Birthday of the Prince of Wales in the UK Date in the current year: June 21, 2024

The title Prince of Wales dates back to the 12th century. Owain Gwynedd was the first ruler of independent Wales to be styled “Prince of Wales”. Following the conquest of Wales by King Edward I of England in the 12th century, English and subsequently British monarchs bestowed the title upon their heirs apparent. The first heir to the English throne to use the title was Edward Caernarfon (future King Edward II).

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and her son Charles’s ascension to the British throne in 2022, the title was bestowed upon William, Duke of Cambridge. William was born on June 21, 1982 to Charles, Prince of Wales, and his first wife Diana (born Spencer). His parents divorced in 1996; when William was 15, his mother died in a car accident.

William received secondary education in private schools, including Eton College (which was unusual since his father and grandfather both attended Gordonstoun). Upon graduation, he took a gap year, during which he traveled the world to volunteer and took part in training exercises of the British Army.

In 2001, William began his studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. It was there that he met Catherine Middleton, who would become his wife. The two started dating in 2003. William graduated with a Master of Arts degree in 2005 and was admitted to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2006. He served with the Blues and Royals cavalry regiment for some time before being admitted to the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

Upon completing his training in 2008, William joined the Royal Air Force. In 2015, William obtained a civil pilot’s license and began working the East Anglian Air Ambulance. After two years of work, he left his position to assume full-time royal duties.

William and Catherine Middleton became engaged in 2010 and got married on April 29, 2011. On the day of his wedding, Queen Elizabeth II revived the title Duke of Cambridge and bestowed it upon her grandson; as his wife, Catherine became known as Duchess of Cambridge. William and Catherine have three children: Prince George born on July 22, 2013, Princess Charlotte born on May 2, 2015, and Prince Louis born on April 23, 2018.

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96. William’s father succeeded her as the British monarch and ascended to the throne as Charles III. William, now heir apparent to the British throne, was created Prince of Wales the following day. His wife Catherine became known as Princess of Wales.

The birthday of the Prince of Wales is a designated flag flying day in the United Kingdom. According to the Union Flag flying guidance, the state flag must be flown on all government buildings. However, it is not a public holiday, unlike the King’s Official Birthday, so it is not a non-working day unless it falls on a weekend.