Prince William through the ages 02/22/2011 Jessica Meisels Prince William was born at St Mary's Hospital, London on 21 June 1982, the first child of Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales, and third grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh: Born 1982: #73423734 His birth was a commodity, and Londoners lined the streets for several hours awaiting the arrival of England’s newest son: Crowds on the streets, 1982: #73702242 William began his childhood at Kensington Palace with his parents in happier times. They eventually divorced in 1996: Family photo in palace gardens, 1983: #3137461 His mother, the much loved late Princess Diana, wanted to ensure her children got a well ‘rounded’ childhood: With Diana and Brother Harry: #73399306 This included official royal events, such as his first Royal Official Engagement in Cardiff: First engagement: #73814402 Going on these events was considered unconventional, but his mother was considered quite ‘hands-on’ for a royal: Spending Easter with the family, #73390039 Going on family holidays, such as here in Austria in 1993: #74593865 Diana wanted her children to see all aspects of the world-whether this be through royal engagements, going to the local McDonald’s, taking them to homeless shelters, going on official duties to exotic locations, or just hanging out with friends Christmas with the family 1994: #73399156 Clowning around William: #2078201
This egalitarian outlook prompted William to become associated with charity work later in life, the influence of which he has attributed to his late mother. Royal Holiday with the family in Spain 1994: #73391415 He began his schooling at Wetherby in 1994: First day at school: #3438864 And went on to study at Eton alongside his brother, Prince Harry: First day at Eton: #73399234 His mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, unfortunately died in a car accident in 1997: William at her Funeral: #73389672 Williams went on to gain a Scottish Master of Arts degree with upper second class honors in geography from the University of Saint Andrews- to date, the highest honors of an heir to the British and other Commonwealth realms’ thrones. With a book in 2000: #1311291 He became a paparazzi favorite due to his good looks and humble way with the people: William portrait 2000: #2078203 The Prince has expressed desire in recent years to go on more trips to connect with different charitable causes, such as telethons, providing supplies and working with HIV/AIDS victims, particularly those in Africa. ICAP Charity Day: #107408878 William is only second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles: With the Queen, his father and brother 2000: #2078240 Laughing with father Prince Charles: #107402181 Prince William expressed his wish for a military career. As well as working as a troop commander for the Blues and Royals armored reconnaissance unit, he also showed interest in participating in active service, Undertaking military duties: #106822504
And has been able to combine this career with official Royal events: Attending a ceremony to hand out silver and gold pins to sailors at HMNB Clyde naval base in 2010 in Faslane: #106287064. He has since had training with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and graduated from the Defense Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury after training to become a helicopter pilot with the RAF's Search and Rescue Force... RAF: #106970374 Recreationally, the Prince also plays polo for charitable causes and represented the Scottish national universities water polo team at the Celtic Nations tournament in 2004 under the pseudonym ‘Steve’ to protect his identity With brother Harry at a polo tournament in 2001: #678142 The Prince took a GAP year over his 21st birthday to work and study humanitarian causes in Chile. In Chile with children: #1311387 This included teaching Chilean school children how to read: Teaching kids: #2078202 Constructing walkways n the village of Tortel, Chile during his Raleigh International expedition. Working: #2078189 And even scrubbing the toilet on his 21st birthday! Cleaning: #2078207 Whilst living as an attractive young suitor back at his English university… Nice portrait William: #2078182 The Prince met and started dating fellow flat mate and student, Kate Middleton Kate and William together: #107678467 After years of speculation and wide coverage including professional bets, books: Book on Kate and William: #108092775
even pre-wedding china… Royal china: #108002810 The two announced their engagement at Clarence House in November 2010. William proposed with his late mother’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which has since sparked copies all over the globe. Official engagement photo: #106918093 The wedding will be held in London’s Westminster Abbey, with over 1,500 guests included Elton John, The Beckhams, and orphaned and disabled children: Westminster Abbey: #106966592 The two will be wed on April 29. 2011 at 11am, and will be declared a bank holiday in England. Good luck you two! William and Kate official portrait: #107533531