Today is Prince William’s 43rd birthday – and while most of us at that age are trying to figure out how to function without caffeine and are trying to make sense of our future pension plans, William’s got slightly bigger things on his plate. Like the small matter of becoming King. Eventually.
It’s easy to forget, behind all the royal titles and military uniforms, that this man has lived through more than most soap opera characters. At 15, he lost his mum. In his 30s, he lost his brother – to a wife and new life in California! And now in his 40s, he’s juggling royal duties while both his father and his wife undergo cancer treatment.
King-in-Waiting… Still Waiting
Prince William is next in line to the throne, which sounds grand until you realise it’s basically the world’s longest internship. While King Charles does the main job, William’s already been quietly preparing – carrying out engagements, being a full-time dad of three, and trying to keep the royal brand vaguely modern without frightening the traditionalists.
It’s a weird gig. You’re not quite in charge, but everyone’s watching you like you are. Imagine shadowing your boss for 20 years while the tabloids comment on your facial expressions.
When Cancer Strikes Family… Twice
As if preparing for the crown wasn’t enough, this year has brought more than its fair share of personal strain. Both King Charles and Princess Catherine have been diagnosed with cancer, meaning William’s been navigating work, worry and school runs all at once.
And yet he’s managed to hold things together, smile through it, and turn up in a suit looking like everything’s fine – which is basically British parenting in a nutshell.
Let’s be honest: he’s probably functioning on tea, duty, and the occasional deep sigh in the car.
School Runs and Sovereignty
Despite the weight of royal duty and everything life has thrown at him, one role Prince William seems to take most seriously is being a dad. Whether it’s dropping the kids off at school, sharing cheesy dad jokes, or cheering from the sidelines at football matches, he’s clearly hands-on with George, Charlotte, and Louis. You get the sense he’s not just raising future royals, but trying to give them as normal a childhood as possible – well, as normal as it can be when your grandad’s the King and your face is on mugs!
Diana’s Boy
It’s impossible not to think of Diana around his birthday. She’d have been 63 this year, and you can’t help but wonder what she’d make of all this – the boys, the drama, the crown creeping closer.
William’s always carried her spirit in the way he works: less pomp, more people. He’s got her quiet compassion, her sense of purpose, and thankfully, none of her media flirtation. No interviews with Oprah, no dancing with John Travolta – just quietly getting on with it.
The Harry-Shaped Hole
Now, let’s talk about the elephant not in the room – Prince Harry. The once-close brothers are now basically pen pals who don’t write. There’s no hiding the distance, and no need to speculate wildly (though the press does a fantastic job of that anyway). The rift is real, the silence louder than a royal trumpet, and despite the hopeful headlines, there’s been little sign of a thaw.
Whether they ever make up is anyone’s guess, but for now, William’s focused on the family who are still firmly in the palace – showing up for duty, supporting each other, and probably not writing memoirs. He’s stepping into a role that demands unity and stability, not side-eye and Sussex-sized surprises. Whatever’s going on behind the scenes, he’s keeping calm and carrying on – royal stiff upper lip and all.
So What’s Next?
At 43, William isn’t just another royal blowing out more candles – he’s a man who’s been through it. The grief, the pressure, the weird hats – all of it. But there’s something quite steady and reassuring about him, isn’t there? He’s got that “dad who’s holding it all together but really just wants to sit down for five minutes” energy.
He may not be King yet, but you get the feeling the throne will suit him when it does come. He’s grown into a leader who listens, adapts, and still occasionally gets caught rolling his eyes at silly questions. A king in waiting, yes – but also a man who knows what matters: family, service, and probably a strong cup of tea.
Happy birthday, William. Here’s hoping this year brings less stress, more joy, and maybe just one full night’s sleep.
4 Responses
Happy Birthday Prince William! Rise above the rest!
Joanne KILLED this!! 👑
ah Joanne! loving this. Happy Bday Will! 👑🇬🇧🏴🏴🏴
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