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Evolution of Prince William, Britain's king in waiting

ENTERTAINMENT

Formerly the Duke of Cambridge, and now the Prince of Wales and heir to Britain's throne, Prince William is now the face of the monarchy's future following the death of his beloved 'Grannie'. 

We look back at the life Britain's king-in-waiting.

From the moment he was born on June 21, 1982, William's life has been scrutinised and documented by media around the world.  An unruly toddler, Diana called him her "mini-tornado".

VIDEO: THE TELEGRAPH

Life in the spotlight

As a child, William dreamed of becoming a policeman to protect his mother, before the burden of royal duties began to play a larger role in his life.

VIDEO: YOUTUBE | BOB TEE

CHILDHOOD DREAM

As a teen, William suffered enormous heartbreak when his mother Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997. He later described her loss as "like an earthquake" that took an immense toll.

VIDEO: THE ROYAL FAMILY CHANNEL

DIANA'S DEATH

As a young man, William found solace in a career in the armed forces. He served seven years in the Royal Air Force, including three as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot. 

VIDEO: GLOBAL NEWS

MILITARY CAREER

On April 29, 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton married in a lavish wedding at Westminster Abbey. A commoner, the Duchess of Cambridge went on to become a world star beloved by the Queen.

TRUE ROMANCE

The couple, who met while studying at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, are now royal headliners as the Prince and Princess of Wales, with significant duties ahead.

VIDEO: THE ROYAL FAMILY

Their three children — Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4 — are also likely to be more visible at the big family moments that come with a change of reign.

VIDEO: THE LIST

Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth, insiders say King Charles III is hoping to harness William's relatively youthful appeal and make a modern monarchy that appeals to those wanting to see it move forward.

VIDEO: SUNRISE

KING-IN-WAITING

Their relationship has been up and down over the years, but now, closer than ever, they have a plan for a streamlined monarchy, with fewer working family members, jobs and properties.

VIDEO: SUNRISE

In a sign of how serious he is taking his new role, Prince William invited Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, on a  joint walkabout at Windsor, delighting royal fans.

Swipe up to read more about Prince William's new royal duties.

Story: KERRY PARNELLPRODUCED BY louise starkey

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