The Prince of Wales is celebrating his 44th birthday on Sunday. Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London on June 21, 1982, to the then-Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales. He spent his earliest years living between Kensington Palace at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
The Prince has witnessed many milestones over the years, both happy and sad. Whether it is his military honours, his marriage to the Princess of Wales, becoming a father to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis or the huge success he has seen by launching major projects such as The Earthshot Prize and Homewards, he has always been busy.
As he celebrates his birthday today, the Daily Express takes a look back at the Prince’s biggest moments from over the years.
Prince William is born
Prince William Arthur Philip Louis arrived at 9.03pm on June 21, 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington. He was presented on the famous steps of the Lindo Wing by his parents before heading home to Kensington Palace. He was christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace on August 4 – the same day as his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, celebrated her 80th birthday.
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A privileged education
Prince William enrolled at Eton College in 1995, in a break from the family’s tradition of attending Gordonstoun College in Scotland. During his time at the school, William would often make the short journey to Windsor Castle to see his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, for tea. Before he moved to Eton, William had attended Mrs Mynors Nursery School in Kensington, Wetherby Prep School and Ludgrove Prep School.
(Image: Getty)
Tragedy struck
Following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in August 1997, Princes William and Harry made the difficult decision to walk in the funeral procession behind their mother’s coffin. The brave brothers were joined by their father, the then Prince Charles, their uncle, Charles, Earl Spencer and their grandfather, Prince Philip.
(Image: Getty)