The crown prince is 43!
Prince William celebrates his birthday on Saturday, June 21 — another of his many years in the public eye since his 1982 birth to Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The royal has grown up with the world watching, from infancy to his college years and fairytale romance with Kate Middleton.
Ahead, look back on the Prince of Wales’ best throwback photos throughout the years.
Baby Face
Anwar Hussein/Getty
The 17-month-old prince beamed in the gardens of Kensington Palace for a photo call.
Overall Perfect
Anwar Hussein/Getty
For his second birthday, William wore all blue for another photoshoot in the Kensington Palace gardens.
Ready to Serve
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Royal reporting for duty! The 4-year-old donned the Parachute Regiment’s camo uniform and saluted at the family’s home.
Go Hand in Hand
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
A bundled up William matched in red with his mom Diana as the family entered the Cirencester Park Polo Club.
Styling Socks
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty
It was a blue Christmas for William as he wore knee-high socks to church service.
In the Bag
Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty
He toyed with his mom’s white handbag during Cartier International Polo Day at Smiths Lawn Polo Club.
Snow Day
Anwar Hussein/Getty
He’s been an avid skier since childhood, spending a holiday with his mom in Switzerland.
Ready, Set, Go
Anwar Hussein/Getty
Just after his 10th birthday, William sat by the racetrack to watch the British Grand Prix.
Suit and Tie
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
He’s comfortable in a suit and tie, wearing one for public appearances since his early teenage years.
In Recovery
Tim Graham Photo Library via Gett
At the christening of Prince Konstantine Alexios, he sported a sling for a rugby-related injury that required him to undergo an operation.
Summer Boy
Anwar Hussein/Getty
He spent part of his summer in 1997 relaxing along the banks of the River Dee in Scotland.
Teal Him Something Good
Jayne Fincher/The Fincher Files/Popperfoto via Getty
As he entered his college years, William opted for a preppier style, which suited him pretty well.
Booksmart
Toby Melville-Pool/Getty
Then 18, he went on an expedition with Raleigh International to the village of Tortel in southern Chile.
Polo Prince
Anthony Harvey/Getty
He went from watching the polo games to saddling up for them — and still plays to this day!
Push and Pool
Pool Photograph/Corbis/Corbis via Getty
He attended college at St. Andrews University (where he would meet his future wife Kate).
