You're reading: Britain’s Prince William hits 30

LONDON — The man who once was among the world's most eligible bachelors has turned 30 — but things are not so bad for Prince William as he celebrates his birthday with family and friends.

Palace officials say
William will mark the milestone in private with his wife, the former
Kate Middleton, and perhaps some close friends. They say a low key
celebration is planned.

William has been pursuing a military
career as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot while easing into married
life and taking on more royal duties. He is stationed at an air base in
north Wales and was recently on a temporary deployment in the Falkland
Islands in the south Atlantic.

He and his wife have made a number
of public appearances in recent weeks, often representing his
grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at events to mark her 60 years on the
throne, a year-long celebration called the Diamond Jubilee.

He has
seemed increasingly comfortable in public, escorting his wife, formally
known as the Duchess of Cambridge, to high society soirees and “meet
and greet” events.

There has been widespread speculation about the
couple possibly starting a family. The talk has been fueled by William
indicating that he would like to have children someday.

Along with Prince Harry, they are expected to play a prominent role as special ambassadors at the London Olympics.

William
also stands to inherit an estimated 10 million pounds ($15.7 million)
on his birthday under the terms of the will of his late mother, Princess
Diana.

The precise amount is not known because the current value of the trust set up by his mother has not been made public.

Palace
officials decline to comment on William’s private finances, and it is
possible he may choose to leave the money in a trust.

His brother, Prince Harry, stands to inherit a similar amount when he turns 30 in 2014.

William is second in line for the throne behind his father, Prince Charles.