Prince William, born 21 June 1982, and Prince Harry, born 31 August 1984, are respectively 43 and 40 years old as of 2026. They are brothers, senior members of the Royal Family, and the sons of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. This overview outlines their ages, birth dates, and the evolution of their relationship from childhood through major public milestones to their present roles.
Birth dates and current ages
Prince William was born on 21 June 1982. Prince Harry was born on 31 August 1984. As of 2026, William is 43 years old and Harry is 40 years old. Both celebrate birthdays in the summer, though William is older by two years and approximately two months.
Lineage and household context
Both are grandsons of Queen Elizabeth II and sons of King Charles III. William is the elder child and, as the firstborn son, became second in line to the throne at birth. Harry followed as the younger son, initially third in line after William’s birth. Their positions reflect standard hereditary succession adjusted by birth order and gender at the time.
Key lineage details
- Parents: Charles (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales
- Grandparents: Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (paternal); Earl and Countess Spencer (maternal)
- Succession context: William’s birth established him as second in line; Harry’s birth made him third in line at the time
Childhood and early relationship
The brothers grew up in Kensington Palace and spent formative years together in the royal nursery and during family outings. Photographs and biographies describe a close fraternal relationship in their childhood, including shared schooling at Wetherby School and visits to Balmoral and other family estates. Diana’s involvement in their early lives remained influential in shaping their public personas.
Education and early adulthood
William attended St Andrews University, graduating with a degree in geography, while Harry attended Sandhurst for military training. Their educational paths reflected different priorities: William pursued academic study before taking on royal duties, whereas Harry emphasized military service and later pursued advocacy work. Both completed A‑levels at Eton prior to university or military entry.
Comparative education snapshot
| Person | Education milestone | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince William | Birth | 1982 | 21 June |
| Prince Harry | Birth | 1984 | 31 August |
| Prince William | St Andrews graduation | 2005 | MA Geography |
| Prince Harry | Sandhurst commissioning | 2006 | Officer training |
| Prince William | University of St Andrews attendance | 2001–2005 | Undergraduate degree |
| Prince Harry | Eton College A‑levels | 1999–2003 | Sixth form |
| Prince Harry | Army Air Corps training | 2007–2008 | Lynx helicopter training |
Public milestones and career divergence
William’s path emphasized preparation for kingship: marriage to Catherine Middleton in 2011, the birth of three children, and an increased official workload. Harry’s trajectory included Afghanistan military service, advocacy initiatives such as Sentebale and the Invictus Games, and later a move toward financial independence through media and commercial projects. Their choices underscore different approaches to royal life and public service.
Notable milestones by age
- William: Married Catherine Middleton in 2011 (age 29)
- Harry: Deployed to Afghanistan 2007–2008 (ages 23–24)
- William: First major solo tour abroad (Canada 2011, age 29)
- Harry: Invictus Games founding (2014, age 30)
- Harry: Oprah interview (2021, age 36)
- Harry and Meghan: Archewell foundation launch (2020, Harry age 36)
Current roles and outlook
William continues his future king role with a focus on early interventions in mental health, conservation, and emergency services. Harry balances ongoing charitable work with media and advocacy, now based in California. Both remain members of the Royal Family, though their operational footprints differ, reflecting distinct generational expectations and personal priorities.