William Prince of Wales full name is William Arthur Philip Louis. He is the eldest child of Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, and second in line to the throne. His first name is William, with Arthur, Philip, and Louis as his middle names.
Full Birth Name and Style
Registered name and certificate details
His full birth name is recorded as William Arthur Philip Louis. The formal style used in official and ceremonial contexts is His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, though in day-to-day usage he is generally referred to as His Royal Highness Prince William or simply Prince William.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full birth name | William Arthur Philip Louis | Birth certificate / royal family website |
| Primary title | Prince of Wales | Official style and precedence |
| Common short form | Prince William | Common usage |
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Official biography |
| Place of birth | St Mary's Hospital, London | Official biography |
Lineage and Family Context
Parents and direct heirs
William is the eldest son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. As firstborn, he carries the titles Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester, and is the father to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, establishing a clear line of succession.
Official Titles and Styles
Current and historical styles
Since his creation as Prince of Wales in 2022, he has been styled His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Previously, from his birth until 2022, he was styled as His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales. The use of multiple middle names follows long-standing royal tradition.
Common Usage and Public References
How he is referred to in media and daily life
In news, public statements, and everyday conversation, he is most often called Prince William. This short form is clear, avoids repetition of his full name, and is widely recognized by international audiences.
Key Facts at a Glance
Name, title, and status summary
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | William Arthur Philip Louis | Birth certificate |
| Primary title | Prince of Wales | Official style |
| Heir status | First in line of succession | Line of succession |
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Public record |
| Spouse | Catherine, Princess of Wales | Official biography |
| Children | Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis | Official communications |