The Prince of Wales also starred in a newly released portrait with his kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Westminster Abbey is ringing in Prince William’s 42nd birthday — literally!
The Prince of Wales, known affectionately to many as William, turned 42 on June 21, and the event was celebrated by the chiming of the bells at Westminster Abbey. This historic venue holds special significance, as it is where William married Kate Middleton in 2011.
“Wishing the Prince of Wales a very happy birthday today!” the iconic landmark shared on social media, accompanied by a picture of Prince William from a Commonwealth Day service in March. “We’ll be ringing the Abbey bells at 1 pm to celebrate.”
Originally, Westminster Abbey’s bells marked the birthdays of numerous royals. However, financial hardships stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in the number of royals honored in this way.
Before 2020, the bells celebrated 12 royal birthdays, including those of Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and their children — now-King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Also included were Charles’ wife, Camilla, as well as Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In 2022, Westminster Abbey announced changes to its bell-ringing schedule, limiting the honor to only Queen Elizabeth and Charles.
With Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022, the list was updated once more. Now, the bells ring only for the birthdays of King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Kate.
Westminster Abbey also uses its bells to commemorate other royal events, such as the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and King Charles’ accession in September.
Prince William received a warm wave of birthday wishes, including social media tributes from the many charities he supports. His family also joined in the celebrations, with the royal family’s official Instagram and X pages featuring a sweet throwback photo of Charles and William.
Adding to the festivities, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a fresh family photo. Captured by Kate, the image features William holding hands with Charlotte, Louis, and George as they joyfully jump in the air.
“Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx,” the Princess of Wales wrote. When the couple shares messages directly, they often sign with their initials—”C” for Catherine and an “x” symbolizing a kiss.
