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The royal has had an eventful 12 months that has seen him earn his RAF wings, rekindle a relationship with Kate Middleton and take a more prominent role in public life.

William is on a two month attachment with the Royal Navy and is coming to the end of basic training with the service.

Earlier this week he spent 24 hours on a nuclear powered submarine as it took part in wargames exercises and he will soon join the frigate HMS Iron Duke, on duty in the North Atlantic, for five weeks.

The Prince will celebrate his birthday privately but whatever he does, girlfriend Kate is expected to be close at hand.

The couple had separated in April last year but within a few months of the split there were rumours the pair were attempting to rekindle their romance.

By the time the concert in memory of William's mother - Diana, Princess of Wales - was staged at Wembley in July Miss Middleton had joined him in the royal box although they did not sit together.

Later that year they were pictured together for the first time and over the last six months the Prince's girlfriend has appeared at a number of high profile events - adding to the speculation that the couple are to announce their engagement.

The Prince is an officer in the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals and at the start of the year spent four months with the RAF and earned their coveted wings.

William's time with all three services is part of a familiarisation exercise to equip the future King with the skills needed to be head of the armed forces.