Prince William was born on 21 June 1982 in London, making him 42 years old as of mid-2025. As the elder son of William, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, he is second in line to the British throne. This profile outlines his age, birth date, education, military service, key public roles, and long-term charitable priorities. All dates and facts are drawn from official records and reputable biographies to provide a durable, verifiable reference.
Early life and education
Prince William spent his early years at Kensington Palace and attended private schools in London, including Wetherby School and Ludgrove School, before enrolling at Eton College. He completed his A-levels at Eton and then went to the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he graduated with an Undergraduate Master of Arts (MA Hons) degree in Geography in 2005. His university years attracted significant media attention, and he later returned to St Andrews to meet Catherine Middleton, whom he began dating while a student.
Initial career and training
After university, William worked as a volunteer with British charity Raleigh International in Chile, then joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 2006. He trained at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, was commissioned as an Acting Pilot Officer, and served with the Search and Rescue Force, flying helicopter missions in eastern England. These early commitments established a pattern of public service that has shaped his subsequent official duties.
Military service and professional qualifications
William served full-time in the RAF until 2013, reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He trained as a helicopter pilot and participated in operational search-and-rescue training. After leaving active service, he transferred to the Royal Air Force Reserve and later accepted honorary roles in the Armed Forces, including Honorary Air Commandant of RAF No. 1 Group. He also holds honorary ranks in the Army and Royal Navy, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the UK’s defence institutions.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | 21 June 1982 | Official royal biography and registry records |
| Birth place | St Mary’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom | Hospital records and royal office statement |
| Age (mid-2025) | 42 years old | Calculated from birth date |
| University | University of St Andrews (MA Geography, 2005) | University records and royal office |
| Initial career | RAF Search and Rescue helicopter pilot (2006–2013) | RAF service records and official statement |
| Current line of succession | Second in line to the British throne | Current order of succession as published by official government sources |
Marriages and children
William married Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey. The couple have three children: Prince George of Cambridge (born 22 July 2013), Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (born 2 May 2015), and Prince Louis of Cambridge (born 23 April 2018). Their public roles and visibility have helped modernize the monarchy’s engagement with younger generations.
Charitable focus and patronage
Over more than a decade as a senior working royal, William has built a portfolio of charitable interests centered on mental health, conservation, emergency services, and support for veterans and their families. He is the Founding Patron of Homerton University Hospital Charity, a role that complements his long-standing work with organisations such as The Royal Foundation, which he established with Prince Harry in 2009. Key campaigns include Heads Together (mental health), The Earthshot Prize (environmental innovation), and initiatives to improve protection for frontline responders.
Official duties and representation
As a senior working royal, William undertakes thousands of visits, audiences, and engagements annually across the UK and overseas. He represents the Crown at major national events, supports the Armed Forces community, and participates in diplomatic exchanges. His approach emphasizes collaboration with charities, businesses, and public-sector partners to address long-term social and environmental challenges.
Heirship and constitutional role
As second in line to the throne, William balances preparation for future constitutional duties with current public service. He undertakes training in state ceremonial, attends Privy Council meetings where required, and prepares alongside King Charles III and other senior working royals. This blend of readiness and present-day engagement helps ensure continuity and stability within the institution.
Public perception and media interaction
Media coverage of William has evolved from intense scrutiny during his parents’ marriage and separation to a focus on his leadership, family life, and charitable impact. His measured public statements, long-term project leadership, and emphasis on teamwork are widely reported. Both he and Catherine engage with diverse audiences through videos, interviews, and digital channels, often highlighting practical outcomes from their supported causes.
Frequently asked questions
- How old is Prince William now? As of mid-2025, he is 42 years old, based on his birth date of 21 June 1982.
- What is his current title? His principal titles include Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Cambridge, and Earl of Strathearn, reflecting his role within the heirship and regional representation.
- Does he carry out military duties now? He remains an Honorary Air Commandant and holds honorary military ranks, supporting defence cadet and veteran charities, though he is no longer an active-duty pilot.
- What are his main charitable priorities? He focuses on mental health, environmental action through The Earthshot Prize, conservation, and improving support for emergency responders and veterans.
Comparative snapshot: key milestones at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 21 June 1982 | Born at St Mary’s Hospital, London | Establishes place in line of succession |
| 2005 | Graduates from University of St Andrews | Notable educational background; meets Catherine Middleton |
| 2006–2013 | Serves in RAF as a helicopter pilot | Builds professional skills and public service record |
| 29 April 2011 | Marries Catherine Middleton | Major royal event; expands public role |
| 2013 onward | Assumes increased senior royal duties | Represents the Crown domestically and internationally | Leads Heads Together, Earthshot Prize, and frontline-responder campaigns | Highlights long-term focus on mental health, climate action, and public-service support |
Bottom line
Prince William, born 21 June 1982, is 42 years old in 2025 and second in line to the British throne. His path from university at St Andrews through RAF service to senior royal duties has been documented in official records and reputable biographies. His current work emphasises mental health, environmental innovation, conservation, and support for emergency responders and veterans, supported by long-term patronages and campaigns that are expected to remain relevant over time.