Born on this day in London, the "splendid" Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor (1982-) inherited his beloved mother's good looks, blue eyes, height, giggle, and crusading spirit. Princess Diana once described him as “the man in my life" and she lives on through him.

"I enjoy water polo, football and rugby -- mostly team sports," the publicity-shy William once said in a rare interview. He has firmly asked to be called by his first name, even though he is entitled to be called "His Royal Highness."

Born a lefty, the 6'2" Prince William graduated with honors from England's prestigious Eton school. He took a "gap year" off and worked on community and environmental projects.

He once said, "I really do want to be in control of my own life."

The young prince spent 10 weeks "roughing it" in southern Chile, sharing sparse accommodation with 15 other volunteers. "I wanted to get out and see a bit of the world at the same time, as well as helping people," he explained.

William is second in line to the throne after his father and will one day head the armed forces. The photographic hearthrob was enrolled as an officer cadet at the elite Sandhurst military academy.

In 2011, Prince William continued as a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Royal Navy and married Kate Middleton.

"The thing is with me I look on the brighter side of everything," he said. "There's no point being pessimistic or being worried about too many things because frankly life's too short."

Nice to see, definitely splendid.