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June 21, marks the 42nd birthday of Prince William, the Prince of Wales, a royal whose life has been defined by public service, environmental advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to duty.
Born in 1982 to King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, Prince William has grown up in the public eye. From his early days as the second in line to the British throne to his current role as the heir apparent, William has steadily carved out a modern, grounded identity within the Royal Family — balancing tradition with progressive causes.
A Life of Service: From Military Duty to Modern Royal Leadership
After graduating from the University of St Andrews with a degree in geography, Prince William chose to serve his country in uniform. He trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned as an officer in the British Army. His military career also saw him train as a helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force, where he served for several years and took part in numerous life-saving missions, earning deep respect for his hands-on approach and humility.
Championing the Planet: The Earthshot Prize
Perhaps one of his most impactful initiatives to date is The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020. Inspired by President Kennedy’s Moonshot challenge, the Earthshot Prize is an ambitious global environmental award designed to find and fund the most innovative solutions to the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.
The prize awards five winners annually, each receiving £1 million to scale their solutions in areas such as nature conservation, clean air, ocean revitalization, waste reduction, and climate action. Prince William has described Earthshot as his life’s mission, and through it, he hopes to “repair the planet within a decade.” His leadership in this space reflects his deep, long-standing commitment to conservation, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
Family and Future
Prince William continues to carry out royal duties alongside his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and is a devoted father to their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. As the royal family adapts to changing times, William is widely viewed as a steady, thoughtful figure ready to lead the monarchy into the future.
A Birthday Tribute
On his 42nd birthday, tributes are pouring in from across the UK and around the world, celebrating not only the Prince’s public achievements but also his reputation as a compassionate leader and devoted family man. His ongoing work — from tackling homelessness to safeguarding wildlife and promoting mental health awareness — reflects a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
Happy Birthday, Prince William — a modern royal with a legacy that continues to grow.
