Looking Back at Prince William's Royal Childhood

Less than a year after his parents' wedding, on June 21, 1982, Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis was born at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London—the same birthplace as his own child!

Even from when he was just a little kid, Prince William was a public figure constantly in the spotlight. In order to satisfy the public's hunger for photos and information about the young heir, photo calls were held at their home, Kensington Palace, so the paparazzi could get a snap of the toddler. We love this adorable video of a young Will and Harry with their parents.

Being a Prince—even a young one—means you get to rub elbows with some very influential people! Prince William has been charming heads of state and royal leaders from around the world since he was in diapers. Of course, there are perks to such friendships, like vacationing on the King of Spain's yacht, as seen here.

Diana was especially dedicated to making sure Will and Harry had as normal an upbringing as possible, given their prominent place in British society (not to mention the world). While this meant exposing them to the harsher sides of the world, such as visits to orphanages and meeting the homeless, it also meant some fun too. Here, the trio gets splashed on a log ride during a visit to a UK amusement park.

Will left his childhood behind with his departure to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The first heir to the throne to decide against attending Oxford or Cambridge, William met future wife, Kate Middleton, in his first-year residence, St. Salvadors Hall. And from there, the rest is history.