On June 21, 1982, Prince William, the oldest son of Diana, Princess of Wales, and King Charles III, was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. He was given the title “His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales” and is the heir apparent to the British throne. Prince William’s birth saw his mother breaking royal tradition by giving birth in a hospital, rather than the palace. His parents, Princess Diana and King Charles III, separated in 1992 and were formally divorced in 1996. Tragically, Princess Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris in 1997.
Prince William was deeply affected by his parents’ divorce and his mother’s death at a young age. He chose to study art history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where he met his future wife, Kate Middleton. The couple married at Westminster Abbey in 2011, and they have three children together – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Prince William completed military training and helicopter training, serving as a pilot in the British military.
Known for his ease and relatability, Prince William is one of the most popular figures in the British Royal Family. He has worked to promote his mother’s legacy, organizing memorial services and commissioning a statue of Princess Diana at Kensington Palace. Alongside his wife Kate, they direct charitable activities through The Royal Foundation. In 2020, Prince William launched The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental prize to address challenges in society, with the first awards ceremony taking place in London in 2021.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, King Charles III was crowned, making Prince William next in line to the British throne. As heir to the throne, Prince William’s main duties include supporting the King in his royal commitments. He and Kate, The Princess of Wales, continue to carry out charitable activities and projects, and undertake public and official duties in support of the monarchy in the UK and overseas. Prince William’s dedication to service and commitment to promoting environmental solutions highlight his role as a future leader of the British monarchy.
