How old is Prince William of England
Prince William of England is 43 years old as of 2026, born on 21 June 1982. He is the elder son of Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and is second in line to the British throne after his father. This page explains his current age, key biographical dates, and public role using verifiable sources and neutral context.
Birth and early life
Date and place of birth
Prince William was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London. His birth was widely televised and covered, marking the arrival of the first male heir in line to the throne in over half a century.
Parents and family context
He is the eldest child of Charles (then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III) and Diana, Princess of Wales. His younger brother, Prince Henry (Harry), was born on 31 August 1984. William’s upbringing was shaped by royal duties and the intense media attention following his parents’ separation and Diana’s death in 1997.
Place in the line of succession
At birth, William became second in line to the throne, behind only his father. After the accession of King Charles III on 8 September 2022, William became the heir presumptive. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 did not alter his position but ensured that his firstborn child would precede any younger siblings regardless of gender.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Arthur Philip Louis | Official biography |
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Official records |
| Place of birth | St Mary's Hospital, London, United Kingdom | Official records |
| Current position in line | Heir presumptive to the British throne | Official and legal sources |
| Title (as heir) | Prince of Wales (granted 2022) | Official announcement |
Key biographical milestones
- 1982: Born on 21 June at St Mary’s Hospital, London.
- 1991: First royal school visit as an eight-year-old, beginning public engagements.
- 1997: Mother Diana, Princess of Wales, dies; William and Harry are teenagers.
- 2001: Begins formal education at Eton College.
- 2005: Commences training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
- 2011: Marries Catherine Elizabeth ("Kate") Middleton; launches The Royal Foundation.
- 2013: Father of George, Princess Charlotte, and Louis.
- 2022: Appointed Prince of Wales and created Duke of Cornwall; becomes heir presumptive.
- 2023: Undertakes first solo overseas tour as Prince of Wales to the Pacific.
Current age and timeline context
Born in 1982 means Prince William is 43 in 2026. He has publicly balanced family life with an expanding portfolio of official duties, focusing on mental health, environment, homelessness, and conservation. As heir presumptive, his responsibilities have increased since 2022 while maintaining a long-term preparatory role for future kingship.
Public role and charitable work
William’s work through The Royal Foundation centers on mental health (Heads Together), wildlife conservation (United for Wildlife), and homelessness (Homelessness Taskforce). He holds pilot qualifications, served in search-and-rescue roles, and has gradually taken on more solo engagements. Analysts note an emphasis on ‘common sense’ problem-solving and preparation for constitutional duties.
Comparison with direct predecessors
| Metric | Prince William | King Charles III at same age | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age at marriage | 29 (2011) | 26 (1973) | Later first marriage within the modern era; ceremonial context similar. |
| Birth order as heir | Eldest son; second in line at birth | Eldest grandchild; third in line at birth | Different succession positions due to family timing and earlier monarchies. |
| First major solo tour | 2023 Pacific tour as Prince of Wales | 1990s overseas engagements as Prince of Wales | Comparable use of travel to advance diplomatic and charitable goals. |
Privacy and public interest
Media coverage of William balances public curiosity with efforts to protect his family’s privacy. The couple uses Kensington Palace communications to set boundaries while maintaining transparency about major initiatives and tour schedules.
Frequently asked questions
- When was Prince William born? He was born on 21 June 1982.
- Who is first in line after William? His eldest child, Prince George, is third in line; his second child, Princess Charlotte, is fourth; his third child, Prince Louis, is fifth.
- What titles does William hold now? He is Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Cambridge, and holds other Scottish and Irish peerages.
- Does William perform military duties? He remains qualified as a search-and-rescue pilot and has undertaken operational training, though his current schedule emphasizes charitable and diplomatic work.
Final note
Prince William, born 21 June 1982, is 43 years old in 2026 and serves as heir presumptive. His age and career milestones are documented in official records, and he continues to prepare for future responsibilities within the monarchy while leading high-impact charitable initiatives.