TURNING 29 is a big deal. Bigger, almost, than turning 30, because it sets in motion a frantic year of attempting to accomplish everything you ever wanted to do before you reached your third decade.

When the Duke of Cambridge celebrated his 29th birthday this week, it was reportedly a quiet affair which he spent working, in keeping with royal practice.

Following a day on duty as an RAF helicopter search and rescue pilot at his unit’s base at RAF Valley on Anglesey, North Wales, he was said to have had a private celebration with his new wife Kate, also 29.

After the pomp and ceremony of their wedding seven weeks ago, it was perhaps to be expected. But did the couple spend the evening compiling a list of “Things to do before we’re 30”?

Chances are, they would have had a job thinking of things they haven’t yet achieved, if this list taken from Bankrate.com is anything to go by.

1. Drive a wickedly cool car: William did just that only a few weeks ago when he sat behind the steering wheel of a classic Aston Martin to drive himself and his new wife from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House for their evening wedding celebrations.

2. Date against type: Slightly tricky this one as the pair are now married and had been sweethearts for years before they tied the knot. However, coming from a working background and labelled as a ‘commoner’, Kate is against the usual royal type.

3. See the world: William has already travelled extensively for his public engagements and Kate will now be by his side on many of his tours. The couple have plans to visit Canada and California next month.

William famously asked for Kate’s hand by a secluded lake on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain, and the pair honeymooned in the Seychelles.

4. Live in a cool place: The Duke and Duchess currently live near William’s RAF base in North Wales, but are expected to move to Kensington Palace when they return from the Canadian tour. Pretty cool I’d say.

5. If you’re going to drink a lot, do it when you’re young: Now a respectable married man, William did once enjoy a good night out and was even spotted partying in Bournemouth’s Elements nightclub back in 2007.

6. Take risks with your job: As an RAF helicopter search and rescue pilot, William’s job involves a degree of risk.

Although the fact that he is second-in-line to the throne, and followed by security guards wherever he goes does detract slightly from the risk element.

7. Do something physically adventurous: A confirmed adrenaline junkie, William undertook a gruelling 1,000-mile motorcross bike trek in the South African wilderness in 2008, was believed to have bought a 190mph, £17,500 Ducati – appropriately nicknamed Duke – last year and couldn’t even relax on his honeymoon, taking part in a spot of kite-surfing.

8. Take your parents to dinner: Okay, so most of us would probably settle for the local pub. But for Wills and Kate of course, it’s just ever-so-slightly more upmarket.

On the eve of their wedding, Kate had dinner with her family at the exclusive Goring Hotel. Charles and Camilla attended a pre-wedding event at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hyde Park, hosted by the Queen’s cousin Lady Elizabeth Anson, before nipping off to spend a quiet dinner at Clarence House with William and brother Harry.

9. Do some volunteer work: Check. The Duke received an award in 2001 for his high profile voluntary work in Chile when he worked with Raleigh International in the tiny Patagonian village of Tortel, helping to teach in a local school, spending time as a DJ and working on construction projects.

In 2005 he and Harry also volunteered to help survivors of the tsunami tragedy by working with the British Red Cross in Warmley, Gloucestershire, to send aid to victims.

10. Use this decade to go to extremes: As future king, William’s life is anything but hum-drum. So, for him, going to the extreme may be to spend more time in his pyjamas, watching DVDs with his new wife. Unless, of course, Harry has anything to do with it.