 at Buckingham Palace.
- Which schools did he attend as a child? He attended primary and secondary schools in the UK and later studied at the University of St Andrews.
Comparative context
Compared with earlier heirs, William's birth in a hospital setting and the modern approach to announcing details illustrate shifts in royal protocol while maintaining public interest in succession planning.
| Generation | Birth year | Place of birth | Order at birth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Charles | 1948 | Buckingham Palace, London | First |
| Prince William | 1982 | St Mary's Hospital, Paddington | Second |
| Prince George | 2013 | St Mary's Hospital, Paddington | First |
Ongoing public interest
William's birth date and related biographical facts remain relevant for understanding the line of succession, official celebrations, and long-term continuity of the monarchy. Reliable records ensure clarity for researchers, educators, and the public.
Additional reading and sources
- Official palace statements and press releases regarding the birth and christening.
- Biographies and reference works that cite birth registration entries.
- Historical records of royal succession documents.
By focusing on verifiable public records and documented milestones, this profile provides a durable explanation of Prince William's birth and its significance within the broader context of the royal family.