Britain’s Prince William celebrates birthday, leaves fans wondering if it’ll spark engagement

UK’s Prince William celebrates 28th birthday

LONDON — Britain’s Prince William is celebrating his 28th birthday in training with the country’s Royal Air Force.

The second-in-line to the British throne returned Sunday from a visit to charities in Botswana and Lesotho, and a trip to watch England’s soccer team Friday at South Africa’s World Cup with younger brother Prince Harry.

William is training to become an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, part of his preparations to one day succeed Queen Elizabeth II and his father, Prince Charles — heir to the throne, as the British monarch.

Royal watchers will look for hints that William’s birthday on Monday could prompt an engagement to long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton.

The prince once told an interviewer he wouldn’t marry “until I’m at least 28 or maybe 30.”