Why Prince William's birthday this year will mark such an important milestone this year

Prince William is in for a very special birthday celebration this year - and it’s not even a milestone age. 

• Prince William will turn 39 on June 21, the longest day of the year.
• The Duke of Cambridge's birthday will mark an extraordinary day for the British public and is likely to see widespread celebrations. 
• In other royal news, the Queen sends a sweet message to Prince Philip as he remains in hospital following infection.

The Duke of Cambridge will turn 39 on June 21 and the nation is already gearing up for the big day. 

This year's summer solstice will mark an important moment in history for the British public - the official end of lockdown. On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all UK restrictions should be lifted on June 21, bringing the country back to life in time for the upcoming sunny season. The government is now focusing on vaccinating the entire population, to ensure it can safely pursue its reopening plans by its June deadline. 

This return to normality will see both essential and non-essential businesses, including bars, pubs, and nightclubs, back in action - and this time, for good. 

Last year, Prince William’s birthday fell on Father’s Day, giving him the perfect excuse to spend the day with his wife Kate Middleton and three children. With coronavirus restrictions prohibiting large parties, the family-of-five kept the occasion lowkey and celebrated together in the gardens of Sandringham House in Norfolk. 

Prince William’s plans for his 39th birthday have yet to be revealed, but it’s likely the royal will be able to expand his guest list this time around. 

In the meantime, the duke has plenty of other issues to address. Prince Philip, who is to turn 100 on June 10, has been in hospital since last Tuesday and is confirmed to spend several more days on the ward. When asked about his grandfather’s wellbeing during a visit to a vaccination clinic this week, Prince William replied, “Yes, he's OK, they're keeping an eye on him.” 

Prince William’s relationship with his younger brother Prince Harry has also been the subject of intense media scrutiny lately. On Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke of Sussex will not resume his royal duties, following his emigration to California with his wife Meghan Markle last year. 

The Queen has reportedly already selected the likely candidates to take over the couple’s royal patronages - and it’s possible Prince William will be appointed to pick up some of the responsibilities. 

With so many other pressing concerns, it looks like the busy royal’s 39th birthday celebrations are far down on his list of priorities.