William, Prince of Wales, is the heir apparent to the British throne. Born on June 21, 1982, he is the elder son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. This timeline highlights significant events and milestones in his life from birth to the present day.
Birth
21 June 1982
William Arthur Philip Louis was born at 21:03 BST in St Mary's Hospital, London, as the first child of Charles, Prince of Wales (later King Charles III), and his first wife, Diana, Princess of Wales.
First Overseas Tour
1983
At nine months old, William accompanied his parents on their tour of Australia and New Zealand, marking the first time a royal baby was taken on an overseas tour.
Graduation from University of St Andrews
2005
William graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he studied art and later geography.
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
2006
William entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, beginning his military career. He completed a 44-week course as an Officer Cadet and was commissioned as a British Army officer in December 2006.
Attachments to Royal Air Force and Royal Navy
2008
William undertook attachments to the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy to gain experience in all three major branches of the armed services.
Search and Rescue Pilot Training
2010
William completed his training as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force and began a tour of duty in Wales.
Marriage to Catherine Middleton
29 April 2011
William married his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Middleton, at Westminster Abbey in London, becoming Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
End of Military Service
September 2013
William ended his military service after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time service, having conducted 156 search and rescue operations.
Air Ambulance Pilot
2015-2017
William retrained to become an air ambulance pilot and worked with the East Anglian Air Ambulance for more than two years.
Becoming Heir Apparent
8 September 2022
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William's father, Charles, ascended to the throne as Charles III, making William the heir apparent and Prince of Wales.
