Full name and titles
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is the husband of Kate Middleton. Born William Arthur Philip Louis on 21 June 1982 at St Mary’s Hospital in London, he is the elder son of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and Charles III. He is second in line to the British throne after his father, holding the titles Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus. He is also the honorary air commandant of RAF Valley and holds honorary ranks in multiple branches of the armed forces.
Early life and education
William grew up in Kensington Palace and attended private schools including Ludgrove and Eton College. He studied geography at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he met Catherine Elizabeth ‘Kate’ Middleton, whom he began dating in 2001. Before dedicating himself to royal duties, he trained in the Royal Air Force, qualifying as a helicopter pilot and serving with Search and Rescue in the UK.
Meeting and engagement
William and Kate began their relationship while at university. Their engagement was announced on 16 November 2010, and they married on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey. The wedding was watched by an estimated global television audience and marked a modern milestone for the institution.
Official role and duties
As Duke of Cambridge, William carries out several thousand official engagements annually across the UK and overseas. He focuses on areas including emergency services, mental health, conservation, and support for veterans and young people. He also undertakes overseas diplomatic visits representing the UK and often attends major national and ceremonial events alongside senior members of the Royal Family.
Charitable and environmental work
In 2020, William launched the Earthshot Prize to incentivize solutions to environmental challenges. Through The Royal Foundation, he supports initiatives on wildlife conservation, mental health awareness, and homelessness. He has emphasized community service, early years development, and climate action in his public engagements.
Household and family
William and Kate live in Kensington Palace and have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. They split time between London and the family home, Anmer Hall on the Sandringham Estate. William is known for taking an active parenting role and for supporting initiatives that strengthen local communities and public services.
Heir presumptive and future role
With the accession of his father, William became heir presumptive to the throne. He has been preparing for future sovereign duties through increased royal engagements and by working closely with senior ministers and government officials on policy areas such as climate, emergency response, and public service reform.
Biographical summary at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Arthur Philip Louis | Official royal biography |
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Court circular and hospital records |
| Title(s) | Duke of Cambridge; Earl of Strathearn; Baron Carrickfergus | Court circulars and Palace website |
| Marriage to Kate Middleton | 29 April 2011, Westminster Abbey | Royal wedding announcement and registry |
| Children with Kate Middleton | Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis | Palace announcements |
| Line of succession | Second in line to the British throne as of 2024 | Official succession list (updated by the Palace) |
Key points at a glance
- Prince William is the husband of Kate Middleton and full name William Arthur Philip Louis.
- He was born on 21 June 1982 and is second in line to the throne after his father, King Charles III.
- He married Kate Middleton on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, with three children together.
- His core charitable focus includes mental health, nature and conservation, veterans and emergency services, and early years.
- He is the Duke of Cambridge and carries out official engagements across the UK and internationally as a working royal.
Public service and legacy building
William’s public service emphasizes early intervention, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. He has committed to using his position to address pressing societal challenges, often working directly with frontline organizations. By leveraging high-profile initiatives and partnerships, he aims to improve public services, support mental wellbeing, and safeguard natural habitats for future generations. His long-term role will likely shape key aspects of the modern monarchy in areas such as public accessibility, digital engagement, and sustainability.