Turning 30 is a milestone in every person's life. For Prince William, however, turning the big 3-0 is an event noted around the world.
As royal watchers speculate about birthday celebrations for the prince, who turns 30 on June 21, royal watcher Richard Fitzwilliams says one thing is clear about this young heir to the British throne.
"William at 30 is a happy person. He's a fulfilled person," Fitzwilliams said from London on Thursday on CTV's Canada AM.
That contentment has much to do with his happy marriage to Kate Middleton, according to Fitzwilliams.
The couple wed in Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011, sparking tremendous interest in the future prospects for England's royal family.
"What is so wonderful is that you can see that they are in love," said Fitzwilliams.
"In Britain, there's still a constant reference to their successful trip to Canada, where they were so relaxed," he said.
Indeed, the British public was impressed by the sight of Prince William playing street hockey or the couple engaging in dragon boat races, as they did during their trip to Canada in July of 2011.
"They're so mutually supportive of one another," said Fitzwilliams.
The quality, he said, has helped turn the couple into "a national and international sensation."
Palace officials say Prince William will mark this landmark birthday in private with the Duchess of Cambridge and perhaps some close friends.
"What we're hearing is that it will be private and low key," said Fitzwilliams.
"I'm sure they will be with friends. They have a loyal sack of friends -- we'll never really know what happened," he said.
Even so, Fitzwilliams predicts that some excitement will be factored into the celebrations thanks to William's younger brother, Prince Harry.
"Turning 30 is an important milestone, and when Prince Harry is around you'd think there would be a tremendous celebration," said Fitzwilliams.
Possible birthday gifts for the prince have also been kept a closely guarded secret.
In recent months, the Duchess of Cambridge posed for a portrait by artist Nicky Phillips. The painting was commission by the Prince Charles, William's father, as a gift for his son.
The Duchess of Cambridge was spotted earlier in 2012 at Phillips' studio in London while Prince William was on duty in the Falkland Islands.
This private commission may never be seen by the public. But its timing has prompted more speculation from Fitzwilliams.
"Wouldn't that be the ideal 30th birthday gift for Prince William?" Fitzwilliams said coyly outside of the Royal Ascot Racecourse, England's famed race track.
Prince William also stands to inherit an estimated 10 million pounds (C$16 million) on his 30th birthday, according to the terms in the will of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
"He will be extremely wealthy," said Fitzwilliams.
"But those who have much give, as William and Harry have done to the charities they support," he said.
