Today, Prince William is one of the most popular and beloved members of the British Royal Family. Coming across as a decent man dedicated to the country's service, the Duke of Sussex has proved why he deserves to be the Future King of England. Of course, the status that he has earned is the cumulative result of a lifelong effort, which began when he was a little child. Over the years, William has built up a reputation for himself as a great son, husband, father, and Prince of England.
As royals, William, Kate, and their three children are entitled to the most enviable privileges we could imagine. However, contrary to popular belief, the Prince's path has not always been filled with roses. At a young age, he already had to face tremendous pressure from the paparazzi but eventually overcame it. To know more about the different journeys Prince William has experienced, let's take a pictorial look through the decades of his life.
eOn June 21, 1982, Prince Charles and his then-wife Princess Diana welcomed their first son, William, at St Mary's Hospital in London. Immediately after his birth, the baby became the second in line to the British throne, only behind Queen Elizabeth II and his father Charles.
Two years after William's birth, Charles and Diana welcomed their second child, Prince Harry. They quickly became one of the most admirable families in the UK - mostly thanks to the two adorable Princes.
From 1985 to 1990, the young Prince went to Mrs. Mynors' Nursery School and Wetherby School respectively. In 1990, he started his study at Ludgrove School, an independent boy boarding institution, until 1995 when he enrolled at Eton College. William's academic performance is said to be excellent.
The Prince experienced his first heartbreak in 1996 when his parents finalized their divorce, putting an end to a tumultuous love life marred by scandals. In less than a year, he had another shock: his beloved mother, Princess Diana, died in a tragic car accident in Paris.
Graduating from Eton with excellent grades in 2000, Prince William chose to take a gap year to broaden his horizon. He began doing volunteer work, traveling to different countries such as Belize, Africa, and Chile.
In 2001, William enrolled at the prestigious University of St Andrews, where he majored in art history and geography. It was also at the university that he met the love of his life - Kate Middleton. They were friends at the beginning but began dating in 2003.
After doing internships in land management and banking, Prince William was admitted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006, where he received formal training with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Due to excessive media interference and online trolling, Kate Middleton and Prince William decided to go their separate ways in 2007. However, the two quickly rekindled their relationship a few months later. They also started to accompany each other in public and royal events.
After seven years of dating, William popped the question to Kate while the two were traveling to Kenya in October 2010. Interestingly, the engagement ring the Prince gave to Kate Middleton was the one worn by his late mother, Princess Diana. One month later, the couple's engagement news was announced by Clarence House.
Great news just kept coming to the Happy Prince. Less than one year after getting engaged, Prince William and Kate Middleton walked down the aisle at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. The ceremony was one of the most popular events that year, drawing millions of viewers from all over the world.
Two years after their wedding, Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed their first child: the lovely little Prince George, who was born on July 22, 2013. The royal couple was so over the moon with the arrival of the baby that they described it as 'amazing and extraordinary'.
Two years after George's birth, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their second child, Princess Charlotte. Just like her elder brother, Charlotte was also born at St Mary’s Hospital. The family of four became increasingly famous, drawing paparazzi wherever they go.
From 2015 to 2017, the Prince served as an air ambulance pilot, working for the East Anglian Air Ambulance. However, he dropped the position in July 2017 to dedicate his time to royal duties as the Queen's health began to show signs of deterioration.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their third child, Prince Louis, on April 23, 2018. Upon his birth, Louis immediately became fifth in line of succession to the British throne.
In 2020, the already rocky relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry took a turn for the worse. While William continued to show his commitment to royal duties, his younger, rebellious brother decided to step back as a senior working member. Harry's decision not only frustrated the public but also led to his ongoing feud with Prince William
In 2021, William and Kate celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Throughout their marriage, the couple has gone through thick and thin together and become the most-loved royal family. Their public image continues to improve following Harry and Meghan's infamous royal exit in the year before.
The Prince and other members of the Royal Family celebrated Platinum Jubilee in June, a major event that marked the Queen's 70th year on the throne. William, alongside his wife and three children, were all smiles as they stood on the iconic balcony of Buckingham Palace. Meanwhile, his brother Harry was not invited to the place as he is not a senior royal member anymore.
As the 96-year-old Monarch becomes more vulnerable to illness and mobility issues, Prince William is expected to take on more royal responsibilities. Alongside his father Prince Charles and wife Kate Middleton, Prince William would be presenting England in many royal engagements and state visits. To look after the Queen, William - who is second in line to the throne, also moves his family's residency to Adelaide Cotton in the summer.
