William's Birthday Celebration
Prince William's 44th Birthday Celebrated on Father's Day with Sweet Family Photo
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Prince William turned 44 on Sunday, June 21, 2026 — a birthday that also fell on Father's Day. Kensington Palace marked the occasion with a photo of William and Princess Charlotte, 11, shared on Instagram and X. The message, signed "C, G, C & L" by his three children, called him "the best Papa in the World," according to Kensington Palace.
The birthday capped a packed week of royal appearances. It included Trooping the Colour, the Garter Service at Windsor, and William and Kate's first joint trip to Royal Ascot since 2023 — a milestone moment for the Wales family, PA News Agency reported.
A Birthday Photo With Princess Charlotte Steals the Spotlight
The official birthday portrait featured William alongside Princess Charlotte rather than all three children. Royal watchers noted the pair's strong physical resemblance, with many fans calling Charlotte his "mini-me," Daily Express reported. The photo was taken in the gardens of Kensington Palace after the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 13.
King Charles III also issued a public greeting via Buckingham Palace, posting a photo of himself with William and writing: "Happy Birthday to The Prince of Wales!" The tribute from Charles added a formal royal stamp to what was otherwise a warm, family-focused day, according to The News International.
Kate's Return to Ascot Marks a Health Milestone
Royal Ascot on June 17 was a significant moment for Princess Catherine. It was her first appearance at the Berkshire racing festival since her cancer diagnosis in 2024. She had missed the 2024 and 2025 events during chemotherapy and recovery. The couple rode in the traditional carriage procession and presented the trophy for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, Daily Express reported.
Catherine wore a lemon-yellow Roksanda dress — the same one she wore on a 2022 tour of Jamaica. Fashion writers called the "marigold" shade "a symbol of joy and trust" after her health struggles, according to Elle. The choice also drew praise as a nod to sustainable fashion.
A Big Week: Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and More
The birthday week started June 13 with Trooping the Colour, where over 1,400 soldiers took part in the ceremony, according to Times & Star. William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Two days later, on June 15, William and Kate attended the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor.
At Ascot, William was spotted joking with former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate about England's 2026 World Cup match against Croatia. William serves as President of the Football Association. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held in North America, Northwich Guardian reported.
Birthday Signals a New Chapter for the Wales Family
This is the first time William's birthday has fallen on Father's Day while he is a father of three — George, 12, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, 8. It also happens to be the wedding anniversary of his in-laws, Carole and Michael Middleton, Hello! Magazine reported. The rare overlap made the day a triple celebration for the wider family.
Royal analysts say the week's events mark a clean break from the health crises of 2024 and 2025. The "Best Papa" label, first used in a Father's Day post in 2024, has become a deliberate branding choice. It frames William as a modern, hands-on father — a softer image for the future King, according to CBS News.
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