Prince William Reaches Age 25 and Becomes Wealthier

Considered perhaps the world's most eligible bachelor, Prince William turned 25 on Thursday and becomes much wealthier young man, according to CNN.

The terms of Princess Diana's will specify that each of her sons, Prince William, 25, and Prince Harry, 22, will be able to access interest and other income on the approximately $13 million dollars left to them when their mother died in a car crash in 1997, at the age of 25.

When each of the princes turn 30, they are entitled to the half share of Diana's assets left to them.

Both William and Harry serve as 2^nd lieutenants in the British Army, a position from which they earn a salary of about $44,000 per year. William is currently training to be a Reconnaissance Troop Commander, but will likely never see the front lines of a battle.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator said, "The idea that (the military) would let the future king in a danger zone is inconceivable."

Prince William will be learning about state management and the constitution as well as continuing his charity work, according to Mr. Fitzwilliams. He will also serve in the Royal Air Force and the Navy.

Not only does Prince William get the extra money but, since he has turned 25, he is able to marry without the consent of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

There are no royal weddings being planned in the near future. William split with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, in April. That split, as well as his newfound income, give William a crack at being the world's most eligible bachelor. Unfortunately, that distinction also puts him under the microscope, being constantly followed by paparazzi, and having to watch every move he makes.

"He's really got to watch what he does, when he does it. There are certain things his advisers can do but the future does beckon, in the sense that he's the Windsors' trump card. He's very popular," Fitzwilliams said.

Prince William possesses his mother's good looks and an undeniable charm, and has been virtually untouched by scandal so far.

No doubt both princes will have a long, hard year ahead of them as the 10^th anniversary of their mother's death approaches. Alos, the inquest into her death is scheduled to begin in October and is estimated to take at least six months to complete.

In recent months, the Princes William and Harry have been planning a tribute concert in honor of their mother. The concert is set for July 1, which would have been Princess Diana's 46^th birthday.

"Diana's Son Turns 25, Grows Richer". CNN.com. June 21, 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/06/21/prince.william/index.html