2024 has been a turbulent year for the Royal Family, yet it has also brought some extraordinary and memorable moments captured through the lens. From engagements to poignant milestones, we have selected some of the Royal Family’s photos from the past 12 months.
With both The King and The Princess of Wales undergoing treatment for cancer, it was lovely to see them on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla and members of the Royal Family stand on the balcony at Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF flypast. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Marking 2024’s International Women’s Day, Queen Camilla was joined by Mathilde, Queen of the Belgians, and The Duchess of Gloucester at a special engagement. In a delightful surprise, Queen Camilla was presented with her own Barbie doll, dressed identically to her Majesty’s outfit for the occasion. The unique tribute underscored her enduring influence and commitment to empowering women.
The Queen with her Barbie doll. (Royal Family).
This year saw The Duke of Edinburgh, celebrate his milestone 60th birthday. On the eve of his birthday weekend, Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, paid a heartfelt tribute to her “best friend” and “the best of fathers” during a visit to Leeds. The occasion included the presentation of a birthday cake adorned with figures of the couple on a tennis court, a nod to how they first met during Edward’s Real Tennis Challenge event, where Sophie was managing publicity and media.
Prince Edward turns 60! (Royal Family)
In May 2024, The Duchess of Edinburgh became the first member of the Royal Family to visit Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Buckingham Palace announced the one-day visit via a press release, highlighting Sophie’s work supporting survivors of sexual violence. Her visit underscored the Royal Family’s commitment to humanitarian causes and international solidarity.
HRH visited Bucha to pay her respects to those who died in attacks. (Royal Family).
In April, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III would return to public-facing duties following a period of treatment and recuperation for cancer. The announcement was accompanied by a touching photograph of the King and Queen Camilla, taken in the gardens of Buckingham Palace the day after their 19th wedding anniversary. Captured by Millie Pilkington, the image symbolised resilience and togetherness.
A new photograph of The King and Queen has been released. (Royal Family).
Investitures take place throughout the year and royal watchers rarely get an insight into behind the scenes of these ceremonies. We love the way this picture of The Prince of Wales gave us a little behind the scene glimpse of investitures at Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales prepares to perform an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
June 2023 saw Queen Camilla visit Catterick Garrison in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Lancers. This marked her first visit to the North Yorkshire regiment since assuming the position earlier that year. The engagement celebrated the regiment’s contributions and strengthened the bond between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces.
Camilla conducted her first engagement as Colonel in Chief of the Royal Lancers. (Royal Family).
The annual Order of the Garter ceremony in June was a highlight of the royal calendar. This year, The Duchess of Gloucester was installed into the prestigious Order during a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The event underscored her decades of dedicated service to the Crown.
The Duchess of Gloucester was installed into the Order of the Garter. (Royal Family).
2024 marked the 25th wedding anniversary of The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. To celebrate, Edward and Sophie released new photographs taken at their royal residence, Bagshot Park, near Windsor Castle. The couple expressed gratitude for the many kind messages they received on this special occasion.
The second photograph released to mark The Duke and Duchess’ anniversary. (Buckingham Palace).
In July, the Order of the Thistle ceremony took place at St. Giles’ Cathedral. The King installed Queen Camilla and The Duke of Edinburgh into the Order. Striking photographs captured the royals in their regal green velvet robes, insignia, and white-feathered hats. Buckingham Palace released an official portrait of Charles, Camilla, William, and Edward to mark the occasion.
Charles, Camilla, William and Edward on their Thistle robes. (Royal Family).
The Prince of Wales and Prince George enjoyed some quality father-son time at the UEFA European Football Championship final this summer. Held in Berlin, the match saw England face Spain. Prince William and George were joined in the stands by King Felipe of Spain and his daughter, Infanta Sofía, showcasing a rare moment of international camaraderie and royal unity.
The Prince of Wales and Prince George pictured alongside King Felipe of Spain and Infanta Sofía in Berlin. (Casa de S.M. el Rey/Twitter).
In August, King Charles broke from his summer retreat at Balmoral Castle to visit Southport. His Majesty paid his respects following a tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three young girls attending a summer dance group. The King viewed the vast floral tributes and met with community members and emergency services, offering his heartfelt condolences and support.
King Charles III looks at floral tributes during a visit to Southport, following the killing of three children and the riot in the town
The Prince of Wales is a keen polo player and annually takes part in a polo match to raise money for selected charities. This photo beautifully captures the dynamic elegance of a polo player in action, set against the iconic backdrop of Windsor Castle, blending the thrill of sport with the grandeur of history.
The Prince of Wales taking part in the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2024 at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
In October, The Duchess of Edinburgh joined a host of famous faces to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story in celebration of World Sight Day. Sophie delighted viewers with her reading of Specs for Rex by Yasmeen Ismail, a charming tale about a young lion learning to embrace his new glasses. The engagement highlighted the Duchess’s dedication to raising awareness for vision health.
HRH posing with a mini lion like Rex, the main character from her bedtime story. (BBC Press Office).
Excitement filled the air in October with the announcement that Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child. The couple’s joyful news was accompanied by a radiant photograph of the parents-to-be, with the baby expected in early 2025.
A new photograph of Beatrice and Edo was released to mark the annoucement. (Royal Family).
Royal events give royal watchers a glimpse into how close the Royals are and a chance for royal cousins to see each other. We particularly liked this sweet moment between Prince William and Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot.
Among 2024’s significant state occasions, June’s State Banquet was particularly noteworthy for the debut of the Royal Family Order of Charles III. The stunning insignia, eagerly awaited since 2022, added a new chapter to royal tradition and delighted royal watchers worldwide.
The Royal Family Order of Charles III was debuted at the Japanese State Banquet in June 2024. (Royal Family)
After stepping back from public duties to focus on her health following cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to host her fourth annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Joined by her husband, her three children, and other members of the Royal Family, the Princess’ presence brought festive cheer and inspiration to the nation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, and other Members of the Royal Family attend the Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
It’s no secret that The Prince of Wales is a die-hard Aston Villa supporter, having been seen at matches over the years, and on occasion his children accompanying him. His team have been doing exceptionally well this year, to which Prince William has been displaying his emotions and pride towards his team.
