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36 Photos Of Prince Harry & Prince William As Toddlers That Are Too Cute
Tim Graham/Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images
Now that they have left home, married, and started their own families, it's hard to imagine them stumbling around as they took their first steps. But long before they were chasing their own kids around, your favorite royal dads were adorable little kids themselves. In fact, these photos of Prince Harry and Prince William from their toddler days are the perfect reminder that those few short years between infancy and preschool truly fly by.
Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William on June 21, 1982 and Prince Harry just two short years later on Sept. 15, 1984. From their first public appearances, the little princes were often photographed in their parents' arms, playing together, and exploring the world around them. From these photos, we get a sweet glimpse into their lives as toddlers.
The adorable outfits, the touching moments with their families, and the many milestones that come during that short period of time are more than worth celebrating. Children between 1 and 3 years of age are generally considered to be toddlers, and those years are packed full of precious memories. Kids grow in leaps and bounds as they progress through this stage in life, and these photos of Prince William and Prince Harry highlight just that.
Tiniest Little William
The toddler phase comes on quick, as can be seen in this photos of a young Prince William practically wiggling out of Princess Diana's arms.
Tummy Time
Tummy time turns to crawling, which turns to toddling, which is full blown walking in no time. Prince William's bit of tummy time at Kensington Palace was likely some of his last.
Standing On His Own... Kinda
In April 1983, Prince William was already kinda standing while on an outdoor picnic with his parents during an official tour of New Zealand.
Cuddles With Mom
In 1983, Prince William was still mastering the art of walking and being carried around by Princess Di. But I doubt she minded carrying and cuddling her firstborn for a little bit longer.
Carried Away
Princess Diana was carrying Prince William off of a plane that same spring at the end of a tour of Australia. The little prince saw quite a bit of the world in his early years.
The Jumper
That same year, Prince William was taking steps around the grounds of Kensington Palace at 18 months.
The Jumper, Again
As you can see, Princess Diana went from carrying Prince William in her arms to providing him with minimal support while he stood on a bench at Kensington Palace.
Playtime
At 2 years old, Prince William was already playing with all kinds of toys around the palace. Here, he can be seen playing with a ball.
Swinging Into Toddler Life
Along with kicking a ball around, Prince William was also playing on the swing set. Toddlers are nothing if not curious.
Fun With Dad
After poking around the swings, Prince William took a ride on the swings with his dad.
Departing
Prince William may have been boarding a plane on his own like a big person, but those rosy cheeks make it clear that he was definitely still a toddler.
Little Brother's Christening
Posing for a family photo after his little brother Prince Harry's christening in 1984, Prince William clearly had a bit of a hard time sitting still.
Prince William Steals The Spotlight
After sitting still for a proper photo, Prince William stole the spotlight.
The Wave
By 1985, Prince William looked much more like a kid than a baby — especially when standing next to his baby brother. I think it's safe to say Princess Charlotte came by her cute wave naturally.
Piano Play
Prince Harry was on his way to toddler-hood as well by Christmas of 1985. The boys seated at the piano with Princess Diana behind them is arguably a perfect family photo.
Prince Harry's Rocking Horse
Prince Harry looks every bit the toddler while playing on his now-famous rocking horse at Kensington Palace in October of 1985.
Matching Brothers
Prince William, too, had a rocking horse — although his was a bit bigger than Prince Harry's.
Still Being Carried
By 1985, Prince William was nearing the end of his toddler days. But that doesn't mean that Prince Charles didn't still carry him around from time to time.
School Days
Prince William also started his first year of nursery school in 1985, a major milestone that divides the toddlers from the kids.
The Tiniest Uniform
Prince Harry was already playing dress up by 1986. Going down the slide with Diana at his side, Prince Harry was dressed in the uniform of the Parachute Regiment and the family's Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, England, that July.
Sliding
Prince William, too, dressed up to play with Prince Harry as he went down the slide.
Helicopter Fun
The toddler years are fierce but fleeting. It sure seems like Princess Diana soaked up all of those special days while they lasted. In 1986, Prince Harry was quickly catching up with his big brother on this family outing.
Leaning On Dad
Prince Harry's toddler years were coming to an end quickly too, but his parents soaked up the cuddles while they could.
Colder Weather
Dad wasn't the only one cuddling up to Prince Harry in those final toddler days, of course. Princess Diana carried him as they departed a plane and he looked teeny in her arms.
A Family Portrait
By the time they took this family photo in 1986, Prince William and Prince Harry were leaving their toddler days behind. They looked quite grown in their matching red patent leather shoes.
All Grown Up
The Prince and Princess of Wales posed with Prince William and Prince Harry in the Wild Flower Meadow at Highgrove in July 1986 and the boys were looking all grown up.
Favorite Toy
Here Prince William is hanging out with his parents, mystified by the big keyring-style toy that every 1980s kid had. Just look at the sweet little Peter Pan style collar on his shirt, too.
In The Studio
In this pic from 1984, toddler-aged William and teeny-tiny baby Harry add some realness to the family photo. Doesn’t every family have a carefully staged photo where the toddler looks at least a little upset? It’s basically tradition.
Pretty Pastels
Here Prince William (who is possibly just shy of his 1-year birthday) beams at the camera while holding his stuffed bear. Who do you think he resembles most in this pic?
Silly Harry
At about the age of 3 here, Prince Harry makes a classic toddler face during the Annual Trooping The Colour. Any parent who’s tried to wrangle a toddler during a fancy event will relate to Diana’s expression here on a deep level.
Big Brother
Here’s Prince William visiting the newborn Prince Harry in 1984. His outfit is beyond precious, but his expression shows he’s really thinking over this whole brother thing.
All Aboard
Here both Prince Charles and Prince Harry are on board the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1985. Princess Diana, rocking pearls and statement earrings with a plaid blazer, is peak 1980s fashion.
Harry In Flight
Shepherding a toddler through an airport is always an adventure, even for members of the Royal Family. Here Diana totes young Prince Harry at Aberdeen Airport in 1986.
Overalls
Here Prince Harry looks cute as a bug in his striped overalls and matching red shirt. This photo was taken while on holiday in Majorca.
Matching With Mama
At the 1988 Trooping The Color, Prince Harry and Princess Diana wore coordinated green and white outfits, proving adorable Mommy & Me outfits go way back. Also, does this pic make anyone else want to invest in a pearl choker necklace?
A Classic Throwback
In this 1985 photo, Princess Diana looks relatively calm for someone about to travel with two children under the age of 4. Prince Harry, chilling in her arms, is more interested in studying the sky.
