View source for William, Prince of Wales

{{Short description|Heir apparent to the British throne (born 1982)}}
{{Redirect2|Prince William|Prince William of the United Kingdom|other uses|Prince William (disambiguation)|and|William of the United Kingdom (disambiguation)}}
{{good article}}
{{pp-move}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name         = William
| title        = [[Prince of Wales]]
| image        = Prince of Wales in Normandy 2024.jpg
| alt          = see caption
| caption      = William in 2024
| birth_name   = Prince William of Wales
| spouse       = {{marriage|[[Catherine Middleton]]|29 April 2011}}<!--maiden name should be used here-->
| issue        = {{plain list|
* [[Prince George of Wales]]
* [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte of Wales]]
* [[Prince Louis of Wales]]
}}
| full name    = William Arthur Philip Louis{{efn|As a member of the royal family entitled to be called ''His Royal Highness'', William does not normally use a surname. He has used both ''[[Mountbatten-Windsor]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Lichfield |first=John |date=19 September 2012 |title=William and Kate win legal battle – but lose war to keep topless photos under wraps |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/william-and-kate-win-legal-battle--but-lose-war-to-keep-topless-photos-under-wraps-8153383.html |work=The Independent |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009195658/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/william-and-kate-win-legal-battle--but-lose-war-to-keep-topless-photos-under-wraps-8153383.html |archive-date=9 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and – at university and in his military career – ''Wales''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/duke-of-cambridge-to-deploy-to-falklands |title=Duke of Cambridge to deploy to Falklands |work=Ministry of Defence |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928031951/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/duke-of-cambridge-to-deploy-to-falklands |archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The middle name Louis is pronounced {{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|uː|i}}.}}
| house        = [[House of Windsor|Windsor]]<!--He is not a member of the [[House of Glücksburg]], because he inherits his house (through his father) from his GRANDMOTHER, being as she is The Queen. See [[Talk:House of Windsor#SHSG Part II]]-->
| father       = <!--Do NOT add "King"-->[[Charles III]]
| mother       = <!--Do NOT add "Lady"-->[[Diana Spencer]]<!--maiden name should be used here-->
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1982|6|21|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[St Mary's Hospital, London]], England
| signature    = Prince William of Wales autograph.svg
| module       = {{infobox person | embed=yes
  | education     = {{plain list|
* [[Eton College]]
* [[University of St Andrews]] ([[Master of Arts (Scotland)|MA]] [[Hons]])
* [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]]
* [[Royal Air Force College Cranwell]]
* [[Britannia Royal Naval College]]
* [[Defence Helicopter Flying School]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox military person | embed=yes
  | allegiance   = United Kingdom<!--No flags per MOS:INFOBOXFLAG--> 
  | branch        = [[British Armed Forces]]{{efn|William has served in all three branches of the Armed Forces (the [[British Army]], [[Royal Navy]] and [[Royal Air Force]])}}
  | serviceyears  = 2006–2013
  | serviceyears_label = Active service
  | rank          = [[List of titles and honours of William, Prince of Wales#Military ranks|See list]]
  | servicenumber = <!-- Do not use data from primary sources such as service records -->
  | unit          = {{ubl|[[Blues and Royals]]|[[HMS Iron Duke (F234)|HMS ''Iron Duke'']]|[[RAF Search and Rescue Force]]}}
  | commands      = 
  | battles_label = 
  | battles       = 
  | awards        =
  }}
}}
{{British Royal Family}}

'''William, Prince of Wales''' (William Arthur Philip Louis; born 21 June 1982), is the [[heir apparent]] to the [[British throne]]. He is the elder son of [[King Charles&nbsp;III]] and [[Diana, Princess of Wales]].

William was born during the reign of his paternal grandmother, [[Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II]]. He was educated at [[Wetherby School]], [[Ludgrove School]] and [[Eton College]]. He earned a [[Master of Arts (Scotland)|Master of Arts degree]] in [[geography]] at the [[University of St Andrews]] where he met his future wife, [[Catherine Middleton]]. They have three children: [[Prince George of Wales|George]], [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Charlotte]] and [[Prince Louis of Wales|Louis]]. After university, William trained at the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] prior to serving with the [[Blues and Royals]] regiment. In 2008 he graduated from the [[Royal Air Force College Cranwell]], joining the [[RAF Search and Rescue Force]] in early 2009. He served as a full-time pilot with the [[East Anglian Air Ambulance]] for two years, starting in July 2015.

William performs official duties and engagements on behalf of the monarch. He is patron of multiple charitable and military organisations, including the [[Tusk Trust]], [[Centrepoint (charity)|Centrepoint]], [[The Passage (charity)|The Passage]], [[Wales Air Ambulance]] and [[London's Air Ambulance Charity]]. He undertakes projects through the [[Royal Foundation]], with his charity work revolving around mental health, conservation, homelessness, and emergency workers. In 2020 William launched the [[Earthshot Prize]], a £50 million initiative to incentivise environmental solutions over the next decade.

William was made [[Duke of Cambridge]] immediately before [[Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|his wedding]] in April 2011. He became [[Duke of Cornwall]] and [[Duke of Rothesay]] upon his father's accession to the throne on 8 September 2022. The following day he was made [[Prince of Wales]].

==Early life==
Prince William was born at 21:03 [[British Summer Time|BST]] on 21 June 1982 in [[St Mary's Hospital, London]], as the first child of Charles, Prince of Wales (later [[King Charles&nbsp;III]]), and his first wife, [[Diana, Princess of Wales]], during the reign of his paternal grandmother, [[Queen Elizabeth&nbsp;II]].<ref name=evnews81/><ref name=official>{{cite web|url=http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/the-duke-of-cambridge/biography|title=The Duke of Cambridge – Biography|work=Office of the Prince of Wales|access-date=6 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423064508/http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/the-duke-of-cambridge/biography|archive-date=23 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=49027|page=8215|date=21 June 1982}}</ref> Buckingham Palace announced his name{{snd}}William Arthur Philip Louis{{snd}}on 28 June.<ref name="evnews81">{{cite news|work=The Evening News|title=Prince William's his name|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=K4RGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1118,3639121&dq=diana+spencer&hl=en|access-date=23 July 2013|date=28 July 1982}}</ref> William was christened in the Music Room of [[Buckingham Palace]] by the then [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], [[Robert Runcie]], on 4 August, coinciding with the 82nd birthday of his paternal great-grandmother, [[Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1982/08/05/the-royal-christening/b6187854-975e-40c1-99ba-5e46c09323fa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108194212/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1982/08/05/the-royal-christening/b6187854-975e-40c1-99ba-5e46c09323fa/|title=The Royal Christening|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Rita|last=Dallas|date=5 August 1982|access-date=2 November 2023|archive-date=8 November 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Efn|name=christening|William had six godparents: former King [[Constantine II of Greece]] (his paternal second cousin once removed); [[Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Mrs Ogilvy]] (his paternal first cousin twice removed); the [[Natalia Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster|Duchess of Westminster]]; [[Lady Susan Hussey]]; [[Norton Knatchbull, 3rd Earl Mountbatten of Burma|Lord Romsey]] (his paternal second cousin once removed); and [[Sir Laurens van der Post]].<ref name="pbp5aug">{{cite news|title=William baptized|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9f8sAAAAIBAJ&pg=3834,2455732&dq=princess+diana&hl=en|access-date=31 May 2013|work=The Palm Beach Post|date=5 August 1982|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904080208/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9f8sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=es0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=3834,2455732&dq=princess+diana&hl=en|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

William was the first child born to a [[Prince of Wales|Prince]] and [[Princess of Wales]] since [[Prince John of the United Kingdom|Prince John]] was born to Prince George and Princess Mary (later [[King George&nbsp;V]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]]) in July 1905.<ref>{{cite news|title=Princess Diana enters hospital in early labor|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MyBAAAAAIBAJ&pg=2686,2259663&dq=frances+ruth+roche&hl=en|access-date=21 July 2013|work=Youngstown Vindicator|date=21 June 1982|agency=AP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904080208/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=MyBAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=cFgMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2686,2259663&dq=frances+ruth+roche&hl=en|archive-date=4 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> When he was nine months old, William accompanied his parents on their 1983 tour of Australia and New Zealand, as his first trip overseas.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carr |first=Flora |title=Prince Charles and Princess Diana's Australia tour – Everything you need to know about what really happened |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-11-15/the-crown-australia-tour-charles-diana-real-life-story/ |access-date=12 December 2020 |work=RadioTimes |date=15 November 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125235842/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/on-demand/2020-11-15/the-crown-australia-tour-charles-diana-real-life-story/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also marked the first time that a royal baby was taken on an overseas tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/babys-first-tour-prince-george-travels-down-under-with-william-and-kate/|title=Baby's first tour: Prince George travels Down Under with William and Kate|work=CBS News|first=Kelly|last=Cobiella|date=6 April 2014|access-date=27 December 2022|archive-date=27 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227153650/https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/babys-first-tour-prince-george-travels-down-under-with-william-and-kate/|url-status=live}}</ref> His younger brother, [[Prince Harry]], was born in September 1984. Both of them were raised at [[Kensington Palace]] in London, and [[Highgrove House]] in [[Gloucestershire]].<ref name="time 1988">{{Cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/daily/special/diana/readingroom/8191/4_25.html |title=Growing Up Royal |date=25 April 1988|magazine=Time |access-date=4 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050331004503/http://www.time.com/time/daily/special/diana/readingroom/8191/4_25.html |archive-date=31 March 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Toneli |first=Lucia |title=You could be Prince Charles and Camilla's neighbor for $10.1 Million |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/real-estate/a37824654/elmestree-house-estate-prince-charles-highgrove-neighbor-for-sale/ |magazine=Town & Country |date=2 October 2021|access-date=28 October 2021|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028181344/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/real-estate/a37824654/elmestree-house-estate-prince-charles-highgrove-neighbor-for-sale/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The young royals: Prince William |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/royal/2003/06/prince_william.shtml |work=BBC News |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028181334/https://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/royal/2003/06/prince_william.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

Known informally as "Wills" within his family,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/lifestyle/cath-wombat-and-cabbage-the-nicknames-of-the-british-royal-family/image-gallery/5d8b0514c508aa8d555d0033e277b5ac|title=Cath, wombat, and cabbage: the nicknames of the British royal family|magazine=Vogue|first=Elsie|last=Taylor|date=30 October 2019|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823040807/https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/lifestyle/cath-wombat-and-cabbage-the-nicknames-of-the-british-royal-family/image-gallery/5d8b0514c508aa8d555d0033e277b5ac|url-status=live}}</ref> William was nicknamed "Willy" by his brother and "Wombat" by his mother.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-new-book-william-nicknames-spare-b2256519.html|title=Prince Harry's new book reveals brothers' childhood nicknames|work=The Independent|first=Joe|last=Sommerlad|date=5 January 2023|access-date=5 January 2023|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105125805/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-new-book-william-nicknames-spare-b2256519.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19190534|title=In honor of Diana|work=NBC News|first=Matt|last=Lauer|date=12 June 2007|access-date=24 November 2020|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029195758/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna19190534|url-status=live}}</ref> Diana wished her sons to obtain broader and more typical life experiences beyond royal upbringing, taking them to [[Walt Disney World]], [[McDonald's]], AIDS clinics and shelters for the homeless.<ref name="people1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.people.com/people/prince_william/biography|title=Prince William biography|magazine=People|access-date=15 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821052607/http://www.people.com/people/prince_william/biography/|archive-date=21 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The biographer [[Robert Lacey]] asserts that William, described as a "rambunctious" and "bratty" child, became "more reflective" with a "noticeably quiet character" as he began boarding school.<ref name="laceypeople">{{cite magazine|last=Perry|first=Simon|title=Inside the moment Prince William and Prince Harry's personalities flipped as kids |url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-prince-harry-personalities-flipped/|magazine=People|access-date=30 January 2023|archive-date=31 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131001526/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-prince-harry-personalities-flipped/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Diana was reported to have described William as "my little wise old man" on whom she started to rely as her confidant by his early teens.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/04/how-dianas-dance-with-the-media-impacted-william-and-harry|title=How Princess Diana's dance with the media impacted William and Harry|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Tina|last=Brown|date=5 April 2022|access-date=6 April 2022|archive-date=8 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608162857/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/04/how-dianas-dance-with-the-media-impacted-william-and-harry|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:First Lady Barbara Bush greets Prince William at the Winfield House in 1991.jpg|thumb|left|Shaking hands with [[Barbara Bush]], 1991. His mother, Diana, and brother, Harry, look on.|alt=see caption]]
William carried out his first public engagement while accompanying his parents on a visit to [[Llandaff]] on [[Saint David's Day]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/politics97/diana/churches.html|title=Special church services to remember Diana|work=BBC News|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301185009/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/politics97/diana/churches.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He and Harry travelled to Canada on an official visit with their parents in 1991 and again with Charles in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |title=When princes Harry and William visited Canada with their parents |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/charles-diana-william-harry-visit-canada-ontario-1991-1.5316289 |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=CBC News |archive-date=21 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221163741/https://www.cbc.ca/archives/charles-diana-william-harry-visit-canada-ontario-1991-1.5316289 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='What about Harry?' When 2 teenage princes and their dad visited Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/archives/what-about-harry-when-2-teenage-princes-and-their-dad-visited-canada-1.5424932 |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=CBC News|archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308175320/https://www.cbc.ca/archives/what-about-harry-when-2-teenage-princes-and-their-dad-visited-canada-1.5424932 |url-status=live }}</ref> William's parents divorced in 1996. Diana [[Death of Diana, Princess of Wales|died in a car accident]] in the early hours of 31 August 1997. William, then aged 15, together with his 12-year-old brother and their father, was staying at [[Balmoral Castle]] at the time. The following morning, Charles informed William and Harry of their mother's death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Timeline: How Diana died|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/conspiracy_files/6217366.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123235535/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/conspiracy_files/6217366.stm |date=14 December 2006 |access-date=15 October 2008|archive-date=23 January 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> William was reportedly uncertain as to whether he should walk behind his mother's coffin during the [[Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales|funeral procession]]. His grandfather [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], told him: "If you don't walk, I think you'll regret it later. If I walk, will you walk with me?".<ref>{{cite book |author-link=Gyles Brandreth |last=Brandreth |first=Gyles |year=2004 |title=Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage|publisher=Century |isbn=978-0-71-266103-4 |page=359}}</ref> At the funeral, William and Harry walked alongside their father, grandfather, and maternal uncle, [[Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer]], behind the funeral cortège from Kensington Palace to [[Westminster Abbey]].<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=BBC on this day – 6–1997: Diana's funeral watched by millions|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/6/newsid_2502000/2502307.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801021548/http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/september/6/newsid_2502000/2502307.stm |date=6 September 1997|access-date=26 March 2009|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

After his mother's death, William stated that he was "in a state of shock for many years".<ref name="gq"/> He and Harry inherited the majority of the £12.9 million left by their mother on their respective 30th birthdays, a figure that had grown to £10 million each by 2014.<ref name=BBCJan2020>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Prince Harry and Meghan: Where do they get their money?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-51047186|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406150210/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-51047186|date=20 January 2020|access-date=5 April 2020|archive-date=6 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Teleg14>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/diana/11069069/What-will-Prince-Harry-and-Prince-William-inherit-from-Princess-Diana.html|title=What will Prince Harry and Prince William inherit from Princess Diana?|date=1 September 2014|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519155953/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/diana/11069069/What-will-Prince-Harry-and-Prince-William-inherit-from-Princess-Diana.html|archive-date=19 May 2020|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014 the brothers inherited their [[Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer|mother's wedding dress]] along with many other of her personal possessions including dresses, diamond tiaras, jewels, letters and paintings. They also received the original lyrics and score of "[[Candle in the Wind 1997|Candle in the Wind]]" by [[Bernie Taupin]] and [[Elton John]] as performed by the latter at Diana's funeral.<ref name=Teleg14/> In 2002 ''[[The Times]]'' reported that William and Harry would also share £4.9 million from trust funds established by their great-grandmother on their respective 21st birthdays, as well as £8 million upon their respective 40th birthdays.<ref name="TimesApr2002">{{cite news|title=Princes inherit as royal big spender leaves £60m|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0501489625/TTDA?u=wes_ttda&sid=TTDA&xid=8437b01c|access-date=5 April 2020|author=Richard Ford|newspaper=The Times|date=2 April 2002|page=8|archive-date=7 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207072347/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=TTDA&u=wes_ttda&id=GALE%7CIF0501489625&v=2.1&it=r&sid=TTDA&asid=8437b01c|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
William was educated at [[Private schools in the United Kingdom|private schools]], starting at Jane Mynors' nursery school and the pre-preparatory [[Wetherby School]], both in London.<ref>{{cite web|work=London Pre-Prep|title=Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School|url=http://www.londonpreprep.com/schools/boys/wetherby-school/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807082846/http://www.londonpreprep.com/schools/boys/wetherby-school/|access-date=23 July 2013|archive-date=7 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following this, he attended [[Ludgrove School]] near [[Wokingham]], Berkshire, and was privately tutored during summers by the academic [[Rory Stewart]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/oct/26/rory-stewart-penrith-tory-seat|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Allegra| last=Stratton|title=Former royal tutor Rory Stewart selected for safe Tory seat|date=26 October 2009|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529210048/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2009/oct/26/rory-stewart-penrith-tory-seat|archive-date=29 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At Ludgrove, he participated in [[association football|football]], swimming, basketball, [[clay pigeon shooting]], and [[cross country running]]. He was subsequently admitted to [[Eton College]], studying geography, biology, and history of art at [[A-Level]]. He obtained an 'A' in geography, a 'C' in biology, and a 'B' in history of art.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_william_gives_an_interview_at_the_start_of_his_univer_422216032.html|title=Prince William gives an interview at the start of his university career |date=22 September 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113130840/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_william_gives_an_interview_at_the_start_of_his_univer_422216032.html|archive-date=13 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=What is it like at Eton College? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4634031.stm |work=BBC News |date=4 July 2005|access-date=11 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426124436/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/4634031.stm|archive-date=26 April 2009|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bates|first=Stephen|date=18 August 2000|title=William makes the grade|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/aug/18/alevels2000.alevels4|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201205811/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2000/aug/18/alevels2000.alevels4 |archive-date=1 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> William was captain of the swimming team and his house football team at Eton, also taking up [[water polo]].<ref name="rbarber">{{cite book|last=Barber|first=Richard|title=The Story of Ludgrove|date=2004|publisher=Guidon Publishing|isbn=978-0-95-436172-3|pages=244–245}}</ref><ref name="princeofwales1">{{cite web|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/princewilliam/interests/|title=The Prince of Wales – Interests |website=The Prince of Wales |access-date=15 October 2008 |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20080616074353/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/princewilliam/interests/ |archive-date =16 June 2008}}</ref>

The decision to place William at Eton went against the family tradition of sending royal children to [[Gordonstoun]], which his father and grandfather both attended. Diana's brother and [[John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer|father]] were both Eton students.<ref name="people1" /> The royal family and the tabloid press agreed that William would be allowed to study free from intrusion in exchange for regular updates about his life. [[John Wakeham]], chairman of the [[Press Complaints Commission]], stated "Prince William is not an institution; nor a soap star; nor a football hero. He is a boy: in the next few years, perhaps the most important and sometimes painful part of his life, he will grow up and become a man."<ref name="people1" /> While at Eton, he often had tea on weekends at the nearby [[Windsor Castle]] with his grandmother, discussing [[Red box (government)|state boxes]] and constitutional duties meant to "prepare [him] as future King."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lacey |first=Robert |title=How Queen Elizabeth's Sunday lunches with Prince William molded him as a future King |url=https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-prince-william-lunches-molded-him-future-king-robert-lacey/|magazine=People|access-date=10 February 2023|archive-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228025839/https://people.com/royals/queen-elizabeth-prince-william-lunches-molded-him-future-king-robert-lacey/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Burchfield |first=Rachel |title=Prince George only recently learned his destiny as future King |url=https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/royals/prince-george-just-learned-he-will-be-king/ |magazine=Marie Claire |date=14 May 2022 |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210010014/https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/royals/prince-george-just-learned-he-will-be-king/|url-status=live }}</ref>

In June 1991, William was admitted to the [[Royal Berkshire Hospital]] after being accidentally hit on the forehead by a fellow pupil wielding a golf club. He suffered a depressed fracture of the skull and was operated on at [[Great Ormond Street Hospital]], resulting in a permanent scar.<ref name="university">{{cite web|url =http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_william_marks_the_end_of_the_first_term_of_his_third__1470010393.html|title =Prince William marks the end of the first term of his third university year with an interview|access-date =31 May 2008|date=14 December 2003|website=The Prince of Wales|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081025092622/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/newsandgallery/news/prince_william_marks_the_end_of_the_first_term_of_his_third__1470010393.html|archive-date =25 October 2008|url-status=dead|df =dmy-all}}</ref> The incident received widespread media attention.<ref name=rbarber /> In 1999 he underwent an operation on his left hand after he broke a finger.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/gallery/20220406137292/royals-with-painful-injuries-photos/1/|title=17 times the royals have sported injuries|magazine=Hello!|first=Ainhoa|last=Barcelona|date=6 April 2022|access-date=3 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904001434/https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/gallery/20220406137292/royals-with-painful-injuries-photos/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> After completing his studies at Eton, William took a gap year, during which he took part in [[British Army]] training exercises in Belize,<ref name="BBC Belize">{{cite news |title=Rugged prince scores PR triumph |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1064991.stm |work=BBC News |date=11 December 2000 |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804121741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1064991.stm |archive-date=4 August 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> worked on English dairy farms, and visited Africa.<ref>Prince of Wales.gov [http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/thedukeandduchessofcambridge/thedukeofcambridge/biography/gapyear/ personalprofiles] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602083612/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/thedukeandduchessofcambridge/thedukeofcambridge/biography/gapyear/ |date=2 June 2011 }} & royal.gov [https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge The Duke of Cambridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509115208/https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge |date=9 May 2016 }} Retrieved 8 February 2012</ref> As part of the [[Raleigh International]] programme in the town of [[Tortel]] in southern Chile,  William worked for ten weeks on local construction projects and taught English. He lived with other young volunteers, sharing in the common household chores.<ref name="BBC Belize" /> His interest in African culture prompted him to teach himself [[Swahili language|Swahili]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/prince-william-celebrates-21st-birthday-with-african-themed-party/|title=Prince William Celebrates 21st Birthday With African-Themed Party|work=Fox News|date=21 June 2003|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232209/http://www.foxnews.com/story/2003/06/21/prince-william-celebrates-21st-birthday-with-african-themed-party.html|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001 William enrolled at the [[University of St Andrews]] in Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|last=Summerskill |first=Ben|author-link=Ben Summerskill|date=23 September 2001|title=Welcome to Will's new world|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/23/education.students |work=The Observer |access-date=15 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204011657/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/sep/23/education.students |archive-date=4 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Howie|first=Michael|date=24 June 2005|title=William Wales M.A. collects his degree |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/william-wales-m-a-collects-his-degree-1-717426 |newspaper=The Scotsman |access-date=15 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614073511/http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/william-wales-m-a-collects-his-degree-1-717426 |archive-date=14 June 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Similar to his time at Eton, the media agreed not to invade his privacy, and students were warned not to leak stories to the press.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-wedding-university/witness-studying-at-st-andrews-with-the-royal-couple-idUSTRE73C22D20110414|title=Witness - Studying at St Andrews with the royal couple|work=Reuters|first=Marie-Louise|last=Gumuchian|date=14 April 2011|access-date=26 April 2022|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107184817/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-wedding-university/witness-studying-at-st-andrews-with-the-royal-couple-idUSTRE73C22D20110414|url-status=live}}</ref> William embarked on a degree course in [[Art History]] but later changed his main subject to [[Geography]]. He focused his [[dissertation]] on the Indian Ocean's [[Rodrigues]] coral reefs and graduated with an [[undergraduate Master of Arts]] (MA Hons) degree with [[British undergraduate degree classification|upper second class honours]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William awaits finals |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/jun/10/highereducation.students|newspaper=The Guardian|date=10 June 2005|access-date=30 April 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913104723/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2005/jun/10/highereducation.students |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-24-fg-prince24-story.html|title=Prince William gets his degree|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|first=Sarah|last=Price Brown|date=24 June 2005|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628063151/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-24-fg-prince24-story.html|archive-date=28 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> While at university, he represented the Scottish national universities water polo team at the Celtic Nations tournament in 2004.<ref name="princeofwales1" /> He was reportedly known as "Steve" by other students to avoid any journalists overhearing and realising his identity.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dooney |first=Emma |title=Prince William's secret name to protect royal identity revealed |url=https://www.womanandhome.com/life/royal-news/prince-williams-secret-name-to-protect-royal-identity-revealed/|magazine=Woman and Home |date=2 September 2022 |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=30 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130161513/https://www.womanandhome.com/life/royal-news/prince-williams-secret-name-to-protect-royal-identity-revealed/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early appointments and duties==
At the age of 21, William was appointed a [[Counsellor of State]]; he first served in that capacity when the Queen attended the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2003|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]] in the same year.<ref name="POWBioGrow">{{cite web| url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/princewilliam/biography/growingup/index.html |title=The Prince of Wales: Prince William: Biography: Growing Up|website=The Prince of Wales|access-date=16 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615161213/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/personalprofiles/princewilliam/biography/growingup/index.html|archive-date=15 June 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2005, he embarked on his first solo public engagements on an overseas tour of New Zealand, travelling to participate in World War II commemorations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William graduates from university|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1492660/Prince-William-graduates-from-university.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627195842/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1492660/Prince-William-graduates-from-university.html|archive-date=27 June 2019|access-date=11 February 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="POWBioGrow" /> According to the author [[Tina Brown]], he had, like his father, expressed a desire to become [[Governor-General of Australia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Australian leaders dismiss the idea of Prince William as governor-general|work=International Herald Tribune|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/29/asia/AS-GEN-Australia-Britain-Prince-William.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701161213/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/29/asia/AS-GEN-Australia-Britain-Prince-William.php|access-date=15 October 2008|archive-date=1 July 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2009 the Queen set up a [[Private office (official)|private office]] for William and Harry with [[David Manning]] as their adviser.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8305721/Mentor-helps-Kate-Middleton-prepare-for-Royal-life.html|title=Mentor helps Kate Middleton prepare for Royal life|last=Nikkhah|first=Roya|date=10 February 2011|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128093746/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8305721/Mentor-helps-Kate-Middleton-prepare-for-Royal-life.html|archive-date=28 November 2012|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Manning accompanied William on his first official tour in January 2010 as the latter toured [[Auckland]] and [[Wellington]]; William opened the new building of the [[Supreme Court of New Zealand]] and was welcomed by a [[Māori people|Māori]] chief.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10620877|title=Prince William's royal magic captures the crowds|date=18 January 2010|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=19 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122144834/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10620877 |archive-date=22 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Bates|first=Stephen|title=Prince William arrives in Auckland for official visit to New Zealand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/17/prince-william-new-zealand-visit|work=The Guardian|date=17 January 2010|access-date=12 February 2023|archive-date=12 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212065118/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/17/prince-william-new-zealand-visit|url-status=live}}</ref>  The visit spurred crowds of "many thousands", with positive  public reception compared to that of his mother's 1983 tour.<ref name="tgreception">{{cite news|last=Bates|first=Stephen|title=How Prince William won over Australia and New Zealand|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/22/prince-william-new-zealand-australia|work=The Guardian|date=22 January 2010|access-date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610230458/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jan/22/prince-william-new-zealand-australia|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, William visited [[Christchurch]], New Zealand, shortly after the [[2011 Christchurch earthquake|earthquake]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/mar/17/prince-william-christchurch-earthquake-damage|title=Prince William tours Christchurch earthquake damage|last=Manhire|first=Toby|date=17 March 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921233608/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/mar/17/prince-william-christchurch-earthquake-damage|archive-date=21 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and spoke at the memorial service at [[Hagley Park, Christchurch|Hagley Park]] on behalf of his grandmother.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10713379|title=Service inspires weary Cantabrians|last=Booker|first=Jarrod|date=18 March 2011|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102180304/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10713379|archive-date=2 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> He also travelled to Australia to visit areas affected by flooding in [[Queensland]] and [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Mclean, Tamara|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/4787916/Prince-William-heads-to-Queensland|title=Prince William heads to Queensland|work=Stuff.co.nz|date=19 March 2011|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322023642/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/4787916/Prince-William-heads-to-Queensland|archive-date=22 March 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/christchurch-quake-memorial-service-happened-4071417/video?vid=4071991|work=TVNZ One News|title=Christchurch quake memorial service: As it happened| date=18 March 2011|access-date=25 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121034810/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/christchurch-quake-memorial-service-happened-4071417/video?vid=4071991| archive-date=21 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Before attending Sandhurst, William did a three-week internship at several institutions, including the [[Bank of England]], the [[London Stock Exchange]] and [[Lloyd's of London]].<ref name="theguardian19"/> To prepare for his eventual management of the [[Duchy of Cornwall]], in 2014, he entered [[St John's College, Cambridge]] to undertake an executive agriculture management degree run by the [[Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership]] (CPSL), of which his father is patron.<ref name="arbiter">{{cite news|title=Opinion: Why Prince William is right to go back to school|author=Victoria Arbiter|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/08/opinion/prince-william-school/|access-date=14 April 2016|work=CNN|date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424050915/http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/08/opinion/prince-william-school|archive-date=24 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25639442|title=Prince William begins agriculture course at Cambridge|work=BBC News|date=7 January 2014|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018080651/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25639442|archive-date=18 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2019, Kensington Palace announced that William had completed a three-week internship at [[MI5]], [[MI6]] and [[GCHQ]],<ref name="theguardian19">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/apr/07/prince-william-interns-mi5-mi6-gchq-on-her-majestys-secret-service|title=On his granny's secret service: Prince William interns at MI5, MI6 and GCHQ|work=The Guardian|first=Jamie|last=Doward|date=7 April 2019|access-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616102138/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/apr/07/prince-william-interns-mi5-mi6-gchq-on-her-majestys-secret-service|archive-date=16 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> during which he was tasked with monitoring extreme Islamist terror cells, identifying potential threats abroad, and observing code breaking technology.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tatler.com/article/kensington-palace-james-bond-as-prince-william-visits-mi6|title=On His Majesty's secret service: Prince William makes a private trip to MI6 headquarters|work=[[Tatler]]|date=14 June 2024|access-date=16 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616102801/https://www.tatler.com/article/kensington-palace-james-bond-as-prince-william-visits-mi6|archive-date=16 June 2024|url-status=live|first=Ben|last=Jureidini}}</ref>

===Military and air ambulance service===
[[File:Prince William of Wales RAF.jpg|thumb|200px|right|In [[Royal Air Force]] uniform at the 2010 [[Trooping the Colour]]|alt=see caption]]
Having decided on a military career, William was admitted to the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] in January 2006; his admission was based on successfully completing a 44-week course as an Officer Cadet which led to his commission as a British Army officer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1501217/Prince-William-to-join-his-brother-at-Sandhurst.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Prince William to join his brother at Sandhurst| first=Caroline|last=Davies| date=22 October 2005|access-date=22 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203071554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1501217/Prince-William-to-join-his-brother-at-Sandhurst.html|archive-date=3 February 2012|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=The Standard|title=Prince William's career: from Sandhurst to the RAF|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-williams-career-from-sandhurst-to-the-raf-8811843.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922080207/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-williams-career-from-sandhurst-to-the-raf-8811843.html|first=Maxine|last=Frith|date=12 September 2013|archive-date=22 September 2013|access-date=2 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> As "Lieutenant Wales"{{snd}}a name based on his father's then title Prince of Wales{{snd}}he followed his brother<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5367862.stm|title=William joining Harry's regiment|work=BBC News|date=21 September 2006|access-date=17 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107090045/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5367862.stm|archive-date=7 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> into the [[Blues and Royals]] in December that year as a second lieutenant after which he spent five months training for the post at [[Bovington Camp]] in Dorset.<ref>{{cite news|title=William begins new life in Army|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6239599.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627201151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6239599.stm|date=8 January 2007|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-date=27 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Watch: Prince of Wales fires sniper rifle and machine gun|first=Hannah|last=Furness |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/11/26/prince-william-fires-sniper-rifle-machine-gun-welsh-guards/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126153022/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/11/26/prince-william-fires-sniper-rifle-machine-gun-welsh-guards/|date=26 November 2024 |archive-date=26 November 2024 |access-date=26 November 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite the Queen's approval for William to serve on the frontline, his position as second-in-line to the throne at the time cast doubts on his chances of seeing combat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/they-must-do-their-duty-the-queen-wanted-both-prince-william-and-prince-harry-to-serve-on-frontline-royal-documentary-reveals-12855172|title='They must do their duty': The Queen wanted both Prince William and Prince Harry to serve on frontline, royal documentary reveals|work=Sky News|first=Reemul|last=Balla|date=11 April 2023|accessdate=11 April 2023|archive-date=11 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411202612/https://news.sky.com/story/they-must-do-their-duty-the-queen-wanted-both-prince-william-and-prince-harry-to-serve-on-frontline-royal-documentary-reveals-12855172|url-status=live}}</ref> Plans by the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] to send William to Southern Iraq leaked and the government eventually decided against sending him as it would endanger both his life and the lives of people around him if he was targeted.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://journalistsresource.org/media/prince-harry-afghanistan-miguel-head-media-blackout/|title=Prince Harry in Afghanistan: Miguel Head shares the story of a historic media blackout|work=The Journalist's Resource|first=Carmen|last=Nobel|date=18 April 2019|access-date=31 August 2023|archive-date=31 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831142606/https://journalistsresource.org/media/prince-harry-afghanistan-miguel-head-media-blackout/|url-status=live}}</ref> William instead trained in the [[Royal Navy]] and [[Royal Air Force]], obtaining his commission as a [[sub-lieutenant]] in the former and a [[flying officer]] in the latter, both broadly equivalent to the army rank of lieutenant. After completing his training, he undertook an attachment with the Royal Air Force at [[RAF Cranwell]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meeja.com.au/index.php?display_article_id=217 |title=Prince William ready for Search and Rescue role |website=meeja.com.au |date=16 September 2008 |access-date=16 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019214531/http://www.meeja.com.au/index.php?display_article_id=217 |archive-date=19 October 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Pierce">{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4218703/Prince-William-starts-as-a-search-and-rescue-helicopter-pilot.html|title=Prince William starts as a search and rescue helicopter pilot|access-date=18 January 2009|last=Pierce|first=Andrew |date=13 January 2009|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412192233/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4218703/Prince-William-starts-as-a-search-and-rescue-helicopter-pilot.html|archive-date=12 April 2010|url-access=subscription|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Upon completing the course he was presented with his [[Aircrew brevet|RAF wings]] by his father,<ref name="smh1">{{Cite news |author = Staff |url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/kate-watches-william-get-his-wings/2008/04/12/1207856847954.html|title =Kate watches William get his wings|work =Deutsche Presse-Agentur|date =12 April 2008|access-date =26 July 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054749/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/kate-watches-william-get-his-wings/2008/04/12/1207856847954.html|archive-date =21 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> who had received his own wings after training at Cranwell.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7340692.stm|title=Prince William awarded RAF wings|work=BBC News |date=11 April 2008 |access-date=2 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726202857/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7340692.stm|archive-date=26 July 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> During this [[secondment]], William flew to Afghanistan in a [[C-17 Globemaster]] that repatriated the body of Trooper Robert Pearson.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7374589.stm|title=William visits Afghanistan troops|work=BBC News|date=30 April 2008|access-date=30 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521024416/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7374589.stm |archive-date=21 May 2008|url-status=live }}</ref> William was then seconded to train with the Royal Navy.<ref name="bbc_7429261">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7429261.stm|title=William's Navy posting revealed|work=BBC News|date=31 May 2008|access-date=31 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111230022/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7429261.stm|archive-date=11 January 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> He then completed an accelerated Naval Officer training course at the [[Britannia Royal Naval College]].<ref name="bbc_7429261"/> Whilst serving on [[HMS Iron Duke (F234)|HMS ''Iron Duke'']] in July 2008, William participated in a £40m drug seizure in the Atlantic, north-east of Barbados.<ref>{{cite news |last=Norton-Taylor |first=Richard |title=Prince William's ship in £40m drugs rai |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/jul/03/monarchy.military |access-date=11 November 2020|work=The Guardian|date=2 July 2008|archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111002032/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2008/jul/03/monarchy.military|url-status=live}}</ref> He was part of the crew on the Lynx helicopter which helped seize 900&nbsp;kg of cocaine from a speedboat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William recalls the time he took part in an R825 million drugs bust |url=https://www.news24.com/channel/gossip/royal-news/prince-william-recalls-the-time-he-took-part-in-an-r825-million-drugs-bust-20201111-2|access-date=11 November 2020|work=Channel24|date=11 November 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111081516/https://www.news24.com/channel/gossip/royal-news/prince-william-recalls-the-time-he-took-part-in-an-r825-million-drugs-bust-20201111-2|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:HRH Prince William Pilots Seaking Helicopter During Search and Rescue Exercise MOD 45151868.jpg|thumb|left|Piloting a [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]] helicopter in 2010|alt=see caption]]

In January 2009, William transferred his commission to the RAF and was promoted to [[Flight Lieutenant]]. He trained to become a helicopter pilot with the RAF's [[Search and Rescue Force]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/uk_news/wales/7821017.stm|title=Prince begins RAF rescue training|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420060630/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/mobile/uk_news/wales/7821017.stm|work=BBC News|date=12 January 2009|archive-date=20 April 2024|access-date=20 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of his training across all branches of the military in 2009, he spent up to six weeks with the [[Special Air Service]], the [[Special Boat Service]], and the [[Special Reconnaissance Regiment]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/04/19/prince-william-memorial-last-sas-originals-mike-sadler/|title=Prince William attends memorial for last of the SAS 'Originals'|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=19 April 2024|access-date=20 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419191933/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/04/19/prince-william-memorial-last-sas-originals-mike-sadler/|archive-date=19 April 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2010, he graduated from the [[Defence Helicopter Flying School]] at [[RAF Shawbury]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/shropshire/8460988.stm|title=Prince William finishes RAF Shawbury helicopter course|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230174328/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/shropshire/8460988.stm|work=BBC News|date=15 January 2010|archive-date=30 December 2022|access-date=20 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, he transferred to the Search and Rescue Training Unit at [[RAF Valley]], [[Anglesey]], to receive training on the [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]] search and rescue helicopter; he graduated in September 2010.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8480634.stm |title=Prince William starts RAF rescue training on Anglesey|work=BBC News|date=26 January 2010|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816070705/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8480634.stm |archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/nov/20/prince-william-photos-raf-working-life|title=Prince William photos offer insight into RAF working life|work=The Guardian|first=Caroline|last=Davies|date=20 November 2012|access-date=5 November 2023|archive-date=5 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105200845/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/nov/20/prince-william-photos-raf-working-life|url-status=live}}</ref> This made him the first member of the British royal family since [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]] to live in Wales.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Tatler List – Duke of Cambridge|url=http://www.tatler.com/the-tatler-list/p/duke-of-cambridge|magazine=Tatler|access-date=11 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105091349/http://www.tatler.com/the-tatler-list/p/duke-of-cambridge|archive-date=5 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

William's first rescue mission as co-pilot of a RAF Sea King was in response to an emergency call from Liverpool Coastguard in October 2010.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-11476357 |title=Co-pilot Prince William rescues man from oil rig |work=BBC News |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=17 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016121131/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-west-wales-11476357 |archive-date=16 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2011, he participated in a search-and-rescue mission involving a cargo ship that was sinking in the Irish Sea; William, as a co-pilot, helped rescue two sailors.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bingham |first1=John |last2=Bunyan |first2=Nigel |date=27 November 2011 |title=Prince William spearheads rescue for stricken Russian sailors |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8918754/Prince-William-spearheads-rescue-for-stricken-Russian-sailors.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112085737/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8918754/Prince-William-spearheads-rescue-for-stricken-Russian-sailors.html |archive-date=12 November 2014 |url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> He was deployed to the [[Falkland Islands]] for a six-week tour with [[No. 1564 Flight RAF|No. 1564 Flight]] from February to March 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-william-to-deploy-to-falkland-islands-1.724090 |work=CTV News |title=Prince William to deploy to Falkland Islands |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=11 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711191221/http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-william-to-deploy-to-falkland-islands-1.724090 |archive-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/feb/02/prince-william-falklands-falkland-islands |title=Prince William arrives in the Falkland Islands |work=The Guardian |date=3 February 2012 |access-date=11 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031010303/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/feb/02/prince-william-falklands-falkland-islands |archive-date=31 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Argentine government condemned William's deployment to the islands close to the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the [[Falklands War]] as a "provocative act".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15703340 |title=Argentina condemns Prince William Falklands posting |work=BBC News |date=11 November 2011 |access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105051818/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-15703340 |archive-date=5 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Goñi |first=Uki|date=1 February 2012 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/feb/01/argentina-prince-william-falklands |title=Argentina criticises Prince William's tour of duty of Falkland Islands |work=The Guardian |access-date=11 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731213311/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/feb/01/argentina-prince-william-falklands |archive-date=31 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2012, he gained a qualification to be captain or [[pilot in command]] of a Sea King rather than a co-pilot.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William to command search and rescue missions |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18354699 |work=BBC News |date=7 June 2012 |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925204214/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18354699 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> His active service as an RAF search-and-rescue pilot ended in September 2013.<ref name="Withnall">{{cite news |last=Withnall |first=Adam |date=12 September 2013 |title=Prince William completes last shift as RAF pilot to take up full-time job of being royal |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-william-completes-last-shift-as-raf-pilot-to-take-up-fulltime-job-of-being-royal-8811642.html |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111194639/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-william-completes-last-shift-as-raf-pilot-to-take-up-fulltime-job-of-being-royal-8811642.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC Swap">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24065166 |title=Prince William to swap armed forces for royal and charity duties |work=BBC News |date=12 September 2013 |access-date=12 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912121307/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24065166 |archive-date=12 September 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He conducted 156 search and rescue operations, which resulted in 149 people being rescued.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/12/prince-william-leaves-raf-charity-work|title=Prince William leaves RAF to pursue charity work|work=The Guardian|first=Shiv|last=Malik|date=12 September 2013|access-date=1 March 2023|archive-date=1 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301190808/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/sep/12/prince-william-leaves-raf-charity-work|url-status=live}}</ref> He later became patron to the [[Battle of Britain Memorial Flight]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40568888|title=Prince William joins Battle of Britain Memorial Flight commemorations|work=BBC News|date=11 July 2017|access-date=15 September 2021|archive-date=16 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316130512/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-40568888|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2015, William began working full-time as a pilot with the [[East Anglian Air Ambulance]] (EAAA) based at [[Cambridge Airport]], which he felt was a natural progression from his previous search-and-rescue role.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2015/jul/13/prince-william-air-ambulance-pilot-video|title=Prince William starts new job as air ambulance pilot|work=The Guardian|date=13 July 2015|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202092828/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/video/2015/jul/13/prince-william-air-ambulance-pilot-video|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="eaaaref">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28685666 |title=Prince William to join East Anglian Air Ambulance |work=BBC News |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808030040/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28685666|archive-date=8 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> He donated his full salary to the EAAA charity.<ref name="eaaaref"/> William required a civil pilot's licence and further training before being permitted to begin his role.<ref name="eaaaref"/> He underwent part of his training at [[Norwich Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/prince_william_starts_training_for_east_anglian_air_ambulance_job_at_norwich_airport_1_4015527 |title=Prince William starts training for East Anglian Air Ambulance job at Norwich airport |first=Rosa|last=McMahon |work=Eastern Daily Press |access-date=31 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401002322/http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/prince_william_starts_training_for_east_anglian_air_ambulance_job_at_norwich_airport_1_4015527 |archive-date=1 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> William described working irregular shifts and dealing mostly with [[Intensive care medicine|critical care]] cases.<ref>{{cite news |title=Inside the trauma team where Prince William is a pilot |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/gallery/20160914-inside-the-trauma-team-where-prince-william-is-a-pilot |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=20 September 2016 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108130559/https://www.bbc.com/future/gallery/20160914-inside-the-trauma-team-where-prince-william-is-a-pilot |url-status=live }}</ref> He also discussed the impact of witnessing intensive trauma and bereavement on his mental health and personal life.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Tom |title=Prince William says witnessing 'so much death' as an air ambulance pilot made him see the world as a 'darker place' |url=https://www.insider.com/prince-william-talks-impact-seeing-death-as-air-ambulance-pilot-2021-1 |website=Insider |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207072321/https://www.businessinsider.com/prince-william-talks-impact-seeing-death-as-air-ambulance-pilot-2021-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[BBC]] has written that William was "exposed to the [[National Health Service]] in a way that no other senior royal has been or possibly ever will be."<ref name="eaaretire"/>

William left his position with EAAA in July 2017 to assume full-time royal duties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-40728530 |title=Prince William pilots last East Anglian Air Ambulance shift|date=27 July 2017 |work=BBC News|access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301142427/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-40728530 |archive-date=1 March 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="eaaretire">{{cite news |last1=Hunt |first1=Peter |title=Prince William ready to be full-time royal |work=BBC News |date=27 July 2017 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40744618 |access-date=3 May 2021 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503233511/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40744618 |url-status=live }}</ref> After supporting an anniversary campaign for [[London's Air Ambulance Charity]] in 2019, he became the charity's official patron in March 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-stories/charity-news/duke-cambridge-becomes-patron-our-charity|title=The Duke of Cambridge becomes patron of our charity|work=London's Air Ambulance Charity|date=11 March 2020|access-date=12 March 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806120656/https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-stories/charity-news/duke-cambridge-becomes-patron-our-charity|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, he granted permission to the charity to use Kensington Palace's private lawn to refuel during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Prince William gives up a patch of Kensington Palace lawn for Air Ambulance use |url=https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-william-allows-london-air-ambulance-use-of-private-lawn-kensington-palace |magazine=Tatler |date=4 May 2020 |access-date=13 December 2020 |archive-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025015806/https://www.tatler.com/article/prince-william-allows-london-air-ambulance-use-of-private-lawn-kensington-palace |url-status=live }}</ref> To mark Air Ambulance Week 2020, he wrote a letter thanking air ambulance workers, stating his "profound respect" for the community, particularly during the "immeasurably difficult" outbreak.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mackelden |first=Amy |title=Prince William shares his "profound respect" for air ambulance workers in a personal letter |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a33942709/prince-william-air-ambulance-charities-personal-letter/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |date=7 September 2020 |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318025737/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a33942709/prince-william-air-ambulance-charities-personal-letter/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=People|title=Prince William draws on 'first-hand' experiences in personal tribute to air ambulance|first=Phil|last=Boucher|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-tribute-to-air-ambulance-crews/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405183416/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-tribute-to-air-ambulance-crews/|date=7 September 2020 |access-date=16 June 2024|archive-date=5 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2023, he became patron of the [[Wales Air Ambulance]] charity.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-visit-wales-st-davids-day-second-community-impact-day/|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William visit Wales ahead of a special feast day for the country|magazine=People|first1=Simon|last1=Perry|first2=Stephanie|last2=Petit|date=28 February 2023|access-date=28 February 2023|archive-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228172536/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-visit-wales-st-davids-day-second-community-impact-day/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
===Relationship with Catherine Middleton===

[[File:William Catherine balcony wave.jpg|alt=William in his military uniform with Catherine in  a bridal gown|thumb|With Catherine on the Buckingham Palace balcony on their wedding day]]
In 2001 William met [[Catherine Middleton]], while they were students in residence at [[St Salvator's Hall]], at the University of St Andrews, and they became close friends.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton return to St Andrews University for anniversary celebrations|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Auslan|last=Cramb| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718044552/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8347946/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middleton-return-to-St-Andrews-University-for-anniversary-celebrations.html|date=25 February 2011|access-date=9 August 2015|archive-date=18 July 2015|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ward|first=Vicky|title=Will's Cup of Tea |url=https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/2008/11/wills-cup-of-tea |magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901225700/https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/2008/11/wills-cup-of-tea|url-status=live}}</ref> She reportedly caught William's attention at a charity fashion show at the university in 2002 when she appeared on the stage wearing a see-through lace dress.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate Middleton's transparent dress sparks global interest at auction|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8377828/Kate-Middletons-transparent-dress-sparks-global-interest-at-auction.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621102059/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/8377828/Kate-Middletons-transparent-dress-sparks-global-interest-at-auction.html|date=12 March 2011|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=21 June 2018|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> During their second year, William shared a flat with Middleton and two other friends.<ref name="Tel-Rel">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139020/Royal-wedding-schoolgirl-dream-comes-true-for-Kate-Middleton-the-princess-in-waiting.html|title=Royal wedding: schoolgirl dream comes true for Kate Middleton, the 'princess in waiting'|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Gordon|last=Rayner|date=17 November 2010|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621142508/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8139020/Royal-wedding-schoolgirl-dream-comes-true-for-Kate-Middleton-the-princess-in-waiting.html|archive-date=21 June 2018|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The couple began dating in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peskoe|first=Ashley|title=The start of Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/kate-middleton-prince-williams-romance-st-andrews/story?id=13356247|access-date=28 October 2015|work=ABC News|date=12 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817212554/http://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/kate-middleton-prince-williams-romance-st-andrews/story?id=13356247|archive-date=17 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2003 to 2005 they both resided at Balgove House on the [[Strathtyrum]] estate with two roommates.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Wills and the Real Girl |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/12/william-and-kate-201012 |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=30 December 2020 |archive-date=9 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209053629/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/12/william-and-kate-201012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2004 the couple briefly split but reconciled soon afterwards.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Esquire|url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a46051225/how-did-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-meet/|title=How did Prince William and Kate Middleton meet (and why did they break up, twice?)|first=Laura|last=Martin|date=14 December 2023|access-date=4 May 2024|archive-date=29 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429181250/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a46051225/how-did-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-meet/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The relationship was followed closely by the tabloid press.<ref name="split"/><ref name="CTV Split">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-william-girlfriend-end-their-relationship-1.237322 |title=Prince William, girlfriend end their relationship |work=CTV News|date=14 April 2007 |access-date=16 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227114526/http://www.ctvnews.ca/prince-william-girlfriend-end-their-relationship-1.237322 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Media attention became so intense that William asked the press to keep their distance from Middleton.<ref name="CTV Split" /> In December 2006, Middleton and her family attended William's [[passing out parade]] at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.<ref>{{cite news|title=William graduates from Sandhurst|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6181761.stm|access-date=28 October 2015|work=BBC News|date=15 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6181761.stm|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Royal wedding: The Kate Middleton story|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11767308|access-date=28 October 2015|work=BBC News|date=16 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194133/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-11767308|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2007, William and Middleton were reported to have split.<ref name="split">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6554841.stm | title=Prince William splits from Kate | work=BBC News | date=14 April 2007 | access-date=7 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113081840/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6554841.stm | archive-date=13 November 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref> Middleton and her family attended the [[Concert for Diana]] three months later;<ref name="Tel-Rel"/> the couple were subsequently reported to have "rekindled their relationship".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7030599.stm | title='Paparazzi chase' concerns prince | work=BBC News | date=5 October 2007 | access-date=7 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212113611/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7030599.stm | archive-date=12 December 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> She also attended the [[Order of the Garter]] procession at Windsor Castle in June 2008, where William was made a [[Order of the Garter#Supernumerary members|Royal Knight of the Garter]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |last=Alleyne |first=Richard |title=Prince William Appointed Knight of the Garter|date=16 June 2008|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=1 May 2011|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2140207/Prince-William-appointed-Knight-of-the-Garter.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501150558/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/2140207/Prince-William-appointed-Knight-of-the-Garter.html|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2010, the couple moved into a cottage on the [[Bodorgan Hall|Bodorgan Estate]] in Anglesey, Wales, where they resided until 2014.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince William and Catherine Middleton: The royal wedding of 2011 |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/British-Royal-Wedding-of-2011 |website=Britannica |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221030431/https://www.britannica.com/event/British-Royal-Wedding-of-2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William and Kate revisit former home of Anglesey |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48200225 |work=BBC News |date=8 May 2019 |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=12 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812202254/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48200225 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=First look inside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Anglesey home |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/10328491/First-look-inside-the-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridges-Anglesey-home.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/10328491/First-look-inside-the-Duke-and-Duchess-of-Cambridges-Anglesey-home.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=23 September 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Marriage and children===
{{further|Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|Wedding dress of Catherine Middleton|Engagement dress of Catherine Middleton}}
[[File:The Cambridges on the balcony.png|thumb|left|With Catherine and their children at [[Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee]] in 2022|alt=see caption]]

The couple became engaged in October 2010, at a remote alpine cabin on [[Mount Kenya]], during a 10-day trip to the [[Lewa Wildlife Conservancy]] to celebrate William's passing the RAF helicopter search and rescue course.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/28/kenya.royal.engagement/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106045718/http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/28/kenya.royal.engagement/index.html|title=Prince William chose rustic Kenyan cabin for engagement|work=CNN|first1=Faith|last1=Karimi|first2=David|last2=McKenzie|date=30 April 2011|archive-date=6 November 2023|access-date=18 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Clarence House]] announced their engagement on 16 November.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/celebrity/prince-william-engaged-to-kate-middleton/|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged!|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=16 November 2010|access-date=18 March 2023|archive-date=18 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318152020/https://people.com/celebrity/prince-william-engaged-to-kate-middleton/|url-status=live}}</ref> William gave his fiancée his mother's [[Diana, Princess of Wales's jewels#Engagement ring|engagement ring]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-princess-diana-engagement-ring-same-size/|title=Kate Middleton reveals she and Princess Diana share the same ring size while talking about engagement ring|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=28 April 2023|access-date=2 November 2023|archive-date=21 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621190634/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-princess-diana-engagement-ring-same-size/|url-status=live}}</ref> The wedding took place in Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13229961 |title=Crowds cheer newly-wed couple |work=BBC News |date=29 April 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429033732/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13229961 |archive-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The global audience for the wedding ranged around 300&nbsp;million, whereas 26&nbsp;million watched the event live in Britain alone.<ref>{{cite news|title=2 billion tune into Royal Wedding |url=http://www.news.com.au/business/billion-tune-in-to-royal-wedding/story-fn7mjon9-1226047685517 |newspaper=News.com.au |date=1 May 2011 |access-date=1 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502215819/http://www.news.com.au/business/billion-tune-in-to-royal-wedding/story-fn7mjon9-1226047685517 |archive-date=2 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The TV Column:Counting royal wedding watchers .?.?. before the wedding?|first=Lisa|last=de Moraes  |newspaper=The Washington Post  |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/tv-column/2011/04/28/AFbhUR8E_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928012048/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-04-28/lifestyle/35230363_1_memorial-service-nielsen-eternal-flame  |date=28 April 2011 |access-date=2 September 2013|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> William and Catherine used [[Nottingham Cottage]] as their London home until 2013, when £4.5 million renovations completed at Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, which continues to be their official residence in the capital.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Prince of Wales |url=https://www.royal.uk/the-prince-of-wales |website=The Royal Family |access-date=10 February 2023 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908160233/https://www.royal.uk/the-prince-of-wales |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CNN">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/europe/uk-royals-palace-upgrade/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 |title=Royal palace upgrade for William, Catherine and George costs $7.6 million |last=Foster |first=Max |date=26 June 2014 |work=CNN |access-date=26 June 2014 |archive-date=12 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412190830/https://www.cnn.com/2014/06/25/world/europe/uk-royals-palace-upgrade/index.html?hpt=hp_t4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=New family-size house for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in his childhood home |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8872150/New-family-size-house-for-William-and-Kate-in-his-childhood-home.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/8872150/New-family-size-house-for-William-and-Kate-in-his-childhood-home.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The couple were given the country house [[Anmer Hall]], on the [[Sandringham Estate]], as a wedding gift from the Queen, where they lived from 2015 to 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=William and Kate will move into Anmer Hall before the new baby arrives |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/04/kate-middleton-prince-william-moving-to-amner-hall |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=April 2015 |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420082418/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/04/kate-middleton-prince-william-moving-to-amner-hall |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kate and William make media plea for privacy during stay in Norfolk |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/07/kate-william-media-plea-privacy-norfolk-baby-charlotte |access-date=21 November 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=7 May 2015 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128082015/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/may/07/kate-william-media-plea-privacy-norfolk-baby-charlotte |url-status=live }}</ref> Kensington Palace was the couple's main residence until 2022, when the family moved to [[Adelaide Cottage]] in [[Windsor, Berkshire|Windsor]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439|title=Adelaide Cottage: William and Kate to move to cottage on Windsor estate|work=BBC News|first=Nicholas|last=Witchell|date=22 August 2022|access-date=22 August 2022|archive-date=22 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822112831/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62632439|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Taylor |first=Elise |title=The rich—and scandalous—history of Adelaide Cottage, Prince William and Kate Middleton's new home |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/the-rich-and-scandalous-history-of-adelaide-cottage-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-new-home |magazine=Vogue |date=22 August 2022 |access-date=31 January 2023 |archive-date=1 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301222202/https://www.vogue.com/article/the-rich-and-scandalous-history-of-adelaide-cottage-prince-william-and-kate-middletons-new-home |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Kate Middleton and Prince William are officially moving to London this fall |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-george-charlotte-moving-london |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=20 January 2017 |access-date=1 June 2021 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924172925/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/01/prince-william-kate-middleton-george-charlotte-moving-london|url-status=live}}</ref>

Catherine's first pregnancy was announced in December 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20586343 |title=Duchess of Cambridge pregnant |work=BBC News |date=3 December 2012 |access-date=3 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203165659/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20586343 |archive-date=3 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> She was admitted on 22 July 2013 to the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, London, where Prince William had been delivered. Later that day, she gave birth to [[Prince George of Wales|Prince George]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Saul |first=Heather |date=24 July 2013 |title=Royal baby: The prince meets his people in world media frenzy |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/royal-baby-the-prince-meets-his-people-in-world-media-frenzy-8727931.html |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=11 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111194713/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/royal-baby-the-prince-meets-his-people-in-world-media-frenzy-8727931.html |archive-date=11 January 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23413653 |title=Royal baby: Kate gives birth to boy |work=BBC News |date=22 July 2013 |access-date=22 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723014429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23413653 |archive-date=23 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2014, it was announced that Catherine was pregnant with her second child.<ref name="bbc2ndbaby">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29108010 |title=Royal baby: Prince William and Kate expecting second child |work=BBC News |date=8 September 2014 |access-date=8 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908093512/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29108010 |archive-date=8 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> She was admitted on 2 May 2015 to the same hospital where she gave birth to [[Princess Charlotte of Wales (born 2015)|Princess Charlotte]] the same day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32562117|title=Royal baby: Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to daughter|work=BBC News|date=2 May 2015|access-date=2 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502072400/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-32562117|archive-date=2 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Catherine's third pregnancy was announced in September 2017;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41148027|title=Royal baby: Duchess of Cambridge expecting third child|work=BBC News|date=4 September 2017|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521171610/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41148027|archive-date=21 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prince Louis of Wales|Prince Louis]] was born on 23 April 2018.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43864933| title=Royal baby: Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to boy|work=BBC News| date=23 April 2018| access-date=21 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620110438/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43864933| archive-date=20 June 2018| url-status=live}}</ref> William and Catherine have owned two [[English Cocker Spaniel]]s, named [[Lupo (dog)|Lupo]] and Orla.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-dog-lupo-dies/|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton mourn the death of family dog Lupo: 'We will miss him so much'|magazine=People|first=Maria|last=Pasquini|date=22 November 2020|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=22 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122175639/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-dog-lupo-dies/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-bring-dog-orla-charity-polo-match/|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William bring their dog Orla to charity polo match!|magazine=People|first1=Stephanie|last1=Petit|first2=Erin|last2=Hill|date=6 July 2022|accessdate=6 July 2022|archive-date=6 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706203657/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-bring-dog-orla-charity-polo-match/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Duke of Cambridge==
[[File:Canada Ottawa William Kate 2011 (2).jpg|thumb|With Catherine at the Canada Day celebration in 2011 during their first tour outside the United Kingdom|alt=see caption]]
William was created [[Duke of Cambridge]], [[Earl of Strathearn]], and [[Baron Carrickfergus]] on the day of his wedding in April 2011.<ref name=BBC-titles>{{cite news|title=Kate and William become Duke and Duchess of Cambridge|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13236409|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430032540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13236409|date=29 April 2011|access-date=29 April 2011|archive-date=30 April 2011|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Beckford |first=Martin|title=Prince William and Kate Middleton's new titles revealed |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482573/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middletons-new-titles-revealed.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502030122/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8482573/Prince-William-and-Kate-Middletons-new-titles-revealed.html|date=29 April 2011 |archive-date=2 May 2011|access-date=3 June 2011|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> He and Catherine [[2011 royal tour of Canada|toured Canada]] that summer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada welcomes William and Kate as they begin first official overseas trip|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/30/canada-william-kate-first-overseas-trip|first1=Stephen|last1=Bates|first2=David|last2=Batty|work=The Guardian|date=30 June 2011|access-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207020454/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/30/canada-william-kate-first-overseas-trip|archive-date=7 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nicholas Witchell]], writing for [[BBC News]], noted that the tour to Canada had been an "unqualified success" for the couple as they engaged in various activities from tree planting to street hockey, with their warm interactions and thoughtful gestures enhancing their popularity and reinforcing positive sentiments towards the monarchy in Canada.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title='Unstuffy royal couple' a hit on Canada tour|date=9 July 2011|access-date=25 June 2024|archive-date=3 June 2024|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14090248|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603031827/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-14090248|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple served as ambassadors for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]] in London, during multiple sporting events throughout the games.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/01/royals-london-2012-olympic-games |title=Royals made ambassadors of London 2012 Olympic Games |work=The Guardian |date=1 December 2011|access-date=13 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930145312/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/dec/01/royals-london-2012-olympic-games|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2013, William and Catherine visited Singapore, Malaysia, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands as part of the [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|last=Singh|first=Anita |title=Jubilee: royal trip to paradise for Duke and Duchess|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8957142/Jubilee-royal-trip-to-paradise-for-Duke-and-Duchess.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110194136/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/8957142/Jubilee-royal-trip-to-paradise-for-Duke-and-Duchess.html|date=15 December 2011|access-date=28 October 2015|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> William hosted his first [[investiture]] ceremony at Buckingham Palace in October that year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William hosts his first investiture |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24560627 |access-date=12 December 2020 |work=BBC News |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318031550/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24560627 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2014, he and Catherine undertook a royal tour to New Zealand and Australia accompanied by their son George.<ref>{{cite news |title=Royal visit: Prince William and Kate arrive in Sydney with Prince George for 10-day Australian tour |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-16/royal-visit-will-kate-prince-george-visit-australia/5394446 |access-date=21 November 2020 |work=ABC News |date=15 April 2014 |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125202804/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-16/royal-visit-will-kate-prince-george-visit-australia/5394446 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August that year, the couple along with Prince Harry represented the royal family at [[World War I]] commemorations in Belgium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William and Kate visit poppy moat Tower of London WWI display |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-and-prince-harry-plant-poppies-at-tower-of-london-wwi-display-9648995.html |work=Evening Standard |date=5 August 2014 |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228014559/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/duke-and-duchess-of-cambridge-and-prince-harry-plant-poppies-at-tower-of-london-wwi-display-9648995.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In December, the couple visited New York and Washington DC, where William made a speech at the [[World Bank]] condemning the illegal trade in wildlife.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30382449 |title=Prince William holds first talks with President Obama |work=BBC News |access-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823062119/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30382449 |archive-date=23 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gambino |first=Lauren |title=Prince William and Kate arrive in New York for three-day US visit |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/prince-william-kate-new-york-us-visit |website=The Guardian |date=8 December 2014 |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924142939/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/07/prince-william-kate-new-york-us-visit |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015 and 2016 William embarked on various visits of Asian countries, including Japan, China, Bhutan and India;<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William arrives in Japan for four-day visit |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31638537 |access-date=16 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=26 February 2015 |archive-date=26 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226125943/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31638537 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William and Kate visit India – in pictures |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/apr/11/prince-william-and-kate-visit-india-in-pictures |work=The Guardian |date=10 April 2016 |access-date=11 December 2020 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421005958/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/apr/11/prince-william-and-kate-visit-india-in-pictures |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hume |first=Tim |title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet 'William and Kate of the Himalayas' |url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/asia/royal-visit-william-kate-bhutan/index.html |access-date=21 November 2020 |work=CNN |date=14 April 2016 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127203524/https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/asia/royal-visit-william-kate-bhutan/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> he was the first royal to visit mainland China in almost three decades, with the press referring to William's diplomacy as "deft" and "polished".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/11443884/Prince-William-arrives-in-China-and-invites-President-Xi-for-state-visit.html |title=Prince William arrives in China and invites President Xi for state visit |date=2 March 2015 |access-date=25 December 2015 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |agency=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225203909/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/11443884/Prince-William-arrives-in-China-and-invites-President-Xi-for-state-visit.html |archive-date=25 December 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Britain's Prince William handles his China visit with Polish |url=https://time.com/3729626/prince-william-china-visit/ |magazine=Time |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228014559/https://time.com/3729626/prince-william-china-visit/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William in Beijing Proves Defter Diplomat Than Dad on China |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/china/prince-william-beijing-proves-defter-diplomat-dad-n315441 |website=NBC |date=2 March 2015 |access-date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228014559/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/china/prince-william-beijing-proves-defter-diplomat-dad-n315441 |url-status=live }}</ref> In response to media allegations of being "work-shy", he asserted his commitment to his duties, emphasising his dedication to fatherhood and his role in air ambulance work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William rejects tag of work-shy royal: 'I take duty seriously' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/20/prince-william-rejects-do-nothing-royal-tag-i-take-duty-seriously |website=The Guardian |date=20 April 2016 |access-date=28 February 2023 |last=Davies |first=Caroline |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228014602/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/apr/20/prince-william-rejects-do-nothing-royal-tag-i-take-duty-seriously |url-status=live }}</ref> Countries visited by William and Catherine in 2017 included France, Poland, Germany, and Belgium.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/03/18/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-charm-paris-best-photos-of-a-glamorous-diplomatic-trip/#3b5242e20a9d|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William charm Paris: Best photos of a glamorous diplomatic trip|magazine=Forbes|first=Cecilia|last=Rodriguez|date=18 March 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301230635/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/03/18/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-charm-paris-best-photos-of-a-glamorous-diplomatic-trip/#3b5242e20a9d|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/17/prince-george-princess-charlotte-join-brexit-diplomacy-tour/|title=Prince George takes some gentle coaxing from his father as royals arrive in Poland for 'Brexit diplomacy' tour|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|date=17 July 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301225748/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/17/prince-george-princess-charlotte-join-brexit-diplomacy-tour/|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/07/21/kate-middleton-prince-william-and-kids-in-germany-best-pics-of-their-charm-and-fashion-diplomacy/#56fb367adbaa|title=Kate Middleton, Prince William and kids in Germany: The best photos from their charm and fashion diplomacy|magazine=Forbes|first=Cecilia|last=Rodriguez|date=21 July 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301231327/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ceciliarodriguez/2017/07/21/kate-middleton-prince-william-and-kids-in-germany-best-pics-of-their-charm-and-fashion-diplomacy/#56fb367adbaa|archive-date=1 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-middleton-belgium-battle-passchendaele-ceremony|title=Kate Middleton repeats an iconic look in Belgium|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Josh|last=Duboff|date=31 July 2017|access-date=1 March 2018|archive-date=1 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801003020/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/07/kate-middleton-belgium-battle-passchendaele-ceremony|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2018 the couple visited Sweden and Norway.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5124733/will-kate-swedish-royal-family/|title=See Prince William and Kate Middleton with the Swedish royal family|magazine=Time|first=Mahita|last=Gajanan|date=30 January 2018|access-date=30 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130162520/http://time.com/5124733/will-kate-swedish-royal-family/|archive-date=30 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The visits were, like others, requested by the [[Foreign Office]], and interpreted to benefit [[United Kingdom–European Union relations|UK-European relations]] post [[Brexit]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Royals to fly the flag amid Brexit talks |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39156401 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=BBC News |archive-date=30 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930145518/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39156401|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=William and Kate to visit Paris as part of Brexit charm offensive |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/16/cambridges-visit-paris-soft-power-brexit-william-kate-charles-camilla-article-50 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192413/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/mar/16/cambridges-visit-paris-soft-power-brexit-william-kate-charles-camilla-article-50 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to visit Germany and Poland |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39156396 |access-date=13 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=3 March 2017 |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309170658/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39156396 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2018, William toured Jordan, Israel and Palestine.<ref name="middle east visit">{{cite news |title=Prince William lands in Jordan for 'historic' Middle East trip |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/world/middleeast/uk-prince-william-middle-east.html?auth=login-google |access-date=19 December 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=24 June 2018 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=23 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723175047/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/world/middleeast/uk-prince-william-middle-east.html?auth=login-google |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-royals-israel-palestinians/uks-prince-william-visits-jerusalem-holy-sites-great-grandmothers-tomb-idUSKBN1JO0M3|title=UK's Prince William visits Jerusalem holy sites, great-grandmother's tomb|work=Reuters|first=Jeffrey|last=Heller|date=28 June 2018|access-date=29 June 2018|archive-date=29 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629013954/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-royals-israel-palestinians/uks-prince-william-visits-jerusalem-holy-sites-great-grandmothers-tomb-idUSKBN1JO0M3|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Prince William and Duchess Kate of Cambridge visits Sweden 19.jpg|thumb|210px|left|With Catherine greeting members of the public on their visit to Sweden in 2018|alt=see caption]]
William and Catherine toured Pakistan in October 2019, which was the royal family's first visit to the country in 13 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/06/29/duke-duchess-cambridge-defy-security-fears-plan-retrace-dianas/|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge defy security fears with plan to retrace Diana's footsteps during royal tour of Pakistan|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|date=29 June 2019|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629234744/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/06/29/duke-duchess-cambridge-defy-security-fears-plan-retrace-dianas/|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour was a success, helping promote diplomatic relations with Pakistan while also reflecting the couple's personal interests in climate change and the significance of quality education.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Katie|last=Nicholl|title=How Kate Middleton and Prince William aced their "relatable" tour of Pakistan|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/10/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-last-day-pakistan-tour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128222606/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/10/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-last-day-pakistan-tour|date=18 October 2019|archive-date=28 January 2023|access-date=25 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2020, it was reported that William had tested positive for COVID-19 in April but decided not to alert the media to 'avoid alarming the nation'.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54774942|title=Covid-19: Prince William 'tested positive in April'|work=BBC News|date=1 November 2020|access-date=2 November 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101234857/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54774942|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Daily Telegraph'' reported he had been "very ill" and had isolated away from his family;<ref name=telegraph-20201102>{{cite news |last=Ward |first=Victoria |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=Prince William was 'very ill' with Covid, sources suggest, amid questions about decision not to go public|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/11/02/prince-william-covid-sources-suggest-amid-questions-decision/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/11/02/prince-william-covid-sources-suggest-amid-questions-decision/ |date=2 November 2020|archive-date=10 January 2022|access-date=3 November 2020|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> other sources said that he had not been seriously ill, not bed-ridden and working for most of the time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Prince William's Coronavirus Diagnosis Was 'No Secret' Among the Royal Family |last1=Nicholl |first1=Katie |last2=Vanderhoof |first2=Erin |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=2 November 2020 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/11/prince-william-coronavirus-diagnosis-was-no-secret-royal-family |access-date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018151026/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/11/prince-william-coronavirus-diagnosis-was-no-secret-royal-family |url-status=live }}</ref> In December that year, the couple embarked on a tour of England, Scotland, and Wales via the [[British royal train]] "to pay tribute to the inspiring work" of communities and charities in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid: William and Kate plan train tour to thank key workers |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55198752 |access-date=8 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=6 December 2020 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206134607/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55198752 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton and Prince William kick off final day of royal train tour with trip to a castle! |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-williams-royal-train-moves-on-to-wales-and-a-trip-to-a-castle/ |magazine=People |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=8 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208122045/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-williams-royal-train-moves-on-to-wales-and-a-trip-to-a-castle/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Boris Johnson]] expressed his support, while Scottish first minister [[Nicola Sturgeon]] criticised the tour, citing travel restrictions; local governments were consulted before planning the tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/08/lukewarm-welcome-for-william-and-kate-in-royal-tour-of-scotland-and-wales|title=Lukewarm welcome for William and Kate in royal tour of Scotland and Wales|work=The Guardian|first=Caroline|last=Davies|first2=Jessica|last2=Elgot |date=8 December 2020|access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208110515/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/08/lukewarm-welcome-for-william-and-kate-in-royal-tour-of-scotland-and-wales|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Neilan |first=Catherine |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |title=UK drops law-breaking clauses from Internal Market Bill after reaching new Brexit agreement with EU |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/12/08/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-eu-trade-talks-update/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/12/08/brexit-news-latest-no-deal-eu-trade-talks-update/|date=8 December 2020 |access-date=9 December 2020|archive-date=10 January 2022|url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

In William's capacity as [[Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland]], he and Catherine toured the country in May 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57241340|title=In pictures: Prince William and Kate visit Scotland|work=BBC News|date=27 May 2021|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525113046/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-57241340|url-status=live}}</ref> The couple attended the [[47th G7 summit|G7 summit]] for the first time in June 2021 in Cornwall.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holden |first=Michael |title=Are you supposed to be enjoying yourselves? Queen Elizabeth asks G7 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-queen-elizabeth-hosts-biden-g7-reception-2021-06-11/ |work=Reuters |date=12 June 2021 |access-date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730130831/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-queen-elizabeth-hosts-biden-g7-reception-2021-06-11/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nicholl |first=Katie |title=Prince William and Kate make royal history at the G7 |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/06/prince-william-kate-g7-summit |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=11 June 2021|access-date=13 June 2021|archive-date=12 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612120426/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/06/prince-william-kate-g7-summit |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Prince of Wales leads charge in climate battle as PM picks him to host G7 meeting|first=Victoria|last=Ward|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/06/10/prince-charles-host-g7-world-leaders-ceos-reception-climate/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010230810/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/06/10/prince-charles-host-g7-world-leaders-ceos-reception-climate/|date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 October 2021|access-date=14 May 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In March 2022, they embarked on a tour of Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica as part of the [[Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 March 2022 |title=Caribbean tour: Prince William says future is for the people to decide |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60890440 |access-date=27 March 2022 |archive-date=18 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418214618/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60890440 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=White |first=Nadine |date=23 March 2022 |title=William and Kate's royal visit to the Caribbean is offensively tone deaf |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/william-kate-royal-tour-caribbean-colonialism-b2042293.html |access-date=28 March 2022 |work=The Independent |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327175044/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/william-kate-royal-tour-caribbean-colonialism-b2042293.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Reparations for slavery]] emerged as a major demand of public protesters during the couple's visit.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=White |first=Nadine |date=26 March 2022 |title=Belize signals intention to remove Queen as head of state following royal visit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=The Independent |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407192943/https://www.independent.co.uk/world/belize-queen-caribbean-head-of-state-b2044585.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument in London, William described the tour as "an opportunity to reflect" and condemned [[Windrush scandal|racism faced]] by both members of the [[Windrush generation]] and British minorities in 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-prince-william-thanks-windrush-generation-memorial-unveiled-2022-06-22/|title=UK's Prince William thanks 'Windrush' generation as memorial unveiled|work=Reuters|date=22 June 2022|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623064857/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-prince-william-thanks-windrush-generation-memorial-unveiled-2022-06-22/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-william-windrush-victims-racism-b2106763.html|title=Prince William tells Windrush victims 'racism remains all-too familiar for Black people in Britain'|work=The Independent|first=Nadine|last=White|date=22 June 2022|accessdate=23 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622183849/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-william-windrush-victims-racism-b2106763.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2022, he attended the [[2022 State Opening of Parliament|State Opening of Parliament]] for the first time as a [[counsellor of state]], where his father delivered the Queen's Speech on behalf of Elizabeth II.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/10/queen-remains-very-much-in-charge-even-as-charles-makes-speech|title=Queen remains 'very much in charge' even as Charles makes speech|work=The Guardian|first=Caroline|last=Davies|date=10 May 2022|access-date=10 May 2022|archive-date=5 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605132321/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/may/10/queen-remains-very-much-in-charge-even-as-charles-makes-speech|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Prince of Wales==
[[File:President Biden met with Prince William in Boston - 2022.jpg|thumb|With [[Joe Biden]] in Boston, December 2022|alt=see caption]]
[[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth II died]] on 8 September 2022, and William's father succeeded as Charles III. William, now [[heir apparent]], was created Prince of Wales by his father on 9 September.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News |title=William and Kate named Prince and Princess of Wales by the King|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62856181|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909182810/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62856181|date=9 September 2022|access-date=9 September 2022|archive-date=9 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Controversy of the Prince of Wales title|Controversy regarding the title]] became a topic of public debate in Wales.<ref name="Title-controversy">{{cite news|work=The Conversation|last=Clear |first=Stephen|title=Prince of Wales: why William inheriting the title from Charles has sparked a debate |url=http://theconversation.com/prince-of-wales-why-william-inheriting-the-title-from-charles-has-sparked-a-debate-190577 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222032955/https://theconversation.com/prince-of-wales-why-william-inheriting-the-title-from-charles-has-sparked-a-debate-190577|access-date=22 December 2022|archive-date=22 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> By 17 September, a petition calling for the end of the title had received more than 30,000 signatures,<ref>{{Cite news |last=John |first=Lucy |date=17 September 2022 |title=Bearded man heckles King Charles in Cardiff over the cost of the monarchy |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/bearded-man-heckles-king-charles-25043207|access-date=19 September 2022|work=Wales Online |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005132929/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/bearded-man-heckles-king-charles-25043207 |url-status=live}}</ref> while a [[YouGov]] poll showed 66 per cent support for William to be given the title compared to 22 percent of respondents opposed.<ref name=":2" /> On 30 October, Senedd Llywydd [[Elin Jones]] noted that an investiture is not a constitutional requirement and suggested that contemporary Wales would deem it unnecessary.<ref>{{cite news|date=30 October 2022 |title='Westminster could learn something from the royals about how to treat Wales' |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/the-uk-government-could-learn-25392079|access-date=31 October 2022|work=WalesOnline|archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117175807/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/the-uk-government-could-learn-25392079 |url-status=live}}</ref> Kensington Palace also stated an investiture is "not on the table".<ref>{{cite news |date=16 November 2022 |title=Prince of Wales has no plans for investiture, Kensington Palace confirms |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-63635177 |access-date=19 November 2022 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411055748/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-63635177|url-status=live}}</ref> As the eldest son of the British monarch, William has inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, which brings him additional income.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/12/prince-william-prince-of-wales-duchy-of-cornwall-properties-homelessness-prince-charles|title=Report: Prince William is looking into ways to use his family's properties to address homelessness|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Emily|last=Kirkpatrick|date=30 December 2021|access-date=25 June 2022|archive-date=1 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001234129/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/12/prince-william-prince-of-wales-duchy-of-cornwall-properties-homelessness-prince-charles|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2022-09-12/what-is-the-duchy-of-cornwall-and-what-does-it-mean-for-prince-william|title=What is the Duchy of Cornwall and how much will Prince William earn from it?|work=ITV|date=12 September 2022|access-date=8 January 2023|archive-date=1 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201112805/https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2022-09-12/what-is-the-duchy-of-cornwall-and-what-does-it-mean-for-prince-william|url-status=live}}</ref> The duchy is "a £760&nbsp;million (about US$1.25&nbsp;billion) entity established in 1337" to provide a private income to the monarch's eldest son.<ref name="arbiter"/>

William and Catherine visited [[Anglesey]] and [[Swansea]] on 27 September 2022, which marked their first visit to Wales since becoming Prince and Princess of Wales.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63035829|title=Prince and Princess of Wales visit nation for first time|work=BBC News|date=28 September 2022|access-date=30 September 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930042145/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-63035829|url-status=live}}</ref> He visited the [[Senedd]] in November 2022, meeting the Welsh first minister [[Mark Drakeford]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Buarck |first=Emily|title=Prince William visits the Welsh Parliament |url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a41955229/prince-william-welsh-parliament-november-2022-photos/|magazine=Town & Country|date=16 November 2022|access-date=7 February 2023|archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207004326/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a41955229/prince-william-welsh-parliament-november-2022-photos/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2023, William and Catherine visited [[Falmouth, Cornwall|Falmouth]], marking their first visit to the region since becoming Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William make first official visit to Cornwall since taking on new titles|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-first-official-visit-cornwall-new-titles/|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=9 February 2023|access-date=13 March 2023|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313181629/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-first-official-visit-cornwall-new-titles/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2023, he undertook a solo visit to Poland during which he visited [[Rzeszów]] to meet Polish and British troops and Ukrainian refugees, and had talks with Polish president [[Andrzej Duda]] at the [[Presidential Palace, Warsaw|Presidential Palace]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-surprise-trip-poland-thank-ukraine-aid/|title=Prince William makes surprise Poland trip to 'look into the eyes' of those helping Ukraine and 'say thank you'|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=22 March 2023|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323002629/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-surprise-trip-poland-thank-ukraine-aid/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-poland-visit-ukrainian-refugees-somber-tribute-war-dead/|title=Prince William spends time with Ukrainian refugees in Poland after somber tribute to war dead|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=23 March 2023|access-date=23 March 2023|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323120424/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-poland-visit-ukrainian-refugees-somber-tribute-war-dead/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023, William and Catherine condemned the [[Hamas-led attack on Israel]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/israel-charles-israelis-alice-hamas-b2428104.html|title=King, William and Kate condemn 'horrors' of Hamas' attacks on Israel|work=The Independent|first=Laura|last=Elston|date=11 October 2023|access-date=20 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017110115/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/israel-charles-israelis-alice-hamas-b2428104.html|archive-date=17 October 2023}}</ref> In February 2024, he visited the headquarters of the [[British Red Cross]], where he met humanitarian aid workers supporting civilians during the [[Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip (2023–present)|Israel–Gaza conflict]], and called for an end to the fighting in a statement approved by the [[UK government]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68343334|title=Prince William: 'Too many killed' in Israel-Gaza war|work=BBC News|first=Sean|last=Coughlan|date=20 February 2024|access-date=20 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220234338/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68343334|archive-date=20 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/prince-william-visits-british-red-cross-support-gaza-relief-work-heartfelt-statement-8584840|title=Prince William says he's clinging to hope of 'brighter future' in Middle East as he visits British Red Cross|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=20 February 2024|access-date=20 February 2024|archive-date=20 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220143159/https://people.com/prince-william-visits-british-red-cross-support-gaza-relief-work-heartfelt-statement-8584840|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, William pulled out at the last moment from [[Death and funeral of Constantine II of Greece#Thanksgiving service|the thanksgiving service]] of his godfather, [[Constantine II of Greece]], due to an undisclosed "personal matter".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68413542|title=Prince William pulls out of memorial service due to 'personal matter'|last=Caughlan|first=Sean|date=27 February 2024|access-date=27 February 2024|work=BBC News|archive-date=27 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227112221/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68413542|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, he visited [[Western Marble Arch Synagogue]] to acknowledge the increase in antisemitism and human suffering in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/prince-william-kate-middleton-concerned-antisemitism-synagogue-visit-8601621|title=Prince William says he and Kate are 'extremely concerned' about antisemitism rise during synagogue visit|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=29 February 2024|access-date=29 February 2024|archive-date=29 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229135929/https://people.com/prince-william-kate-middleton-concerned-antisemitism-synagogue-visit-8601621|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2024, William attended the [[Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris|official reopening]] of the [[Notre-Dame de Paris|Notre-Dame]] cathedral in Paris during which he greeted the [[president-elect of the United States]] [[Donald Trump]] and later held a private meeting with him to discuss the [[relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States]].<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|first1=Amy|first2=Sean|last1=Walker|last2=Coughlan|title=Prince William meets Trump at Notre-Dame reopening|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05ppeym6jro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207141056/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c05ppeym6jro|date=7 December 2024|access-date=7 December 2024|archive-date=7 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Charity work==
{{further|Royal Foundation}}

William became aware of HIV/AIDS in the mid-1990s when he accompanied his mother and brother on visits to shelters and clinics for patients. In January 2005, he and Harry volunteered at a [[British Red Cross]] aid distribution centre to pack emergency supplies for countries affected by the [[2004 Boxing Day tsunami]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Princes help prepare tsunami aid|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4154687.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601070833/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4154687.stm|archive-date=1 June 2022|access-date=20 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, in December 2005, William spent two weeks in North Wales with [[Mountain Rescue England and Wales]] (MREW).<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Erin| last=Vanderhoof|title=Prince William and Princess Kate are on the cover of a magazine about mountain rescues|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/08/prince-william-and-princess-kate-magazine-about-mountain-rescues|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515192311/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/08/prince-william-and-princess-kate-magazine-about-mountain-rescues|date=23 August 2023|archive-date=15 May 2024|access-date=21 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2007, he became patron of MREW and president of the [[Royal Marsden Hospital]], the latter of which was a role previously held by his mother.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Prince William follows in Diana's footsteps at the Royal Marsden Hospital|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Erin |last=Vanderhoof |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/10/prince-william-diana-royal-marsden-hospital|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204080343/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/10/prince-william-diana-royal-marsden-hospital|access-date=20 May 2024|date=22 October 2020|archive-date=4 December 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, William was announced as the hospital's joint royal patron alongside his wife, Catherine.<ref name="Jan2025">{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|title=Princess of Wales visits cancer hospital where she was treated|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/14/princess-wales-visit-royal-marsden-first-solo-chemotherapy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114133907/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/14/princess-wales-visit-royal-marsden-first-solo-chemotherapy/|date=14 January 2025|access-date=14 January 2025|archive-date=14 January 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2007, William and Harry organised the Concert for Diana, in memory of their mother, which benefitted the charities and patronages of Diana, William, and Harry.<ref>{{cite news|title=What is the Concert for Diana?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/concertfordiana/features/about.shtml|work=BBC News|date=13 August 2015|access-date=12 December 2020|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017214644/http://www.bbc.co.uk/concertfordiana/features/about.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2008, the brothers embarked on the 1,000 mile eight-day Enduro Africa motorbike ride across South Africa to raise money for [[Sentebale]], [[UNICEF]] and the [[Nelson Mandela Children's Fund]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-princes/princes-embark-on-africa-charity-bike-ride-idUKTRE49H12V20081018|title=Princes embark on Africa charity bike ride|work=Reuters|date=18 October 2008|access-date=4 July 2022|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705190640/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-princes/princes-embark-on-africa-charity-bike-ride-idUKTRE49H12V20081018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010 William became a patron of [[100 Women in Hedge Funds]]' philanthropic initiatives for the following three years until 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/prince_william_to_become_patron_of_100_women_in_hedge_funds__1457625743.html|title=Prince William to become patron of 100 Women in Hedge Funds' philanthropic initiatives|access-date=13 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113130749/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/prince_william_to_become_patron_of_100_women_in_hedge_funds__1457625743.html|archive-date=13 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, he succeeded [[Lord Attenborough]] as the fifth president of the [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/prince-william-to-take-over-as-bafta-president.295254|title=Prince William to take over as Bafta president|work=Times of Malta|date=22 February 2010|access-date=14 May 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514082504/https://timesofmalta.com/article/prince-william-to-take-over-as-bafta-president.295254|archive-date=14 May 2024}}</ref> In March 2011, he and Catherine set up a gift fund held by The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry to allow well-wishers to donate money to charities supporting the armed forces, children, the elderly, art, sport and conservation in lieu of gifts.<ref>{{multiref|{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8385866/William-and-Kate-ask-for-charity-donations-in-lieu-of-wedding-gifts.html |title=William and Kate ask for charity donations in lieu of wedding gifts – Prince William and Kate Middleton have asked wedding guests and well wishers to donate to their own special charitable fund rather than give them presents, St James's Palace has announced |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 March 2011|access-date=23 July 2013|first=Victoria |last=Ward|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003152810/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8385866/William-and-Kate-ask-for-charity-donations-in-lieu-of-wedding-gifts.html |archive-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live |url-access=subscription}};{{cite news |author=Holden, Michael |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-wedding-fund-idUSTRE72F3BK20110316 |title=William and Catherine set up royal wedding charity fund |work=Reuters |date=16 March 2011 |access-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727052655/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/us-britain-wedding-fund-idUSTRE72F3BK20110316 |archive-date=27 July 2013 |url-status=live }};{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/weddings/4778882/William-and-Kates-gift-to-Christchurch |title=William and Catherine's gift to Christchurch |work=Fairfax NZ News |via=stuff.co.nz |date=17 March 2011 |access-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908133811/http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/weddings/4778882/William-and-Kates-gift-to-Christchurch |archive-date=8 September 2014 |url-status=live}};{{cite news|author =Garton, Christie| url =http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2011/04/in-lieu-of-gifts-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-request-charity-donations-instead/148363/1|title=No wedding gifts, please: William and Catherine request charity donations instead | work = USA Today|date =29 April 2011| access-date=23 July 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104121639/http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/doing-good/kindness/post/2011/04/in-lieu-of-gifts-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-request-charity-donations-instead/148363/1|archive-date = 4 January 2014|url-status=dead}}}}</ref> The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry is now known as [[The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales]].<ref>{{cite news|work=The Independent|first=Kate|last=Ng|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-royal-foundation-b2164784.html|title=William and Kate update name of Royal Foundation to include new titles|date=11 September 2022 |access-date=2 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220924181329/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-kate-royal-foundation-b2164784.html|archive-date=24 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Humanitarian causes===
In March 2020, William appeared in a video for the [[National Emergencies Trust]], launching a fundraising appeal to help charities during the pandemic. The appeal raised £11 million in its first week, eventually totalling to £90 million, with the money going out to "front line charities" and to the [[UK Community Foundations]] to be distributed among "local community foundations".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2020032686937/prince-william-national-emergencies-trust-appeal-update/|title=Prince William receives good news amid COVID-19 crisis|magazine=Hello!|first=Danielle|last=Stacey|date=26 March 2020|access-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326203357/https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2020032686937/prince-william-national-emergencies-trust-appeal-update/|archive-date=26 March 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2020, he officially became patron of the organisation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/04/12/prince-william-britain-best-faced-crisis/|title=Prince William praises 'best of British' community spirit in crisis|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah|last=Furness|date=12 April 2020|access-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418233121/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/04/12/prince-william-britain-best-faced-crisis/|archive-date=18 April 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Later that month, he made a surprise appearance on ''[[The Big Night In]]'', a [[telethon]] held during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a skit which he held a video call with [[Stephen Fry]], who reprised his role as (a descendant of) [[List of Blackadder characters#Melchett|Lord Melchett]], from the ''[[Blackadder]]'' series.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Watch: Prince William stars with Stephen Fry in Blackadder revival for BBC's Big Night In|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/04/23/prince-william-makes-tv-comedy-debut-blackadder-sketch-let-see/|first=Hannah|last=Furness|access-date=14 May 2024 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=23 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528063454/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2020/04/23/prince-william-makes-tv-comedy-debut-blackadder-sketch-let-see/|archive-date=28 May 2022 |url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In December 2020, William and Catherine became joint patrons of [[NHS Charities Together]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive in Scotland for first stop of British tour on royal train |url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-arrive-in-scotland-royal-train-tour/ |magazine=People |access-date=7 December 2020 |archive-date=7 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207112911/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-arrive-in-scotland-royal-train-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, he visited a vaccination centre in [[King's Lynn]] and later encouraged use of the vaccine, denouncing [[COVID-19 misinformation#Vaccine|false information]] that could cause [[vaccine hesitancy]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Prince William visits King's Lynn vaccination centre |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-56145744 |access-date=4 March 2021 |archive-date=22 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222195417/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-norfolk-56145744 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19: Prince William and Kate urge people to get vaccine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56224314 |access-date=4 March 2021 |work=BBC News |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302145407/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56224314 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, William got his first dose of [[COVID-19 vaccine]] by NHS staff at the [[Science Museum, London|Science Museum]] in London.<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 May 2021|title=Prince William receives first Covid vaccine dose|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57185584|access-date=20 May 2021|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520115348/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57185584|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2021, it was reported that he had assisted in the evacuation of an Afghan officer, a Royal Military Academy Sandhurst graduate and aide to British troops, from Kabul airport, along with more than 10 of his family members, during the [[2021 Taliban offensive]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/09/02/duke-cambridge-intervened-get-afghan-family-kabul/|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Duke of Cambridge intervened to get Afghan family out of Kabul|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=3 September 2021|access-date=14 May 2024|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926133019/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/09/02/duke-cambridge-intervened-get-afghan-family-kabul/|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/prince-william-reportedly-helped-afghan-officer-family-escape-kabul|title=Prince William reportedly helped Afghan officer, family escape Kabul|work=Fox News|first=Emily|last=Crane|date=3 September 2021|access-date=4 September 2021|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903232408/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/prince-william-reportedly-helped-afghan-officer-family-escape-kabul|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022 amid the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], William and Catherine made a donation to help the refugees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/03/03/queen-makes-generous-private-donation-ukraine-fund-show-royal/ |title=The Queen makes 'generous' private donation to Ukraine fund as Royal family shows its support |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |first=Hannah |last=Furness |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305182024/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/03/03/queen-makes-generous-private-donation-ukraine-fund-show-royal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2023, they donated to the [[Disasters Emergency Committee]] (DEC) which was helping victims of the [[2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64568254|title=Turkey-Syria earthquake: King thanked for 'generous' donation to DEC disaster appeal|work=BBC News|first1=Charley|last1=Adams|first2=Emily|last2=McGarvey|date=9 February 2023|accessdate=9 February 2023|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208220228/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-64568254|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2023, William became patron of the appeal to launch The Fleming Centre, driving a new global movement to tackle [[antimicrobial resistance]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/prince-william-new-patronage-hospital-george-charlotte-louis-were-born-7565102|title=Prince William Announces New Patronage at Hospital Where George, Charlotte and Louis Were Born|magazine=People|first=Janine|last=Henni|date=25 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023|archive-date=28 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728160236/https://people.com/prince-william-new-patronage-hospital-george-charlotte-louis-were-born-7565102|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2024, he and Catherine made donations to help victims of [[Hurricane Beryl]].<ref>{{cite news|title=William and Kate to donate privately to Hurricane Beryl relief efforts|work=The Independent |first=Ted|last=Hennessey|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/venezuela-hurricane-beryl-grenada-st-vincent-prince-b2573557.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704035904/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/venezuela-hurricane-beryl-grenada-st-vincent-prince-b2573557.html|date=3 July 2024|access-date=4 July 2024|archive-date=4 July 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2025, William was announced as patron of the [[College of Paramedics]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William buys round for Aston Villa fans at Birmingham pub|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/15/prince-william-aston-villa-football-birmingham-royal-family/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116092417/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/01/15/prince-william-aston-villa-football-birmingham-royal-family/|date=15 January 2025|access-date=16 January 2025|archive-date=16 January 2025|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prince praises paramedics in 'stressful' jobs|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93l8k9z7e9o|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250116164511/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93l8k9z7e9o|date=15 January 2025|access-date=16 January 2025|archive-date=16 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Conservation===
[[File:United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Meeting (38060065682).jpg|thumb|left|220px|At a United for Wildlife Taskforce meeting at Buckingham Palace, 2017|alt=see caption]] 
William became patron of the [[Tusk Trust]] in December 2005, a charity that works towards conserving wildlife and initiating community development across Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prince William becomes Patron of the Tusk Trust|website=The Royal Family |url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-william-becomes-patron-tusk-trust|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229005343/https://www.royal.uk/prince-william-becomes-patron-tusk-trust|date=19 December 2005|access-date=14 May 2024|archive-date=29 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> He carried out his first official duty with the Trust in launching a {{convert|5000|mi|km|adj=on}} bike ride across the African continent in April 2008.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Hello!|title=Prince William bids bon voyage to fundraising cross-Africa cyclists|date=1 April 2008|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=23 November 2021|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2008/04/01/william-africa-tusk/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123001808/https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2008/04/01/william-africa-tusk/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, William helped with launching the Tusk Conservation Awards, which have been presented to selected environmental activists annually since 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-tusk-trust-awards-conservation-heroes/|title=Prince William steps out to honor conservation heroes as he continues fight against climate change|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=22 November 2021|access-date=22 November 2021|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122210115/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-tusk-trust-awards-conservation-heroes/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2010, he and his brother visited Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa, undertaking projects relating to wildlife, sport, and young children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince Harry and Prince William's first joint official royal tour to Africa in pictures|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/royalty/7829919/Prince-Harry-and-Prince-Williams-first-joint-official-royal-tour-to-Africa-in-pictures.html|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=17 June 2010 |access-date=15 May 2024 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515041342/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/royalty/7829919/Prince-Harry-and-Prince-Williams-first-joint-official-royal-tour-to-Africa-in-pictures.html|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In 2013 he succeeded his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, as president of [[Fields in Trust]] and transitioned into the role of patron in 2024.<ref name=NFPA>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/27/gyles-brandreth-prince-philip-william-save-playing-fields/|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=Gyles Brandreth: 'Like Prince Philip, William is very hands-on – but there is a restraint about him'|last=Stanford |first=Peter|date=27 April 2024 |access-date=14 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513054923/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/27/gyles-brandreth-prince-philip-william-save-playing-fields/|archive-date=13 May 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2024-PP">{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/07/24/prince-william-refuses-to-reveal-how-much-tax-he-pays/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724033240/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/07/24/prince-william-refuses-to-reveal-how-much-tax-he-pays/|title=Prince William refuses to reveal how much tax he pays|date=24 July 2024|access-date=24 July 2024|archive-date=24 July 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> He established the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce in December 2014, with the goal of reducing global illegal wildlife trade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://royalfoundation.com/programme/private-sector/|title=UfW Taskforces|website=Royal Foundation|access-date=17 October 2020|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018073150/https://royalfoundation.com/programme/private-sector/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014 [[Jane Goodall]] stated that William had expressed the view that all ivory in the royal collection needed to [[Destruction of ivory|be destroyed]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/17/prince-william-buckingham-palace-ivory-destroyed|title=Prince William 'calls for Buckingham Palace ivory to be destroyed'|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 February 2014|access-date=4 April 2023|archive-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404190900/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/17/prince-william-buckingham-palace-ivory-destroyed|url-status=live}}</ref> William has occasionally commented on the effects of [[overpopulation]] on the [[wildlife of Africa]], but his remarks have been criticised in the media for not taking [[resource consumption]] and population density into consideration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/11/24/why-prince-william-is-wrong-to-blame-habitat-loss-on-population-growth-in-africa|title=Why Prince William is wrong to blame habitat loss on population growth in Africa|work=Euronews|first=Nichola|last=Daunton|date=24 November 2021|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125233129/https://www.euronews.com/green/2021/11/24/why-prince-william-is-wrong-to-blame-habitat-loss-on-population-growth-in-africa|url-status=live}}</ref>

After two years of research, William launched the [[Earthshot Prize]] in October 2020, designed to provide funding and incentive for environmental solutions over the next decade.<ref>{{cite news |first=Justin|last=Rowlatt|title=Prince William and Sir David Attenborough join forces on 'Earthshot' prize |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54435638 |work=BBC News|date=8 October 2020 |access-date=15 May 2024|archive-date=4 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204071519/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54435638|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the launch, he gave a [[TED Talk]] on environmental protection and conservation as part of the TED Countdown climate change initiative.<ref>{{cite news |title=Prince William urges leaders to take action against climate change in his first Ted Talk |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/10/prince-william-gives-first-ted-talk-discusses-climate-change/5954966002/|first=Rasha|last=Ali|work=USA Today |access-date=15 May 2024 |archive-date=9 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209162019/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/10/prince-william-gives-first-ted-talk-discusses-climate-change/5954966002/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, William took over the patronages of [[Fauna and Flora International]] and the [[British Trust for Ornithology]], passed on from his grandparents.<ref>{{cite news |last=Puente |first=Maria |title=Prince William champions wildlife as he takes over conservation patronages from royal grandparents |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/19/prince-william-conservation-patronage-roles-queen-elizabeth-ii/3711757001/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=USA Today |date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020074728/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2020/10/19/prince-william-conservation-patronage-roles-queen-elizabeth-ii/3711757001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same month, he appeared in an ITV documentary titled ''Prince William: A Planet For Us All'' to discuss environmental issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/prince-william-a-planet-for-us-all-review-david-attenborough-b810695.html|title=Prince William – A Planet For Us All, review: It's easy to be cynical, but I found it surprisingly moving|work=The Independent|first=Sean|last=O'Grady|date=6 October 2020|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029172241/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/prince-william-a-planet-for-us-all-review-david-attenborough-b810695.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021 William made a private donation to the Thin Green Line Foundation, which provides grants for the relatives of conservation park rangers that are killed every year while protecting wildlife.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/02/prince-william-secret-donation-thin-green-line-foundation-murdered-park-rangers-families|title=Prince William secretly helped support the families of murdered park rangers in the Congo|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Emily|last=Kirkpatrick|date=24 February 2021|access-date=25 June 2022|archive-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120113919/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2021/02/prince-william-secret-donation-thin-green-line-foundation-murdered-park-rangers-families|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2022, he condemned the murder of South African park ranger Anton Mzimba and asked for the responsible parties to "be brought to justice".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-mourns-park-ranger-murdered-south-africa/|title=Prince William mourns park ranger who was murdered in South Africa: 'I'm deeply saddened|magazine=People|first=Petit|last=Stephanie|date=27 July 2022|access-date=15 May 2024|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922052648/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-mourns-park-ranger-murdered-south-africa/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2022, William voiced his support for the prison sentence given to a man in the United States responsible for trafficking rhinoceros horns and elephant ivory.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-speaks-out-on-63-month-sentencing-in-illegal-wildlife-trafficking-case/|title=Prince William praises the 63-month sentence given to wildlife trafficker: 'Significant victory'|magazine=People|first=Charmaine|last=Patterson|date=18 August 2022|access-date=18 August 2022|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819004431/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-speaks-out-on-63-month-sentencing-in-illegal-wildlife-trafficking-case/|url-status=live}}</ref> He had previously called for harsher punishments and penalties for poachers and smugglers at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in 2018.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5421701/prince-william-urges-tougher-punishment-for-poachers-and-wildlife-smugglers/|title=Prince William urges tougher punishment for poachers and wildlife smugglers|magazine=Time|first=Precious|last=Adesina|date=11 October 2018|access-date=19 August 2022|archive-date=19 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819082655/https://time.com/5421701/prince-william-urges-tougher-punishment-for-poachers-and-wildlife-smugglers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===LGBT rights===

William has spoken out for [[LGBT rights]] as part of his work against [[cyberbullying]], stating the importance of being "proud of the person you are" and discussing the effects of online abuse and discrimination.<ref name="BBC-May17">{{cite news |title=LGBT Awards: Prince William honoured for supporting community |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39899174 |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=BBC News |date=13 May 2017 |archive-date=14 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214041242/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39899174 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016 he appeared in the July issue of ''[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]]'' and became the first member of the royal family to be featured on the cover of a gay magazine.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/15/prince-william-gay-magazine-attitude-duke-of-cambridge|title=Prince William appears on cover of gay magazine Attitude|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Haroon|last=Siddique|date=15 June 2016|access-date=4 September 2021|archive-date=3 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903143346/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jun/15/prince-william-gay-magazine-attitude-duke-of-cambridge|url-status=live}}</ref> He was recognised at the [[British LGBT Awards]] in May 2017.<ref name="BBC-May17"/> William hosted a commemorative [[Pride Month]] discussion with mental health charity volunteers at the [[Royal Vauxhall Tavern]] in June 2023.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wylie|first=Catherine|title=William jokes he is 'underdressed' in film for Pride Month |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/prince-of-wales-london-youtube-lgbt-heads-together-b2367408.html |work=The Independent|access-date=30 June 2023|archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902002338/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/prince-of-wales-london-youtube-lgbt-heads-together-b2367408.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mental health===
Since 2009, William has been patron of Child Bereavement UK, which provides support to children and families who have lost a loved one.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-speech-child-bereavement-uk-25th-birthday-gala/|title=Prince William marks landmark birthday of charity that was a favorite of mom Princess Diana|magazine=People|first1=Stephanie|last1=Petit|first2=Simon|last2=Perry|date=10 June 2019|access-date=30 September 2022|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930061539/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-speech-child-bereavement-uk-25th-birthday-gala/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016 the Royal Foundation launched multiple mental health initiatives, including Heads Together, a campaign led by William, Catherine and Harry to de-stigmatise mental health.<ref>{{cite news |last=Samuelson |first=Kate |date=25 August 2017 |title=How Princes William and Harry are carrying on causes close to Princess Diana's heart |url=https://time.com/4899497/princess-diana-prince-william-harry-legacy/ |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607164831/http://time.com/4899497/princess-diana-prince-william-harry-legacy/ |archive-date=7 June 2018 |access-date=24 July 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> Legacy programmes include Mental Health at Work, launched in September 2018 to change the approach to workplace mental health in the United Kingdom, as well as Heads Up, launched in May 2019 in partnership with the [[Football Association]], utilising football to affect the conversation surrounding mental health in adults.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/11/health/prince-william-mental-health-website-intl/index.html|title=Prince William launches mental health website|work=CNN|first=Rob|last=Picheta|date=11 September 2018|access-date=19 February 2022|archive-date=20 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220025159/https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/11/health/prince-william-mental-health-website-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, William and Catherine, together with William's brother Harry and sister-in-law [[Meghan, Duchess of Sussex|Meghan]], launched Shout, the United Kingdom's first 24/7 text messaging service for those who suffer from mental issues.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48222833|title=William, Kate, Harry and Meghan launch mental health text line Shout|work=BBC News|date=10 May 2019|access-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510044242/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48222833|archive-date=10 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> William later volunteered on the crisis helpline during the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 lockdowns]] to provide support via text message.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52940787|title=Prince William reveals he is secret helpline volunteer|work=BBC News|date=6 June 2020|access-date=22 June 2022|archive-date=9 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609065318/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52940787|url-status=live}}</ref> He attributes his interest in mental health to his experiences as an air ambulance pilot, his work with the homeless, veterans' welfare, and his wife's anti-addiction advocacy.<ref name="gq">{{cite magazine |title=Prince William on Diana, Princess of Wales |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/prince-william-diana-princess-of-wales |magazine=GQ |date=29 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606071809/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/prince-william-diana-princess-of-wales |access-date=13 December 2020|archive-date=6 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2020, William and Catherine began supporting a new mental health initiative by the Public Health England agency amidst the coronavirus pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52081021|title=Coronavirus: William and Kate urge nation to look after their mental health|work=BBC News|date=29 March 2020|access-date=3 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117023714/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-52081021|archive-date=17 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2020, the couple announced Our Frontline, an initiative providing mental health support to emergency medical workers.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Cambridges introduce a mental health program for COVID-19 frontline workers |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a32235997/cambridges-announce-mental-health-charity-for-frontline-workers/ |magazine=Harpers Bazaar |date=22 April 2020 |access-date=12 December 2020 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105121216/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a32235997/cambridges-announce-mental-health-charity-for-frontline-workers/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2020, William established the Emergency Responders Senior Leaders Board, commissioned by the foundation to research the mental health and wellbeing of emergency responders, in partnership with [[King's College London]] and the Open University.<ref>{{cite news |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Prince William makes surprise trip to Northern Ireland to pay tribute to frontline workers |url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-makes-surprise-trip-to-northern-ireland-to-pay-tribute-to-frontline-workers/ |access-date=27 October 2020 |magazine=People |date=9 September 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030134247/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-makes-surprise-trip-to-northern-ireland-to-pay-tribute-to-frontline-workers/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021 and 2022, William and Catherine voiced the Mental Health Minute message, which was broadcast on every radio station in the United Kingdom on and asked people to help individuals around them that suffer from loneliness.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-lead-celebrities-in-a-mental-health-minute-broadcast/|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William lead celebrities in a 'Mental Health Minute' broadcast|date=14 May 2021|access-date=1 May 2024|magazine=People|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609192519/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-and-prince-william-lead-celebrities-in-a-mental-health-minute-broadcast/|archive-date=9 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-interrupt-radio-stations-across-uk-mental-health-minute/|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William interrupt radio stations across the U.K. with a Mental Health Minute|magazine=People|first=Stephanie|last=Petit|date=13 May 2022|access-date=13 May 2022|archive-date=13 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513101306/https://people.com/royals/kate-middleton-prince-william-interrupt-radio-stations-across-uk-mental-health-minute/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2022, to mark the World Mental Health Day, the couple took over ''[[Newsbeat]]'' and interviewed four guests on topics related to mental health.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-63203115|title=Prince and Princess of Wales take over Radio 1 Newsbeat|work=BBC News|date=11 October 2022|access-date=11 October 2022|archive-date=10 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010200103/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-63203115|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2023, William unveiled two organizations that had partnered with the Duchy of Cornwall to raise better mental well-being and provide mental health services for all its tenants.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/09/14/prince-wales-mental-health-heart-duchy-cornwall/|title=Prince of Wales shakes-up running of Duchy of Cornwall with mental health scheme|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first1=India|last1=McTaggart|first2=Victoria|last2=Ward|date=14 September 2023|accessdate=14 September 2023|archive-date=14 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914210016/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/09/14/prince-wales-mental-health-heart-duchy-cornwall/|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-join-schoolchildren-outdoor-lessons-visit-farm-7969146|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William join school children for some outdoor learning around a campfire|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=14 September 2023|access-date=15 September 2023|archive-date=14 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914190415/https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-join-schoolchildren-outdoor-lessons-visit-farm-7969146|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2023 and to mark  World Mental Health Day, he and Catherine took part in a forum for young people in Birmingham, alongside BBC Radio 1 and charity called The Mix, called ''Exploring our Emotional Worlds'' continuing their longstanding work to promote mental well-being.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-step-out-world-mental-health-day-8349117|title=Kate Middleton and Prince William step out for World Mental Health Day|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=10 October 2023|access-date=10 October 2023|archive-date=10 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010170009/https://people.com/kate-middleton-prince-william-step-out-world-mental-health-day-8349117|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2024, he announced a three-year funding package for the charity We Are Farming Minds to provide mental health support for farmers on the Duchy of Cornwall lands.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/05/17/prince-wales-pledges-mental-health-support-duchy-farmers/|title=Prince of Wales pledges mental health support for Duchy of Cornwall farmers|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=17 May 2024|access-date=19 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518092306/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2024/05/17/prince-wales-pledges-mental-health-support-duchy-farmers/|archive-date=18 May 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In December 2024, he and Catherine announced that they were jointly funding a pilot scheme with the charity Norfolk and Waveney Mind to offer extra support for rural and farming communities on the [[Sandringham estate]].<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=William and Kate fund Norfolk mental health pilot |first=Neve|last=Gordon-Farleigh
|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2kev2n7lo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221172720/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2kev2n7lo|date=21 December 2024|access-date=21 December 2024|archive-date=21 December 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Homelessness===
In September 2005, William became patron of [[Centrepoint (charity)|Centrepoint]], a charity that assists the homeless.<ref>{{cite news|title=William becomes patron of the homeless|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1498374/William-becomes-patron-of-the-homeless.html|date=14 September 2005|access-date=20 May 2024|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Sally |last=Pook|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501163801/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1498374/William-becomes-patron-of-the-homeless.html |archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In December 2009, as part of a Centrepoint-organised event, the prince spent the night in a sleeping bag near [[Blackfriars Bridge]] to raise awareness of the experiences of homeless youth.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Press Association |title=Prince William sleeps rough for a night |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/dec/22/prince-william-sleeps-rough-homeless |access-date=19 February 2021 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=22 December 2009 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318030016/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/dec/22/prince-william-sleeps-rough-homeless |url-status=live }}</ref> He opened their new facility, Apprenticeship House, in November 2019 to mark their 50th anniversary.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Simon |title=Prince William follows in Princess Diana's footsteps fighting homelessness on poignant anniversary|url=https://people.com/royals/prince-william-follows-in-princess-dianas-footsteps-fighting-homelessness-on-poignant-anniversary/#!|access-date=20 May 2024|magazine=People|date=13 November 2019 |archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609170831/https://people.com/royals/prince-william-follows-in-princess-dianas-footsteps-fighting-homelessness-on-poignant-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref>

William has been patron of homelessness charity [[The Passage (charity)|The Passage]] since 2019 after first visiting the centre in 1993 with his mother.<ref>{{cite news |last=Furness|first=Hannah|title=Prince William named patron of homeless charity he visited with Princess Diana as a child|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/02/13/prince-william-named-patron-homeless-charity-visited-princess/|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=13 February 2019 |access-date=20 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316205908/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2019/02/13/prince-william-named-patron-homeless-charity-visited-princess/|archive-date=16 March 2023|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Foussianes |first=Chloe |title=Prince William is now patron of a charity he visited with Princess Diana as a child|url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a26323089/prince-william-princess-diana-passage-charity-patron/|magazine=Town & Country|date=13 February 2019|access-date=19 February 2021|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201181027/https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a26323089/prince-william-princess-diana-passage-charity-patron/|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2020, he wrote the introduction to the organisation's 40th-anniversary fundraising cookbook, discussing the importance of helping victims of homelessness during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kirkpatrick |first=Emily |title=Prince William discusses the pandemic's "frightening" impact on the homeless community |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/10/prince-william-the-passage-cookbook-forward-homelessness-pandemic |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=2 October 2020 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116152920/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2020/10/prince-william-the-passage-cookbook-forward-homelessness-pandemic |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, William volunteered at the charity to help prepare donation bags for homeless residents in emergency hotel accommodations and spoke with residents about their experiences.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Betancourt |first=Bianca |title=Prince William secretly volunteered at a homeless shelter over the holidays |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35138812/prince-william-holiday-homeless-shelter-volunteering/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |date=6 January 2021 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=2 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202191859/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a35138812/prince-william-holiday-homeless-shelter-volunteering/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022 and 2023, he was spotted selling copies of ''[[The Big Issue]]'' on the streets, copies of which are usually sold by homeless and unemployed people to collect money.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-61747092|title=Prince William spotted selling Big Issue in central London|work=BBC News|date=9 June 2022|access-date=9 June 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609112755/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-61747092|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g2ee8kk0ro|title=Prince of Wales sells Big Issue in supermarket|work=BBC News|first=Andre|last=Rhoden-Paul|date=5 December 2023|access-date=5 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205171103/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3g2ee8kk0ro|archive-date=5 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2023, William launched Homewards after two years of development, which aims to "finally end homelessness" in the United Kingdom.<ref name="Homewards">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/06/26/prince-of-wales-launch-homewards-end-homelessness/|title=Prince William says his life's work will be to end homelessness|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=26 June 2023|accessdate=26 June 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=25 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625234204/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/06/26/prince-of-wales-launch-homewards-end-homelessness/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CBSH">{{cite news |last=D'Agata |first=Charlie |title=Prince William launches "Homewards" initiative in a bid to "finally end homelessness" in the U.K. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-william-homelessness-homewards-initiative-uk/ |website=CBS News |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902002339/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prince-william-homelessness-homewards-initiative-uk/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The five-year initiative aims to tackle homelessness in six pilot locations across the United Kingdom with an initial seed funding allocated for each area by the Royal Foundation, working with existing private sector and grassroots charity partners.<ref name="Homewards"/> The project focuses on early intervention and providing housing to families before other issues, such as abuse and joblessness, are addressed.<ref name="CBSH"/> In February 2024, William, in partnership with Cornish charity St Petrocs, announced plans for building 24 homes on Duchy of Cornwall land in [[Nansledan]] to provide temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness in the area.<ref name="DoC-24">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-68330944|title=Nansledan: Prince William to build homes for homeless on Duchy land|work=BBC News|first=Brodie|last=Owen|date=18 February 2024|access-date=18 February 2024|archive-date=19 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240219000513/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-68330944|url-status=live}}</ref> Future plans include building more than 400 social rented homes and a further 475 affordable dwellings in [[South East Faversham]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/prince-william-4-million-new-homes-unhoused-8584800|title=Prince William announces $4m plan to build homes for the unhoused on his Cornwall estate|magazine=People|first=Simon|last=Perry|date=19 February 2024|access-date=20 May 2024|archive-date=16 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516173827/https://people.com/prince-william-4-million-new-homes-unhoused-8584800|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sport===
[[File:Prince William, 2007.jpg|thumb|175px|Playing polo at [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst|Sandhurst]] in 2007|alt=see caption]]
William often plays [[polo]] to raise money for charity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why is the royal family obsessed with polo? |url=https://poloweekly.com/why-is-the-royal-family-obsessed-with-polo/ |magazine=Polo Weekly |date=15 May 2019 |access-date=3 December 2020 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202161949/https://poloweekly.com/why-is-the-royal-family-obsessed-with-polo/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a fan of football, and supports the English club [[Aston Villa]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince George to support Aston Villa, says William |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24682512 |work=BBC News |date=26 October 2013 |access-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029053711/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24682512 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> He became president of [[The Football Association|England's Football Association]] (FA) in May 2006 and vice-royal patron of the [[Welsh Rugby Union]] (WRU) in February 2007, supporting the Queen as patron.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|title=William, the footballer prince, to become FA president|first=Stephen|last=Bates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/sep/17/football.monarchy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620065753/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/sep/17/football.monarchy|date=16 September 2005|access-date=20 May 2024|archive-date=20 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, the WRU's decision to name the [[Prince William Cup]] drew criticism as some believed it would have been more appropriate to name it after [[Ray Gravell]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-in-wales/2007/11/24/prince-william-to-watch-namesake-cup-tie-91466-20155814/ |title=Prince William to watch namesake cup tie |work=WalesOnline |date=24 November 2007 |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126041822/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-in-wales/2007/11/24/prince-william-to-watch-namesake-cup-tie-91466-20155814/ |archive-date=26 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7110794.stm |title=Prince watches Wales lose his cup |work=BBC News |date=24 November 2007 |access-date=29 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111215326/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7110794.stm |archive-date=11 January 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> William became patron of the WRU and the FA in 2016 and 2024, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-38379529|title=Prince William to succeed Queen as Welsh Rugby Union patron|work=BBC News|date=20 December 2016|access-date=9 February 2023|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209184735/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-38379529|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2024-PP"/>

In December 2010, William, alongside [[David Cameron]], attended a meeting with [[FIFA]] vice-president [[Chung Mong-joon]] at which Chung suggested a vote-trading deal for the right to host the 2018 World Cup in England. The English delegation reported the suggestion to FIFA, considering it a violation of anti-collusion rules.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/27/prince-william-david-cameron-caught-fifa-corruption-scandal/|title=Prince William and David Cameron caught up in Fifa corruption scandal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313120755/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/27/prince-william-david-cameron-caught-fifa-corruption-scandal/|archive-date=13 March 2020|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=27 June 2017|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-david-cameron-and-prince-william-implicated-in-fifa-corruption-probe-35874189.html|title=Video: David Cameron and Prince William implicated in FIFA corruption probe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914104818/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-david-cameron-and-prince-william-implicated-in-fifa-corruption-probe-35874189.html|archive-date=14 September 2019|newspaper=Belfast Telegraph|date=28 June 2017}}</ref> In 2011 William, as president of the English FA, voted against [[Australia 2022 FIFA World Cup bid|Australia's 2022 FIFA bid]] and instead voted for South Korea, despite being [[Monarchy of Australia|Australia's future heir]]. In 2020 he voted against the joint [[Australia–New Zealand 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup bid]] and instead voted for [[Colombia 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup bid|Colombia]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=news.com.au|date=28 June 2020|title=Peter FitzSimons condemns Prince William and England's Football Association for controversial World Cup vote|first=Nic|last=Savage|page=1|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/peter-fitzsimons-condemns-prince-william-and-englands-football-association-for-controversial-world-cup-vote/news-story/63b4f61c67342e519ecc4351994dac9d|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628091037/https://www.news.com.au/sport/football/peter-fitzsimons-condemns-prince-william-and-englands-football-association-for-controversial-world-cup-vote/news-story/63b4f61c67342e519ecc4351994dac9d|archive-date=28 June 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2021, following an investigation into racism directed at [[Marcus Rashford]], William released a statement as president of the FA, denouncing the "racist abuse... whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media" as "despicable" and stating that "we all have a responsibility" to create an environment of tolerance and accountability.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duke of Cambridge: Football Association president calls for racist abuse of footballers to stop |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55879952 |access-date=19 February 2021 |work=BBC News |date=31 January 2021 |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221072929/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55879952 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2021, William criticised the planned breakaway competition [[European Super League|The Super League]], adding that he "share[d] the concerns of fans about the proposed Super League and the damage it risks causing to the game we love."<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 April 2021 |title=Prince William criticises 'damaging' European Super League plans |work=The Athletic |url=https://theathletic.com/news/european-super-league-prince-william/h5Xcu3UnJVv7 |access-date=19 April 2021 |archive-date=20 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420014736/https://theathletic.com/news/european-super-league-prince-william/h5Xcu3UnJVv7 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2021, he condemned racist attacks against England football players following their loss at the [[UEFA Euro 2020]] finale.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/12/england-players-racism-euros-defeat/|title=Boris Johnson, Prince William condemn racist abuse of England's Black players|newspaper=The Washington Post|first1=Jennifer|last1=Hassan|first2=Karla|last2=Adam|date=12 July 2021|access-date=24 October 2021|archive-date=9 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809030140/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/07/12/england-players-racism-euros-defeat/|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In May 2007, William became patron of the English Schools' Swimming Association.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royal.uk/prince-william-becomes-patron-english-swimming-schools-association-and-mountain-rescue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225184216/https://www.royal.uk/prince-william-becomes-patron-english-swimming-schools-association-and-mountain-rescue|date=16 May 2007|archive-date=25 February 2024|title=Prince William becomes patron of English Swimming School's Association and Mountain Rescue|website=The Royal Family|access-date=20 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, together with his wife Catherine and brother Harry, William launched Coach Core. The program was set up following the [[2012 Olympics]] and provides apprenticeship opportunities for people who desire to pursue a career as a professional coach.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-34414248|title=Prince William in Cardiff to launch WRU Coach Core scheme|work=BBC News|date=1 October 2015|access-date=9 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927134117/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-34414248|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2020, he appeared in a [[BBC One]] Documentary titled ''Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health'' as a part of a campaign to promote men to discuss their mental issues using football as a common medium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jkbr|title=Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health|work=BBC One|date=28 May 2020|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526180156/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000jkbr|archive-date=26 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Both William and Harry are enthusiastic motorcyclists; William owns a [[Ducati 1198|Ducati 1198 S Corse]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William arrives at polo on Ducati motorcycle|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/5755071/Prince-William-arrives-at-polo-on-Ducati-motorcycle.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220142324/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/5755071/Prince-William-arrives-at-polo-on-Ducati-motorcycle.html|access-date=20 May 2024|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Murray|last=Wardrop|date=6 July 2009|archive-date=20 December 2023|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> In May 2014, William, like his father and grandfather, became president of the [[British Sub-Aqua Club]] (BSAC).<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27353870|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806010541/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27353870|title=Prince William becomes British Sub-Aqua Club president|date=10 May 2014|access-date=20 May 2024|archive-date=6 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He also took part in a [[bandy]] event in [[Stockholm]] in January 2018.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42867399|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206235729/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-42867399|title=Prince William wins bandy hockey shootout in Sweden|date=30 January 2018|access-date=20 May 2024|archive-date=6 December 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2022, William was criticised by Welsh football followers and Welsh actor [[Michael Sheen]] for holding the Prince of Wales title whilst having affiliations with the [[England national football team]], particularly after he presented jerseys to the squad in advance of the [[2022 FIFA World Cup]] in which both [[Wales national football team|Wales]] and England were placed in the same Group B.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Low |first=Valentine |title=Prince of Wales criticised by Michael Sheen over England support |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-of-wales-criticised-by-michael-sheen-over-england-support-8zfmggqbv |access-date=19 November 2022 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221050208/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-of-wales-criticised-by-michael-sheen-over-england-support-8zfmggqbv |url-status=live }}</ref> William commented that he had supported the England football team from a very young age, but happily supported [[Welsh rugby union]], of which he is patron, over England.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title='The drive home will be tense': Prince William and Kate cheer on opposite sides at Wales vs England|date=26 February 2023|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/02/25/prince-william-kate-cheer-opposite-sides-wales-vs-england/|access-date=1 June 2023|url-access=subscription|archive-date=31 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531231046/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/02/25/prince-william-kate-cheer-opposite-sides-wales-vs-england/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2023, he was criticised in segments of the press and social media for not attending [[2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final]] in Australia as president of the FA.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=20 August 2023 |title=Prince William faces criticism for not attending Women's World Cup final |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/20/prince-william-criticism-not-attending-womens-world-cup-final |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820115150/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/20/prince-william-criticism-not-attending-womens-world-cup-final |archive-date=20 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Vassell |first=Nicole |date=20 August 2023 |title=Prince William shares message after criticism for missing women's World Cup Final |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-not-going-to-world-cup-lionesses-b2396154.html |url-status=live |access-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820140711/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/royal-family/prince-william-not-going-to-world-cup-lionesses-b2396154.html |archive-date=20 August 2023}}</ref>

==Public image==
{{further|William, Prince of Wales, in film and television}}
[[File:Prince William at seedhill mills.jpg|thumb|William in 2009|alt=see caption]]

William has been one of the most popular members of the British royal family since his birth.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Reader's Digest|title=15 things you probably never knew about Prince William|url= https://www.rd.com/article/prince-william-facts/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806015829/https://www.rd.com/article/prince-william-facts/|date=6 September 2019|archive-date=6 August 2020|access-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-popular-prince-william-bears-royal-weight-his-shoulders-2022-09-16/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916114844/https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-popular-prince-william-bears-royal-weight-his-shoulders-2022-09-16/|title=Britain's popular Prince William bears royal weight on his shoulders|date=16 September 2022|archive-date=16 September 2022|access-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=Sky News|title=Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's popularity plummets in the UK amid docuseries drama, while Prince William is crowned most loved royal|url=https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/meghan-markle-and-prince-harrys-popularity-plummets-in-the-uk-amid-docuseries-drama-while-prince-william-is-crowned-most-loved-royal/news-story/92698b457f20ab0d6a063478f3e64d81|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214114145/https://www.skynews.com.au/world-news/meghan-markle-and-prince-harrys-popularity-plummets-in-the-uk-amid-docuseries-drama-while-prince-william-is-crowned-most-loved-royal/news-story/92698b457f20ab0d6a063478f3e64d81|date=14 December 2022|archive-date=14 December 2022|access-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Having lived a public life since birth, he was regarded as a "heartthrob" and eligible as a young adult, similar to his father.<ref>{{cite news|work=CBC News|last=Zeidler|first=Maryse |title=That time teenage heartthrob Prince William visited Vancouver|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/archives-prince-william-visit-vancouver-1.3766589|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921185029/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/archives-prince-william-visit-vancouver-1.3766589|access-date=18 September 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|title=Prince William captures the attention of fans with buff look at New York's Billion Oyster project|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/prince-william-captures-the-attention-of-fans-with-buff-look-at-new-yorks-billion-oyster-project/RBHBEVVZNBBIDCCNLVJUKCJTQQ/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920064148/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/prince-william-captures-the-attention-of-fans-with-buff-look-at-new-yorks-billion-oyster-project/RBHBEVVZNBBIDCCNLVJUKCJTQQ/|date=19 September 2023|archive-date=20 September 2023|access-date=4 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jezebel">{{cite web|website=Jezebel|title=The undying fantasy of a dreamy Prince William |url=https://jezebel.com/the-undying-fantasy-of-a-dreamy-prince-1847009527|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610162010/https://jezebel.com/the-undying-fantasy-of-a-dreamy-prince-1847009527|date=10 June 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|access-date=2 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Ruth La Ferla of ''[[The New York Times]]'' contrasted William's "refined" and "polite" appeal to [[Leonardo DiCaprio]]'s "bad-boy" popularity.<ref>{{cite news|work=The New York Times|last=La Ferla |first=Ruth|title=NOTICED; A royal crush |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/style/noticed-a-royal-crush.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217012823/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/03/style/noticed-a-royal-crush.html|date=3 January 1999|archive-date=17 December 2023|access-date=2 September 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his marriage, William's public image assumed a more "staid" and fatherly demeanour, having "settled into a stable domestic order".<ref name="APP">{{cite news|last=Kirka|first=Danica|title=William at 40: A milestone birthday in a life under scrutiny|archive-date=20 June 2022|url=https://apnews.com/article/prince-william-turns-40-1c7fdbee66b84453bfb7205743a3645c|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620150812/https://apnews.com/article/prince-william-turns-40-1c7fdbee66b84453bfb7205743a3645c|website=AP News|access-date=2 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Specia|first=Megan |title=Prince William moves into the spotlight as heir to the throne |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/world/europe/prince-william-heir-king.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916171144/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/world/europe/prince-william-heir-king.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=16 September 2022|archive-date=16 September 2022|access-date=2 September 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

The journalist [[Anne McElvoy]] has described William's public personality as a "genial presence" with a "tougher side", alongside his mother's "inimitable style".<ref>{{cite news|work=Evening Standard|last=McElvoy|first=Anne |title=Prince William at 40 — a king-in-waiting determined to do things his own way|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/prince-william-40-birthday-future-of-the-monarchy-king-b1007251.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621055536/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/prince-william-40-birthday-future-of-the-monarchy-king-b1007251.html|archive-date=21 June 2022|access-date=2 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> Much of his royal duties focus on "big bet" projects, rather than "plaques and patronages". In 2016 William gave an interview stating his goal was "how do I make the royal family relevant in the next 20 years ... that's the challenge for me".<ref>{{cite news|last=Nikkah|first=Roya|title=Prince William to move family to the shires after his 40th birthday |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-william-to-move-family-to-the-shires-after-his-40th-birthday-p2m3dbkn3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127051606/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-william-to-move-family-to-the-shires-after-his-40th-birthday-p2m3dbkn3|work=The Times|archive-date=27 November 2023|access-date=2 September 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="APP"/>

In April 2011, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine listed him as [[100 Most Influential People in the World|one of the most influential people in the world]] alongside his then-newlywed wife Catherine.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The 2011 TIME 100: Prince William and Kate Middleton|magazine=Time |first=Jackie|last=Collins |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066405,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921163630/http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2066367_2066369_2066405,00.html|date=21 April 2011|archive-date=21 September 2023|access-date=15 September 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2023, [[Gallup, Inc.]] named him as the most popular public figure in the US after conducting a survey that asked for people's views on 15 prominent individuals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prince William named as America's most popular public figure ahead of Trump and Zelensky|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=India|last=McTaggart|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/08/09/prince-william-most-popular-public-figure-united-states/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230809213128/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/08/09/prince-william-most-popular-public-figure-united-states/|date=9 August 2023|archive-date=9 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2023|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> He was found to be the most popular member of the royal family by the statistics and polling company [[YouGov]] in December 2022<ref>{{cite web|title=After Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain Britain's most unpopular royals|website=YouGov|first=Joanna|last=Morris|url= https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/12/09/after-prince-andrew-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210073801/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2022/12/09/after-prince-andrew-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle|date=9 December 2022|archive-date=December 10, 2022|access-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> and September 2023,<ref>{{cite web|title=One year into King Charles's reign, how do Britons feel about the monarchy?|website=YouGov|first=Matthew|last=Smith|url=https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2023/09/04/one-year-of-king-charles-how-do-britons-feel-ab|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904233537/https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2023/09/04/one-year-of-king-charles-how-do-britons-feel-ab|date=4 September 2023|archive-date=4 September 2023|access-date=5 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> and as the second most popular in April 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kate Middleton now UK's most popular royal|website=YouGov|first=Matthew|last=Smith|url= https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49089-kate-middleton-now-uks-most-popular-royal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409103033/https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/49089-kate-middleton-now-uks-most-popular-royal|date=9 April 2024|archive-date=9 April 2024|access-date=9 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2024, ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' included William in its annual list of best-dressed celebrities.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|title=The best-dressed celebrities of 2024, from Zara Tindall to Sir Paul Smith|first1=Bethan |first2=Caroline|first3=Tamara |first4=Stephen|last1=Holt |last2=Leaper|last3=Abraham |last4=Doig |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/best-dressed-celebrities-2024-zara-tindall-paul-smith/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214101541/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/best-dressed-celebrities-2024-zara-tindall-paul-smith/|date=14 December 2024|access-date=14 December 2024|archive-date=14 December 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Privacy and the media==
The [[Death of Diana, Princess of Wales|death of William's mother]] while being chased by the [[paparazzi]] in August 1997<ref>{{cite news|title=Paparazzi's role in Diana accident|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/707445.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928081235/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/707445.stm |date=9 April 2000|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-date=28 September 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> has since influenced his attitude towards the media.<ref name="NYT-topless">{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Royal couple sue over photos of topless Duchess|first1=Alan|first2=John F.|last1=Cowell|last2=Burns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/europe/britain-rebukes-magazine-for-publishing-images-of-topless-kate-middleton.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917033356/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/world/europe/britain-rebukes-magazine-for-publishing-images-of-topless-kate-middleton.html|date=14 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-date=17 September 2012|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> He and Catherine have often requested that, when off-duty, their privacy should be respected.<ref name="NYT-topless" /> In 2005 William spoke with ITV reporter [[Tom Bradby]] and concluded that it was likely that their voicemails were being accessed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Julia|last=Day |title=Phone tap investigation widens|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/aug/09/royalsandthemedia.themonarchy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405235429/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/aug/09/royalsandthemedia.themonarchy|date=9 August 2006|archive-date=5 April 2023|access-date=5 April 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> An investigation under then [[Deputy Assistant Commissioner]] [[Peter Clarke (police officer)|Peter Clarke]] concluded that the compromised voice mail accounts belonged to William's aides, including [[Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton]],<ref name=BBC6301243>{{cite news|title=Pair jailed over royal phone taps|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6301243.stm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508044231/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6301243.stm|date=26 January 2007|archive-date=8 May 2024|access-date=5 April 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> and not the prince himself.<ref>{{cite news|title=Phone-hacking row could draw in sports stars and ministers|newspaper=The Times|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2305460,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516183729/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2305460,00.html|archive-date=16 May 2024|access-date=7 July 2011|url-access=subscription|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, [[Clive Goodman]] later stated that he had [[News of the World royal phone hacking scandal|hacked]] William's phone on 35 occasions.<ref>{{cite news|work=BBC News|title=Phone-hacking trial: Kate Middleton 'hacked 155 times'|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930205021/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-27413632|date=14 May 2014|archive-date=30 September 2024|access-date=22 November 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Andy Coulson]], the editor of ''[[News of the World]]'' from 2003 to 2007, apologised to William and his brother for invading their privacy, accepting "ultimate responsibility" for the actions of Goodman.<ref>{{cite news|title=News of the World's Coulson apologises|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Stephen|last=Brook|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/29/newsoftheworld.royalsandthemedia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123032402/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/nov/29/newsoftheworld.royalsandthemedia|date=29 November 2006|access-date=22 January 2025|archive-date=23 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> William later sued [[News Group Newspapers]], publisher of ''News of the World'' and ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'', which resulted in an out-of-court settlement in 2020.<ref name="Guardian-settlement">{{cite news|title=Murdoch firm 'paid secret phone-hacking settlement to Prince William'|newspaper=The Guardian|first=Jim|last=Waterson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/25/prince-william-murdoch-phone-hacking-claims-court-filings-prince-harry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829124455/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/25/prince-william-murdoch-phone-hacking-claims-court-filings-prince-harry| date=25 April 2023|access-date=25 April 2023|archive-date=29 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> He and his brother Harry brought a claim privately through their mutual attorneys, but Harry later pursued his case separately with a new solicitor.<ref name="Guardian-settlement"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Blindsided by Prince Harry again, the royals must be feeling hacked off|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Camilla| last=Tominey|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/04/25/prince-harry-william-kate-media-coronation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528152442/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/04/25/prince-harry-william-kate-media-coronation/|date=25 April 2023|access-date=26 April 2023|archive-date=28 May 2024|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, after his then-girlfriend Catherine Middleton was chased by the paparazzi on her way to a job interview, William consulted Middleton and [[Michael Middleton|her father]] and wrote a legal letter to newspapers requesting that they respect her privacy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/everything-prince-william-has-said-about-navigating-u-k-media/|title=Everything Prince William has said about navigating the U.K. media: 'I wouldn't believe everything you read in the paper'|magazine=Us Weekly|first=Johnni|last=Macke |date=12 December 2022|access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref> As media attention increased around the time of Middleton's 25th birthday in January 2007, he issued a public statement mentioning that "the situation is proving unbearable for all those concerned."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/royal-news/prince-william-kate-middleton-privacy-statement-694695|title=Prince William once sent an angry letter to paparazzi to protect Kate|magazine=Marie Claire|first=Jenny|last=Proudfoot|date=16 August 2022|access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref> In October 2007, William issued a public statement via his press secretary complaining about the "aggressive pursuit" by "photographers on motorcycles, in vehicles and on foot" while the couple were leaving a London nightclub and later driving in his car.<ref name="Reuters-Oct007">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-royal/britains-prince-william-in-paparazzi-row-idUSL0643520820071006|title=Britain's Prince William in paparazzi row|work=Reuters|first=Michael|last=Holden|date=6 October 2007|access-date=9 January 2023}}</ref> Following the statement, ''[[Daily Mail]]'', ''[[Daily Mirror]]'', and ''[[Daily Express]]'' all decided against using the paparazzi photos of the couple, but ''The Sun'' published photos taken before the couple's car had left.<ref name="Reuters-Oct007"/> The statement prompted the Press Complaints Commission (PCC) to issue a warning, asking editors not to publish photographs which were taken through harassment.<ref name="Reuters-Oct007"/> In April 2009, William's lawyers obtained an apology from ''[[Daily Star (United Kingdom)|The Daily Star]]'' after the tabloid had claimed he had "wrecked" a $2m plane during his pilot training.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brook|first=Stephen |title=Daily Star apologises to Prince William|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/30/daily-star-prince-william-apology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816212538/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/apr/30/daily-star-prince-william-apology|newspaper=The Guardian|date=30 April 2009|archive-date=16 August 2023|access-date=12 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2012, the French edition of ''[[Closer (magazine)|Closer]]'' and Italian [[gossip magazine]] ''[[Chi (magazine)|Chi]]'' published photographs of Catherine sun-bathing topless while on holiday at the [[Château d'Autet]] in Provence.<ref name="NYT-topless"/> William and Catherine filed a criminal complaint with the French prosecution department and launched a claim for civil damages at the ''[[Tribunal d'instance|Tribunal de Grande Instance]] de [[Nanterre]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19615475|title=Kate and William to make criminal complaint over topless shots|work=BBC News|date=16 September 2012|access-date=16 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916172921/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19615475|archive-date=16 September 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The following day the courts granted an injunction against ''Closer'' prohibiting further publication of the photographs and announced that a criminal investigation would be initiated.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19631591|title=Kate topless photos: French injunction against magazine|work=BBC News|date=18 September 2012|access-date=18 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918000717/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19631591|archive-date=18 September 2012|url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Hugh|last=Schofield|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19625684 |title=Kate topless pictures: Criminal and legal cases|work=BBC News|date=17 September 2012|access-date=17 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917191028/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19625684|archive-date=17 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, ''Closer'' was fined €100,000 and its editor Laurence Pieau and owner Ernesto Mauri were each fined €45,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kate topless pics: Closer magazine to pay royals in €100k damages|url=http://news.sky.com/story/kate-topless-pics-closer-magazine-ordered-to-pay-100k-damages-11021607|access-date=5 September 2017|work=Sky News|date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906035610/http://news.sky.com/story/kate-topless-pics-closer-magazine-ordered-to-pay-100k-damages-11021607|archive-date=6 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2014, William and Catherine sent a legal letter to a freelance photographer who had put their son George and his nanny "under surveillance", asking the individual to stop "harassing and following" them.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/oct/02/duke-duchess-cambridge-prince-george-photographer|title=Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take action over Prince George 'surveillance'|newspaper=The Guardian|first1=Mark|last1=Sweney|first2=Caroline|last2=Davies|date=2 October 2014|access-date=2 December 2021}}</ref> In August 2015, Kensington Palace published a letter detailing what it stated were the "dangerous" and invasive efforts of the media to get paparazzi pictures of Prince George and Princess Charlotte.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/our-view/letter-kensington-palace|title=A letter from Kensington Palace|website=www.princeofwales.gov.uk|access-date=26 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328220639/http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/media/our-view/letter-kensington-palace|archive-date=28 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2016, William issued a statement supporting Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend, [[Meghan Markle]], following their complaints about the press intrusion, stating that he "understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him."<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Lauren|last=Le Vine|title=Prince William issues statement in support of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/11/prince-william-statement-support-prince-harry-meghan-markle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220145131/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/11/prince-william-statement-support-prince-harry-meghan-markle|date=27 November 2016|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=20 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> During a visit to the BBC studios in central London in November 2018, he publicly criticised the social media firms' approach to handling "misinformation and conspiracy" and added, "Their self-image is so grounded in their positive power for good that they seem unable to engage in constructive discussion about the social problems they are creating".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46226743|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115190528/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46226743|title=Prince William criticises social media firms|work=BBC News|date=15 November 2018|archive-date=15 November 2018|access-date=22 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2022, a three-minute video of William confronting Terry Harris, a paparazzi photographer, was posted on Harris' YouTube channel.<ref name="Independent-Harris">{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/prince-william-leaked-video-photographer-b2110778.html|title=Palace responds to 'leak' of viral video showing Prince William confronting photographer|work=The Independent|first=Maanya|last=Sachdeva|date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628055654/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/prince-william-leaked-video-photographer-b2110778.html|archive-date=28 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> It was recorded by Harris in January 2021 and shows William arguing with Harris as the latter attempts to film William's family on a bike ride near Anmer Hall.<ref name="Telegraph-Harris">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/27/royal-family-privacy-row-youtube-video-prince-william-confronting/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627215036/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/06/27/royal-family-privacy-row-youtube-video-prince-william-confronting/|title=Royal family in privacy row with YouTube over video of Prince William confronting photographer|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|first=Hannah |last=Furness|date=27 June 2022|archive-date=27 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref> Kensington Palace described the video as a breach of the family's privacy and asked for it to be removed from public websites.<ref name="Telegraph-Harris"/> The couple's lawyers also contacted the photographer, who claimed he was on public roads and had filmed the video after hearing about allegations that the couple had broken the "[[rule of six]]" as they toured a public attraction at Sandringham while William's uncle and aunt, then [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Earl]] and [[Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh|Countess of Wessex]], and their children happened to be in the same spot.<ref name="Independent-Harris"/>

==Titles, styles, and honours==
{{Further|List of titles and honours of William, Prince of Wales}}

===Titles and styles===
William has been a [[British prince]] since birth, and was known as "Prince William of Wales" until April 2011. He was created [[Duke of Cambridge]], [[Earl of Strathearn]] and [[Baron Carrickfergus]] by his grandmother, Elizabeth II, on the day of his wedding. The [[letters patent (United Kingdom)|letters patent]] granting these titles were issued on 26 May that year.<ref name="titles2">{{cite web |website=The Royal Family|date=29 April 2011|title=Announcement of titles |url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2011/Announcementoftitles29April2011.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430090334/http://www.royal.gov.uk/LatestNewsandDiary/Pressreleases/2011/Announcementoftitles29April2011.aspx |archive-date=30 April 2011 |access-date=29 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="LG5978">{{London Gazette
| issue = 59798
| date = 1 June 2011
| page = 10297
| nolink = yes
}}</ref>

As the eldest son of the monarch, William automatically became [[Duke of Cornwall]], [[Duke of Rothesay]], [[Earl of Carrick]], [[Baron of Renfrew (title)|Baron of Renfrew]], [[Lord of the Isles]], and [[Prince and Great Steward of Scotland]] on the accession of his father on 8 September 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Furness |first1=Hannah |last2=Mendick |first2=Robert |date=10 September 2022 |title=Royal family title changes: William and Kate become Prince and Princess of Wales |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/new-royal-titles-family-prince-wales-william-kate-middleton/ |access-date=10 September 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220910134402/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/0/new-royal-titles-family-prince-wales-william-kate-middleton/|archive-date=10 September 2022|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Elston |first=Laura |date=8 September 2022 |title=How the Royal Family's titles have now changed after the death of the Queen |work=Bloomberg News|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-08/its-king-charles-iii-not-charles-111-royal-family-titles-change |access-date=10 September 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220910134837/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-08/its-king-charles-iii-not-charles-111-royal-family-titles-change |archive-date=10 September 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> From 8 to 9 September, William was styled as "His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge |title=Duke of Cornwall and Cambridge |website=The Royal Family |access-date=9 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909173443/https://www.royal.uk/the-duke-of-cambridge |archive-date=9 September 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 9 September, Charles announced the creation of William as [[Prince of Wales]], the traditional title for the male heir apparent to the British monarch. William has since been known as "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales", except in Scotland, where he is called "His Royal Highness the Duke of Rothesay" instead.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |date=9 September 2022 |title=Watch: King Charles's first speech in full |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-62856345 |access-date=9 September 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Furness |first1=Hannah |last2=Mendick |first2=Robert |date=18 September 2022 |title=Royal family title changes in full: William and Kate become Prince and Princess of Wales |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2022/09/18/new-royal-titles-family-prince-wales-william-kate-middleton/ |access-date=23 September 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The letters patent formally granting him this title and that of [[Earl of Chester]] were issued on 13 February 2023.<ref>{{London Gazette|issue=63979|page=3638|date=27 February 2023}}</ref>

===Honours===
William is a Royal [[Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter]] (KG),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/PrinceWilliam/Stylesandtitles.aspx |title=The Duke of Cambridge: Styles and Titles |work=The Royal Family |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414152844/http://www.royal.gov.uk/ThecurrentRoyalFamily/PrinceWilliam/Stylesandtitles.aspx |archive-date=14 April 2012 }}</ref> an Extra [[Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle]] (KT),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royal.uk/new-appointments-order-thistle-0 |title=New appointments to the Order of the Thistle, 29 May 2012 |date=29 May 2012 |work=The Royal Family |access-date=23 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424071729/https://www.royal.uk/new-appointments-order-thistle-0 |archive-date=24 April 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Great Master of the [[Most Honourable Order of the Bath]] (GCB),<ref>{{cite news|last=Milss|first=Rhiannon|title=King recognises Queen and Prince William in honours list and creates new role for Kate, Princess of Wales|url=https://news.sky.com/story/king-recognises-queen-and-prince-william-in-honours-list-and-creates-new-role-for-kate-princess-of-wales-13121607|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423152048/https://news.sky.com/story/king-recognises-queen-and-prince-william-in-honours-list-and-creates-new-role-for-kate-princess-of-wales-13121607|access-date=23 April 2024|work=Sky News|date=23 April 2024|archive-date=23 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> a member of the [[Privy Council of the United Kingdom]] (PC),<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Richard |date=10 June 2016 |title=Is Camilla's promotion first step to becoming Queen? |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/678872/Is-Camilla-s-promotion-first-step-to-becoming-Queen |work=Daily Express |access-date=1 June 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Privy Council members |url=https://privycouncil.independent.gov.uk/privy-council/privy-council-members/|access-date=7 October 2022 |website=Privy Council}}</ref> and a [[Personal Aide-de-Camp]] (ADC) to the sovereign.<ref name="AidedeCamp">{{cite news|title=Duke of Cambridge becomes Aide-de-Camp to the Queen|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/9935850/Duke-of-Cambridge-becomes-Aide-de-Camp-to-the-Queen.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610032206/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/prince-william/9935850/Duke-of-Cambridge-becomes-Aide-de-Camp-to-the-Queen.html|date=17 March 2013|access-date=6 May 2016 |archive-date=10 June 2016|url-access=subscription|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Ancestry ==
William's ancestry is royal and aristocratic. [[Patrilineally]], he is a member of the [[House of Windsor]] and also descends from the [[House of Oldenburg]], one of Europe's oldest royal houses. More specifically, he descends from the [[cadet branch]] known as the [[House of Glücksburg]].<ref name="huberty">Huberty, Michel (1994). ''L'Allemagne dynastique''. Volume 7 ("Oldenbourg"). Le Perreux-sur-Marne:  [[Giraud (publishers)|Giraud]]. {{ISBN|2-901138-07-1}}, {{ISBN|978-2-901138-07-5}}.</ref>

Through his mother, William descends from the [[Earls Spencer]]{{snd}}a cadet branch of the [[Spencer family]] descended from the [[Earls of Sunderland]] (the senior branch are now also [[Dukes of Marlborough]]); the [[Barons Fermoy]]; and more anciently from [[Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton]], and [[Charles Lennox, 1st Duke of Richmond]]{{snd}}two illegitimate sons of [[Charles II of England|King Charles II]]. As king, William would be the first monarch since the death of [[Anne, Queen of Great Britain|Anne]] in 1714 to undisputedly descend from [[Charles I of England|Charles I]] and the first to descend from Charles II.<ref name="williamson"/>
	
William descends [[matrilineally]] from Eliza Kewark, a housekeeper for his 18th-century ancestor Theodore Forbes{{snd}}a Scottish merchant who worked for the East India Company in [[Surat]]. She is variously described in contemporary documents as "a dark-skinned native woman", "an [[Armenians|Armenian]] woman from Bombay", and "Mrs. Forbesian".<ref name="williamson">Williamson, D (1981) "The Ancestry of Lady Diana Spencer". ''Genealogist's Magazine'' '''20'''(6): 192–199; '''20'''(8): 281–282</ref> Genealogist [[William Addams Reitwiesner]] assumed Kewark was Armenian.<ref name="wargs">{{cite web|last=Reitwiesner|first=William Addams|url=http://www.wargs.com/essays/ethnic.html|title=The Ethnic ancestry of Prince William|website=wargs.com |year=2006|access-date=24 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116181306/http://www.wargs.com/essays/ethnic.html|archive-date=16 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2013, it was reported that [[genealogical DNA test]]s on two of William's distant matrilineal cousins confirm Kewark was matrilineally of Indian descent.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news|last=Sinha|first=Kounteya|title=Hunt on for Prince William's distant cousins in Surat|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/Hunt-on-for-Prince-Williams-distant-cousins-in-Surat/articleshow/20611810.cms|access-date=11 August 2013|date=16 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928034026/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-16/uk/40006496_1_indian-dna-east-india-company-mtdna|archive-date=28 September 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A Royal Revelation |url=http://www.britainsdna.com/royal-revelation |work=BritainsDNA |access-date=11 August 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717092958/http://www.britainsdna.com/royal-revelation |archive-date=17 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=The Times|date=14 June 2013|title=Revealed: the Indian ancestry of William|first=David|last=Brown|page=1|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3790940.ece|url-access=subscription|access-date=11 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627023321/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article3790940.ece|archive-date=27 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hern|first=Alex|title=Are there ethical lapses in the Times' story on William's 'Indian ancestry'?|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/media/2013/06/are-there-ethical-lapses-times-story-williams-indian-ancestry|access-date=11 August 2013|newspaper=New Statesman|date=14 June 2013|quote=Although Eliza Kewark was indeed thought of as Armenian, it's not particularly surprising that she would have had Indian ancestors; the Armenian diaspora had been in India for centuries at the time of her birth, and even the most insular communities tend to experience genetic mixing over that timescale.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820173757/http://www.newstatesman.com/media/2013/06/are-there-ethical-lapses-times-story-williams-indian-ancestry|archive-date=20 August 2013|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

{{Ahnentafel|1. '''William, Prince of Wales'''|2. [[Charles III of the United Kingdom]]|3. [[Lady Diana Spencer]]|4. [[Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark]]|5. [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom]]|6. [[John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer]]|7. [[Frances Shand Kydd|The Honourable Frances Roche]]|8. [[Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark]]|9. [[Princess Alice of Battenberg]]|10. [[George VI of the United Kingdom]]|11. [[Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon]]|12. [[Albert Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer]]|13. [[Lady Cynthia Hamilton]]|14. [[Maurice Roche, 4th Baron Fermoy]]|15. [[Ruth Gill]]|align=center|collapsed=yes|ref=<ref>{{Cite book |last=Paget |first=Gerald|title=The Lineage and Ancestry of H.R.H. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales ''(2 vols)'' |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Charles Skilton |year=1977 |isbn=978-0-284-40016-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Evans|first=Richard K.|title=The Ancestry of Diana, Princess of Wales|year=2007|publisher=New England Historic Genealogical Society|location=Boston|isbn=9780880822084|url=http://www.americanancestors.org/Product.aspx?id=14815|access-date=12 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210205411/http://americanancestors.org/Product.aspx?id=14815|archive-date=10 December 2010}}</ref>|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;}}

==Bibliography==
===Book contributions===
* "Preface", in: {{Cite book|title=Elizabeth II: The Steadfast|publisher=Allen Lane|year=2015|isbn=978-0-1419794-10|oclc=|first=Douglas|last=Hurd}}
* "Introduction", in: {{Cite book|title=Earthshot: How to Save Our Planet|publisher=John Murray|year=2021|isbn=978-1-5293886-26|oclc=|first1=Colin|last1=Butfield|first2=Jonnie|last2=Hughes}}
* "Foreword", in: {{Cite book|title=Flowers for Elephants: How a Conservation Movement in Kenya Offers Lessons for Us All|publisher=C. Hurst (Publishers) Limited|year=2022|isbn=978-1-7873869-38|oclc=|first=Peter|last=Martell}}
* "Foreword", in: {{cite book|title=Puzzles for Spies|publisher=National Geographic Books|year=2022|isbn=978-0-2415799-09|oclc=|author=GCHQ}}
* "Foreword", in: {{Cite book |title=The Earthshot Prize: A Handbook for Dreamers and Thinkers: Solutions to Repair our Planet|publisher= Hachette Children's|year=2023|isbn=978-1-5263646-92|oclc=|first1=Colin|last1=Butfield|first2=Jonnie|last2=Hughes}}
* "Foreword", in: {{Cite book|title=They Also Served: 200 People Who Trained At Sandhurst|publisher=Sandhurst Trust|year=2024|isbn=|first=Vaughan|last=Kent-Payne|url=https://shop.sandhursttrust.org/products/book-and-they-served|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204170029/https://shop.sandhursttrust.org/products/book-and-they-served|archive-date=4 February 2024|url-status=live}}
* "Foreword", in: {{Cite book|title=Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family and Never Giving Up|publisher=Century|year=2025|isbn=978-1-5299413-33|oclc=|first=Lindsey|last=Burrow}}

===Authored letters and articles===
* {{Cite web|author=The Duke of Cambridge|date=7 September 2020|archive-date=16 August 2023|title=An open letter written by The Duke of Cambridge to mark Air Ambulance Week 2020|url=https://www.royal.uk/open-letter-written-duke-cambridge-mark-air-ambulance-week-2020-0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816212612/https://www.royal.uk/open-letter-written-duke-cambridge-mark-air-ambulance-week-2020-0|website=The Royal Family|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite news|author1=Prince William|author2=Michael Bloomberg|date=28 September 2021|archive-date=16 August 2023|title=We're in a race to save Earth from climate change|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2021/09/28/prince-william-mike-bloomberg-climate-change-earthshot-prize/8405725002/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816212916/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2021/09/28/prince-william-mike-bloomberg-climate-change-earthshot-prize/8405725002/|work=USA Today|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite web|author=The Duke of Cambridge|date=20 June 2022|archive-date=2 October 2023 |title=Prince William: 'Why I wanted to work with The Big Issue'|url=https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/prince-william-why-i-wanted-to-work-with-the-big-issue/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002170242/https://www.bigissue.com/opinion/prince-william-why-i-wanted-to-work-with-the-big-issue/|website=The Big Issue|url-status=live}}

==See also==
* [[List of covers of Time magazine (1990s)]], [[List of covers of Time magazine (2010s)|(2010s)]]

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
===Books===
* {{cite book |last=Jobson |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Jobson |year=2010 |title=William & Kate: The Love Story |url=https://archive.org/details/williamkateloves0000jobs |url-access=registration|publisher=John Blake Publishing |isbn=978-1-84454-736-4 }}
* {{cite book|last=Lacey|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Lacey|title=Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult|publisher=William Collins|year=2020|isbn=978-0008408527}}
* {{cite book|last=Morton|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Morton (writer)|title=William & Catherine: Their Story|publisher=St. Martin's Press|date=2011|isbn=978-0-312-64340-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/williamcatherine00mort}}
* {{cite book|last=Junor |first=Penny |author-link=Penny Junor |year=2013 |title=Prince William: The Man Who Will Be King |publisher=Pegasus |isbn=978-1-60598-442-1}}
*{{Cite book |last1=Graham |first1=Tim |last2=Archer |first2=Peter |title=William: HRH Prince William of Wales |date=2003 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-0-74-324857-0 |mode=cs2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Junor |first=Penny |title=Prince William: Born to be King |date=2013 |publisher=Hodder Paperbacks |isbn=978-1-44-472041-9 |mode=cs2}}

===Articles===
* {{cite news |last=Campbell|first=Alastair |author-link=Alastair Campbell  |title=Prince William on Diana, Princess of Wales: In the most candid interview he has ever given, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge speaks |magazine=[[GQ]]|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/prince-william-diana-princess-of-wales |date=29 May 2017 }}
* {{Cite magazine |first=Mark |last=Hedges |date=21 November 2018 |title=The Duke of Cambridge on the countryside, wildlife and passing on his father's inspiring example to George, Charlotte and Louis |url=https://www.countrylife.co.uk/nature/duke-cambridge-countryside-wildlife-passing-fathers-inspiring-example-george-charlotte-louis-188854 |magazine=Country Life}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q36812|c=Category:William, Prince of Wales|The Prince of Wales|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|n=no|q=William, Prince of Wales}}
* [https://www.royal.uk/the-prince-of-wales The Prince of Wales] at the official website of the British royal family
* [https://duchyofcornwall.org/the-duke-of-cornwall.html The Duke of Cornwall] at the official website of the [[Duchy of Cornwall]] 
* [https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/royal-family/members-royal-family/prince-wales.html The Prince of Wales] at the official website of the [[Government of Canada]]
* {{NPG name}}
* {{C-SPAN|78570}}
* {{IMDb name|1056413|Prince William}}


{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[House of Windsor]]|21 June|1982}}
{{S-other|line}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-new|first
| reason = [[Heir apparent]]
}}
{{S-ttl
| title = [[Succession to the British throne]]
| years = 1st in line
}}
{{S-fol|after=[[Prince George of Wales]]}}
|-
{{S-break}}
{{S-roy|uk}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-vac|last=[[Charles III|Charles (III)]]}}
{{S-ttl
| title = [[Prince of Wales]]
| years = 2022–present
}}
{{S-inc
| rows = 2
| heir = [[Prince George of Wales]]
| heir-type = Presumed next holder
}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Charles III|Charles (III)]]}}
{{S-ttl
| title = [[Duke of Cornwall]] <br> [[Duke of Rothesay]]
| years = 2022–present
}}
{{S-reg|uk}}
|-
{{S-vac|reason=4th creation extinct in 1904|last=[[Prince George, Duke of Cambridge|Prince George]]}}
{{S-ttl
| title = [[Duke of Cambridge]]
| creation = 5th creation
| years = 2011–present
}}
{{S-inc
|-
}}
|-
{{S-prec|uk}}
{{S-bef
| before = [[Charles III|The King]]
}}
{{S-ttl
| title = [[Orders of precedence in the United Kingdom#British royal family|Gentlemen]]<br />''HRH The Prince of Wales''
}}
{{S-fol|after=[[Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex|The Duke of Sussex]]}}
|-
{{s-culture}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Prince Andrew, Duke of York|The Duke of York]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = President of [[The Football Association]]
| years = 2006–present
}}
{{s-inc
| rows = 2
}}
|-
{{s-bef
| before = [[Richard Attenborough|The Lord Attenborough]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = President of [[BAFTA]]
| years = 2010–present
}}
|-
{{s-hon}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Sir Sebastian Roberts]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Colonel of the [[Irish Guards]]
| years = 2011–2022
}}
{{s-aft
| after = [[Catherine, Princess of Wales|The Princess of Wales]]
}}
{{s-bef
| before = [[Charles III|The Prince of Wales]]
}}
{{s-ttl
| title = Colonel of the [[Welsh Guards]]
| years = 2022–present
}}
{{s-inc}}
{{S-vac|last=[[Charles III|The Prince of Wales]]}}
{{S-ttl|title=[[Great Master of the Order of the Bath]]|years=2024–present}}
{{S-inc}}
{{s-end}}

{{William, Prince of Wales}}
{{Navboxes
|list={{UK Order of Precedence (Gentlemen)}}
{{British princes}}
{{Windsor family}}
{{Mountbatten-Windsor}}
{{Princes of Wales}}
{{Current British dukes}}
{{Dukes of Cornwall}}
{{Dukes of Cambridge}}
{{Dukes of Rothesay}}
{{Earls of Strathearn}}
{{Current heirs of monarchies}}
{{Members of the Order of the Garter}}
{{Members of the Order of the Thistle}}
{{Grand Masters of the Order of the Bath}}
{{The Football Association}}
{{FRS 2009}}
}}

{{portal bar|Monarchy|United Kingdom|England|London|Scotland|Wales|Northern Ireland|Australia|Belize|Canada|Jamaica|New Zealand|Tuvalu}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:William, Wales, Prince of}}
[[Category:William, Prince of Wales| ]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century British people]]
[[Category:21st-century British Army personnel]]
[[Category:21st-century Royal Air Force personnel]]
[[Category:21st-century Royal Navy personnel]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of St Andrews]]
[[Category:Alumni of St John's College, Cambridge]]
[[Category:Blues and Royals officers]]
[[Category:British Anglicans]]
[[Category:British environmentalists]]
[[Category:British geographers]]
[[Category:British male water polo players]]
[[Category:British polo players]]
[[Category:Dukes created by Elizabeth II|Cambridge, William]]
[[Category:Dukes of Cambridge]]
[[Category:Dukes of Cornwall]]
[[Category:Dukes of Rothesay]]
[[Category:Earls or mormaers of Strathearn]]
[[Category:Graduates of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]]
[[Category:Helicopter pilots]]
[[Category:Heirs to the British throne]]
[[Category:House of Windsor]]
[[Category:Knights of the Garter]]
[[Category:Knights of the Thistle]]
[[Category:Great Masters of the Order of the Bath]]
[[Category:Princes and great stewards of Scotland]]
[[Category:Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Middleton family (British)]]
[[Category:Mountbatten-Windsor family]]
[[Category:People from London]]
[[Category:People educated at Eton College]]
[[Category:People educated at Ludgrove School]]
[[Category:People educated at Wetherby School]]
[[Category:Presidents of the Football Association]]
[[Category:British princes]]
[[Category:Princes of Wales]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force wing commanders]]
[[Category:Royal Navy officers]]
[[Category:Sons of kings]]
[[Category:English male water polo players]]
[[Category:British people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:British people of German descent]]