William (1982

Biography

William, Prince of Wales (born 21 June 1982) is the heir apparent to the British throne as the elder son of King Charles III. He was created Prince of Wales in 2022 following the accession of his father. William served as a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force and is patron of numerous charitable organizations.

Timeline

The story of William, told in moments.

1982 Birth

Born William Arthur Philip Louis at St Mary's Hospital, London. His mother Diana presented him to the press on the hospital steps. Second in line to the throne from birth. His parents' marriage was already strained.

Your mother held you up to the cameras on the hospital steps. Do you remember being that public that young? Was there ever a moment you felt like a normal kid?

1997 Event

His mother, Princess Diana, killed in a car crash in Paris. William was 15. He and Harry walked behind her coffin through London. The world watched. He's spoken about the anger and grief lasting years.

Walking behind your mother s coffin at 15. How does a boy process that? Did Diana s death change how you see the monarchy?

2011 Event

Married Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey. An estimated two billion people tuned in worldwide. He was created Duke of Cambridge by the Queen on the morning of the wedding.

Two billion watched your wedding. Was Catherine the anchor you needed? Westminster Abbey. Was that location your choice?

2013 Event

Son George born at St Mary's Hospital. Charlotte followed in 2015, Louis in 2018. William worked as an air ambulance pilot while raising his children, commuting by helicopter to his shifts.

Three children in the line of succession. Is fatherhood the role that matters most? Are you raising them differently than you were raised?

2022 Event

Became Prince of Wales and heir apparent after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and his father's accession as King Charles III. Took on the title his mother once held as Princess of Wales.

Heir apparent after your grandmother s death. Are you ready? Your father waited 73 years. What does patience mean to you?