PRINCE WILLIAM
(from the official website of the Royal Family www.royalty.gov.uk)

Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, in London. He was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Buckingham Palace.

Prince William began his education at Mrs Mynor's Nursery School in west London in September 1985, aged 3. In January 1987, William was enrolled at Wetherby School, also in London, and was a pupil there until July 1990.

He spent five years at Ludgrove School from September 1990 until July 1995, and then attended Eton College, Windsor, where he studied Geography, Biology and History of Art at A Level after sitting 12 GCSEs.

After passing his A Levels, Prince William took a gap year, spending time on manoeuvres in Belize, working on a farm in the United Kingdom, helping in community projects with other young people in a remote area of Chile, and visiting countries in Africa.

After returning to the UK Prince William studied at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. In June 2005 he completed his four-year course, graduating with a 2:1 in his Master of Arts (Honours) Degree in Geography.

Prince William is currently undertaking officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in Surrey, having passed his Regular Commissions Board (RCB) to gain entry to the college in October 2005.

Prince William is a keen sportsman and prefers football, rugby, tennis, swimming and water polo. At Ludgrove, he was rugby and hockey team captain and represented the school at cross-country running.

Prince William is also a crack clay pigeon shooter, winning the school's prize in 1994. He acted in school plays, and enjoys reading and film-going.

Prince William's first public appearance was on a visit to Wales on St David's Day (1 March), at a service at Llandaff Cathedral, aged 8.

Since then, the Prince has undertaken a number of public engagements.

In May 1995, Prince William accompanied his mother, father and brother to the 50th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) commemorations in Hyde Park. He also accompanied his family to the VJ (Victory in Japan) Day 50th anniversary commemorations in front of Buckingham Palace and in the Mall in August 1995.

Following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William attended his mother's funeral at Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997. In the same year he made another official appearance at Westminster Abbey, when he attended the service of thanksgiving to mark the Golden Wedding of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh in November 1997.

In 2002, Prince William attended engagements in London to mark the Golden Jubilee of his grandmother, The Queen.

In July 2005 Prince William visited New Zealand, supporting the British and Irish Lions rugby team on their tour to New Zealand, and representing The Queen in Wellington and Auckland at events to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

In September 2005 Prince William took on his first patronage, becoming Patron of Centrepoint, the UK's leading youth homelessness charity.

He has also become President-Designate of The Football Association, and will take over from his uncle, The Duke of York, as President of the governing body of English football in May 2006.

Towards the end of 2005, Prince William undertook a programme of work experience which involved working at financial institutions in the City of London, learning more about land management on a country estate and working with an RAF Mountain Rescue Team in Wales. 

On 28 October 2005, Prince William also visited the training ground of Charlton Athletic in his capacity as President-Designate of The Football Association (FA) to see a community football programme in action and to train with the team.

In December 2005, Prince William became Patron of the Tusk Trust, an African conservation charity based in the UK.

In January 2006, Prince William entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to begin his training as an army officer.