Princess Diana’s sons are Prince William and Prince Harry, born to Diana and Charles, then-Prince of Wales. William entered the world on 21 June 1982, followed by Harry on 31 August 1984, securing their places as second and third in line to the British throne during their early years. Raised amid intense media scrutiny after their parents’ separation, both brothers have matured into senior working royals with distinct public profiles. This profile outlines their birth order, titles, duties, and key milestones, providing a durable reference for their roles, relationships, and long-term public impact.
Birth and Early Lives
Prince William was born on 21 June 1982 at St Mary’s Hospital, London, and Prince Harry on 31 August 1984. As the elder son, William became second in line to the throne at birth, with Harry following as third. Media attention intensified after the separation and divorce of their parents, Princess Diana and Charles, in 1992 and 1996. Diana remained actively engaged in their upbringing until her death in August 1997. Both boys attended private schools and maintained a degree of protected childhood despite relentless press interest.
Titles and Styles
William holds the title of Prince of Wales and is known publicly as the Prince and Princess of Wales. He is also Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn, and Baron Carrickfergus. Harry is the Duke of Sussex and was styled as a prince at birth; he and his wife hold the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Below is a concise reference table comparing key verified attributes.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Prince | William, born 21 June 1982 | Birth certificate, palace records |
| Prince | Harry, born 31 August 1984 | Birth certificate, palace records |
| Current Line | William second, Harry third at birth | Order of succession records |
| Dukedoms | Cambridge (William), Sussex (Harry) | Letters patent, palace announcements |
| Military Service | William: Army Air Corps; Harry: Household Cavalry, later Army Air Corps | Official role announcements |
Education and Formative Experiences
William attended Eton College and later studied geography at the University of St Andrews, where he met Catherine Elizabeth “Kate” Middleton. Harry was educated at Eton, then spent time in the United States before joining the military. Both brothers participated in gap-year activities, with William engaging in conservation work and Harry pursuing outdoor and service-oriented experiences. Diana’s influence persisted in their emphasis on empathy, public service, and openness about mental health.
Public Roles and Charitable Work
William undertakes royal duties focused on conservation, emergency services, and mental health, often alongside Catherine. He holds patronage and presidency roles in organizations aligned with these priorities. Harry, alongside Meghan, has pursued initiatives on veterans’ issues, racial equity, and HIV awareness, though he stepped back as a senior royal in 2020 to establish financial independence and pursue commercial ventures. Their divergent paths reflect evolving concepts of duty, media engagement, and personal identity.
Philanthropic Focus Areas
- William: conservation, mental health, emergency services, children’s welfare.
- Harry: veterans’ support, racial equality, HIV awareness, youth empowerment.
Family and Personal Lives
William married Catherine in 2011 and has three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, positioning him as a future king consort. Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018 and has two children, Archie and Lilibet. The brothers have balanced fatherhood, public engagements, and personal challenges, including grief over Diana’s death and ongoing struggles with media intrusion. Both have spoken candidly about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage dialogue.
Current Positions and Succession
As of the latest official records, William remains second in line to the throne, followed by Harry and then his children. William’s growing workload reflects preparations for future kingship, while Harry continues his global advocacy and private business endeavors. The long-term influence of their mother’s values persists in their public commitments, even as they navigate distinct roles within and beyond the institution.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Year, William | 1982 | Second in line at birth |
| Birth Year, Harry | 1984 | Third in line at birth |
| Current Line Position | William 2nd, Harry 3rd | Succession register |
| Children (William) | 3 | George, Charlotte, Louis |
| Children (Harry) | 2 | Archie, Lilibet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Prince William and Prince Harry both sons of Princess Diana?
Yes. Both are biological children of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Charles III.
What is the age order between William and Harry?
William is the elder; Harry is the younger by approximately two years.
Do they carry out royal duties today?
Yes. William engages actively in royal work, while Harry continues global advocacy and part-time royal duties, with both maintaining charitable initiatives.
How has Diana’s legacy influenced them?
Diana’s public compassion and advocacy have shaped their approaches to mental health, service, and openness, evident in their chosen causes and public communication.
Conclusion
Princess Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, occupy central roles in the British royal family while pursuing individual missions shaped by their upbringings, educations, and personal convictions. Their long-term influence extends through conservation, veterans’ support, mental health advocacy, and international engagement, reflecting durable values grounded in public service, family, and resilience.