Happy 42nd Birthday, Prince William!

Today marks a significant milestone for Prince William, who celebrates his 42nd birthday on June 21.

Born as William Arthur Philip Louis at the Lindow Wing of St. Mary's Hospital, he is the son of King Charles and the late Princess Diana.

Over the years, this once little boy has grown into a beloved father and husband, earning him immense popularity among the public.

To celebrate this special occasion, Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shared a heartwarming tribute to her husband.

She posted a delightful photograph of Prince William enjoying a day at the beach with their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The snapshot, taken last month in Norfolk, captures a joyful moment of William leaping off a sand dune, a broad smile lighting up his face.

Accompanying the image was a sweet message from Catherine that read, “Happy birthday, Papa!

We all love you so much!”

She ended her note with a loving “CX.”

While the family will likely enjoy a private celebration together, public tributes have poured in from various members of the royal family.

One of the first posts came from King Charles's official account, featuring an adorable photo of a young William beaming alongside his father from 1982.

The caption wished a heartfelt happy birthday to the Prince of Wales.

Reflecting on his son's birth, King Charles had previously expressed how transformative the experience was for him.

In a letter to his cousin, the Countess of Mountbatten of Burma, he wrote about the profound joy of witnessing William's arrival, describing it as “an astonishing experience.”

He emphasized his gratitude for being present during the birth, feeling a deep connection to his newborn son.

The late Queen Elizabeth II also shared in the excitement of William's birth, reportedly being overjoyed at the news of her newest grandchild.

Although he grew up in the spotlight as a member of the royal family, Princess Diana made a concerted effort to provide both William and his brother, Prince Harry, with a semblance of normalcy in their upbringing.

In recent years, especially following the passing of Queen Elizabeth, William's role within the monarchy has undergone a notable transformation.

With the new title of Prince of Wales bestowed upon him by his father, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including becoming the head of the Duchy of Cornwall—a vast estate valued at over a billion dollars.

This past year has seen William skillfully juggle his royal duties with family life, particularly as the monarchy gears up for a busy summer season.

Even in Princess Catherine's absence, he has consistently represented the royal family at various events, from garden parties to significant celebrations like Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot.

Last year, on his birthday, the British royal family's social media shared a charming behind-the-scenes photo from coronation rehearsals, showcasing a smiling King Charles wishing his son a happy birthday.

This year, the celebration continued with Westminster Abbey ringing its bells in honor of Prince William.

In 2020, the Abbey's bells chimed not only for William but also for several other royals, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, along with their children.

It's a beautiful tradition that highlights the royal family's enduring legacy and connection to the public.

As Prince William steps into another year of life, he does so with the support of his family and the admiration of millions.

His journey from a young boy to a future king is a testament to his resilience and dedication to both his family and his royal duties.