Key answer at a glance
Prince William was 29 years old at the time of his wedding to Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on 29 April 2011. He was born on 21 June 1982, making him 29 years and just under 10 months old at marriage. This summary provides verified dates, sources, and context for this widely documented royal event.
Birth and early context
William was born on 21 June 1982, making him the eldest child of Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and Diana, Princess of Wales. His birth secured the line of succession and drew significant public attention. Over the following decades, his age and milestones were closely tracked by media and the monarchy.
Path to marriage
William met Catherine Middleton in 2001 while studying at St Andrews University. Their relationship developed over several years, including periods of living together. By 2010, William proposed during a holiday in Kenya. The engagement was announced in November 2010, setting the stage for a wedding planned the following year.
Royal wedding and exact age
The wedding took place on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London. William was 29 years and about 10 months old at the time. He was the heir to the throne at marriage, and the ceremony was watched by millions globally. His exact age was derived from his birth date of 21 June 1982 and the wedding date of 29 April 2011.
Age calculation details
- William born: 21 June 1982
- Wedding date: 29 April 2011
- Time difference: 29 years, minus ~10 days, commonly referenced as 29 years old
Table of key dates and ages
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 June 1982 | Official records and biographies |
| Wedding date | 29 April 2011 | Official palace announcements |
| Age at marriage | 29 years old (29 years, ~10 months) | Calculated from verified dates |
Context about royal ages at marriage
Historically, royal weddings have occurred at varied ages, often influenced to some degree by dynastic considerations. In recent generations, many senior royals have married in their late 20s. William’s wedding aligned with this pattern and signified a modern approach while fulfilling constitutional and representational duties.
Public and media significance
The 2011 wedding was a major global event, marking a generational transition in the monarchy. William’s age at the time underscored his role as a young, prepared heir. Media coverage extensively documented not only the ceremony but also the planning, security, and public celebrations associated with the occasion.
Summary
Prince William was 29 years old at his wedding to Catherine Middleton on 29 April 2011. This fact is established by subtracting his birth date from the wedding date using standard age calculation. His age reflected a modern royal milestone and was consistent with the timelines widely reported by authoritative sources.