Prince William Marks 15th Wedding Anniversary with Intimate Family Photo as Royal Duties Continue

Key facts

• Prince William and Catherine released a new photo to mark their 15th wedding anniversary, showing the family lying in grass.
• William served as an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base from 2010 to 2013.
• He praised the £20 million milestone for the Bowelbabe fund, set up by Dame Deborah James in 2022 to support Cancer Research UK.
• William became Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales in September 2022 upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III.
• He launched The Earthshot Prize in 2020, focusing on environmental solutions.
• The family moved from London to Windsor in 2022, though William maintains a London office at Kensington Palace.

A Rare Glimpse into Family Life

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, released a new photograph on their 15th wedding anniversary, showing the couple lying in grass with their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The informal portrait, a departure from the usual formal royal releases, was shared publicly on April 29, 2025. The image underscores the family's settled life in Windsor, where they moved in 2022 after leaving London. William still keeps his office at Kensington Palace, where he grew up with his younger brother, Prince Harry.

Return to RAF Roots

Prince William recently visited the RAF base at Holyhead, where he served as a search and rescue pilot from 2010 to 2013. He described having 'fond memories' of his time there, reflecting on a period before his royal duties escalated. The visit highlighted his ongoing connection to the armed forces, a pillar of his charitable work. William has also tried a replica Formula E car in Oxfordshire, calling the experience 'fantastic,' as he continues to engage with sports and technology.

Charitable Milestones and Environmental Focus

William praised the £20 million milestone achieved by the Bowelbabe fund, established by the late Dame Deborah James in 2022 to support Cancer Research UK. The fund has become a significant contributor to cancer research, reflecting William's commitment to health causes. His environmental work remains central, notably through The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020 to incentivize solutions for the planet's biggest challenges. The prize has gained global recognition, drawing entries from innovators worldwide.

Royal Duties and Public Engagements

William and Catherine led their children into the chapel for Easter Sunday service, greeted by cheers from onlookers. The appearance was part of a series of public engagements that also included an unannounced visit on their 15th anniversary, revisiting their wedding location at Westminster Abbey. The couple's approach to monarchy has been described as 'modern,' with reports of 'liberating' sleeping arrangements they abandoned, though details remain private. William's shake-up at the Duchy of Cornwall continues with a 'rare' decision, signaling his evolving role as Duke of Cornwall.

The Strained Relationship with Prince Harry

Sources indicate that Prince William sees his brother, Prince Harry, as untrustworthy, a rift that has become increasingly apparent. The brothers, once close, have grown apart since Harry's departure from royal duties and subsequent public statements. William's focus remains on his immediate family and his responsibilities as heir to the throne. The tension underscores the personal challenges within the royal family, even as William projects stability in his public role.

Background and Lineage

Born on June 21, 1982, Prince William is the eldest son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. He married Catherine Middleton in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey in April 2011, and the couple has three children. Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, William became Duke of Cornwall and Prince of Wales, titles that carry significant responsibilities. He is first in line to the British throne, a position that shapes his every public and private decision.

What Lies Ahead for the Prince of Wales

William's agenda includes continued work on homelessness, mental health, and the environment, alongside his constitutional duties. The Duchy of Cornwall, a vast estate that funds his activities, is undergoing changes under his stewardship, including the potential sale of land in Devon, which has surprised local residents. As he prepares for his future role as king, William is balancing tradition with modernization, seeking to maintain the monarchy's relevance while addressing contemporary issues. The coming months will likely see further initiatives from The Earthshot Prize and deeper engagement with the armed forces.

The bottom line

• Prince William and Catherine celebrated 15 years of marriage with an intimate family photo, signaling a more personal approach to royal publicity.
• William's visit to his former RAF base at Holyhead and his praise for the Bowelbabe fund underscore his commitment to military and health causes.
• The Earthshot Prize remains a flagship environmental initiative, with William actively promoting it through engagements like the Formula E test.
• The rift with Prince Harry continues, with William reportedly viewing his brother as untrustworthy, affecting their relationship.
• As Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, William is reshaping his estates and duties, including a controversial land sale in Devon.
• William's modern monarchy vision includes a focus on family, charity, and gradual reform, preparing him for his eventual role as king.