Prince William of Wales (William Arthur Philip Louis; born 21 June 1982), KG (Order of the Garter), is the elder son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and grandson of Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. As such, he is second in the line of succession (Line of succession to the British Throne) to the thrones of 16 independent states (Commonwealth realm), although he is resident and most directly involved with the United Kingdom, the oldest realm.

Following his education at various schools around the United Kingdom, obtaining a degree from the University of St Andrews, and spending parts of a gap year in Chile, Belize, and countries in Africa, William enrolled in the military. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the Blues and Royals regiment of the Household Cavalryndash serving with his brother (Prince Harry of Wales)ndash and, two years later, earned his wings (Aircrew brevet) by completing pilot training at Royal Air Force College Cranwell (RAF College Cranwell). In 2009, the Prince transferred to the Royal Air Force, was promoted to flight lieutenant and underwent helicopter flying training with the aim of becoming a full time pilot with the Search and Rescue Force (RAF Search and Rescue Force). As of 2010, he has completed his generic helicopter training and is now at RAF Valleys Search and Rescue Training Unit receiving training on the Sea King (Westland Sea King) search and rescue helicopter.