A Bunch of Rare Photos of Young Prince William Wearing a Speedo and Whatnot

Once upon a time, before Prince William was wandering around in velvet jackets, he was a carefree youth. The wind was beneath his wings! The world was his oyster! And at one point, he even wore a speedo in public!

Yep, for those of you who are new to the royal fandom, Prince William hasn’t always been George, Charlotte, and Louis’ dad. There was a time when he was mainly known as the late Lady Di’s eldest son, big brother to the younger, more scandal-prone Prince Harry. And at the risk of making of mockery of the monarchy, Prince William, with his golden locks and easy grin, was the hot one! While a few of those biographical details remain true (I think we can all agree that Prince Charles is the hot one now), Prince William’s public persona has understandably changed a bit as he’s gotten older. Now he’s the loyal husband to Kate Middleton (forget that whole “rural rival” drama) and adult man who refuses to put his dance moves away.

Anyway, yeah, we got our hands on a ton of rare pics of the Duke of Cambridge through the years, and all I can say is you’re truly welcome. Please note that my personal favorite photo from this collection is—well, actually, it’s a tie—it’s either Wills inexplicably carrying a large piece of lumber or the one of him meeting Rita Ora. Don’t make me choose!

Prince William’s official debut into the world! I would make a joke about how his cute bald head was a sign of things to come, but I am an extremely mature person and shall not do that.

“Why, yes, I’d love to vomit in my mouth during this photo op, thx for asking.”

Our dude literally couldn’t care less about that small leaf Prince Charles is showing him.

Taking a break from being a toddler to update the British press on the monarchy real quick.

Lending a helpful hand while Harry walks across some truly '80s carpet.

Remember when your parents dressed you and your sibs up in matching outfits as kids? Turns out even royals can't escape it.

Wow, manifesting this vibe in 2020.

Really confused about why Prince William and Prince Harry no longer wear Mary Janes with tube socks, but whatever.

Looking dapper on his first day at Eton College! (Which isn’t an actual college, by the way. It’s an extremely elite boarding school, natch.)

Throwback to when Prince William broke his finger and got the most extra cast of all time. I feel you, man.

In case you are unaware, Prince William is from ENGLAND.

MAKE! PRINCE! WILLIAM! HAVE! MIDDLE! PARTED! BANGS! AGAIN!

Yes, hello, 911?

I’d like to report an emergency.

PLZ SEND HELP, THIS PHOTO IS MAKING ME UNWELL.

I am in no way, shape, or form okay right now, and I fully blame this jaunty jacket.

You: The perfect photo doesn’t exist.

Me: 👀

What, you and your brother don't tease each other with African rock pythons?

Like, no wonder Kate Middleton fell in love with him. (Psst: This is them at their engagement photo call—cuuuuute.)

And here are Will and Kate looking like CBS crime show drama stars posing for a People spread.

Obviously, Kate locked that sh*t down ASAP, as any muggle would.

And before long, William was debuting his first child (hi, @ Prince George) on the same hospital steps where his mom debuted him. Yooooo, time flies.

A couple years later the living legend known as Princess Charlotte joined the squad, and William wore some goggles the size of a human head. Both important life events!

Then Prince Louis arrived and was just all “AHHHHHHHH” on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Remember when the royal family could take a pic together without people being like 🗣️ ROYAL FEUD? Me neither.

JK we're ending on a photo worthy of only a TRUE future king: Prince William ignoring his royal duties to gaze longingly into a KFC. Just call him the people's prince!