2023 has been an unprecedented year for royal watchers, with historic events taking place throughout the last 12 months.
We have seen State Visits (both incoming and outgoing), The King’s first Trooping the Colour as Monarch, numerous family engagements and receptions – and of course a Coronation filled with pomp and ceremony, to name just a few things.
We’ve pulled together our top photographic moments from 2023 – do you agree?
Typically royal watchers only ever get to see members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace from the outside. However, this moment during Coronation Day was quickly captured by royal photographer, Chris Jackson, providing a different angle of the action.
Charles and Camilla waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Coronation at Westminster Abbey. (Royal Family).
Over the years, Prince Louis has given us some humorous – dare we say, iconic? – moments. However, this photograph, released by Kensington Palace on Mother’s Day in March, captured a heartwarming moment between The Princess of Wales and her youngest. It just beams with love and fun.
The Princess of Wales and Prince Louis. (Royal Family)
The King and The Princess Royal are known to have a close relationship and this photograph proves it. Taken behind the scenes on Coronation Day, it was released by Buckingham Palace to mark Anne’s birthday.
A new picture of The Princess Royal and King Charles III was released to mark HRH’s birthday. (Royal Family/Twitter)
The Duchess of Edinburgh is known to be a lover of horses – a passion she shared with her late mother-in-law. Sophie is one of the hardest working members of the Royal Family and we think she doesn’t get enough attention. This snap is just one of her usual engagements, visiting Gul Outdoor Therapy Centre in Wiltshire, but exemplifies her enjoyment of the work.
The Duchess of Edinburgh. (Royal Family/Twitter)
The Prince and Princess of Wales took a quiet moment of reflection in Wales to remember Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death back in September.
William and Kate attended a service in Wales to mark the one year anniversary since Elizabeth II passed away. (Kensington Palace)
Earlier this year, The King conferred the title of Duke of Edinburgh to his youngest brother, Prince Edward. The move honoured the wishes of the late Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, who wanted the couple to inherit Philip’s title. Edward and Sophie carried out their first engagement as the newly-titled Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in the Scottish city.
William and Catherine are known for their competitive spirit and an engagement at a fitness centre in Wales clearly proved it once more. The Princess took the challenge in her stride and beat her husband in the competition, where they had to sprint on the bikes for 45 seconds – in heels no less!
William and Catherine showing their competitive side. (Royal Family/Twitter)
A number of military appointments were announced this year for members of the Royal Family. Queen Camilla was given the role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards in January 2023, and this photo was taken during her first visit to the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards.
In January 2023, The Princess of Wales launched her ‘Shaping Us’ campaign, which is focused around the early years and the importance of early childhood to create a happy and healthy adult life.
2023 also marked The King’s first State Opening of Parliament, where he wore the Imperial State Crown.
The Imperial State Crown. (Royal Family/Twitter)
Marking his 75th Birthday, The King, accompanied by The Queen, visited the South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance (SOFEA) to launch the Coronation Food Project. The Coronation Food Project has been inspired by Charles’ work in tackling food waste and educating others around food supply and production, and seeks to bridge the gap between food waste and food need across the UK – a particularly sensitive issue given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
2023 saw a member of the Royal Family visit Iraq for the first time. The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the country at the request of the Foreign Office in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and to continue championing the survivors of conflict related sexual violence.
Sophie visited Iraq earlier this year. (Royal Family)
It was a moment that many thought would never happen – Camilla crowned as Queen. This official portrait shows Her Majesty wearing Queen Mary’s refurbished crown and her bespoke Coronation Dress – complete with Jack Russell embroidery and the names of her grandchildren.
The official portrait of The Queen. (Buckingham Palace).
A photograph taken ahead of this year’s Diplomatic Reception was shared by Buckingham Palace showcasing glitz and glamour. We like this one because we not only got to see some new jewels at this event, it reflects the future of the Monarchy.
A new photograph of The King and Queen and The Prince and Princess of Wales was taken ahead of the Diplomatic Reception. (Royal Family/Twitter)
During the Coronation and the State Opening of Parliament, The Princess Royal was present in her role of Gold Stick in Waiting; this is essentially a ceremonial bodyguard position to the Monarch.
Queen Camilla continued her tradition of welcoming severely ill children, supported by Helen and Douglas House and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, to Clarence House to help decorate the Christmas tree earlier this month.
For the South Korean State Banquet, The Princess of Wales wore a tiara which hadn’t been seen in decades – the Strathmore Rose Tiara. It originally belonged to the Queen Mother, a family gift at the time of her wedding in 1923.
This year was the first time that Prince Louis attended his mother’s carol service and he certainly didn’t disappoint. From trying to blow out his siblings’ candles, we just love this moment of the young Prince having a word with one of the tall Nutcrackers standing outside Westminster Abbey.
2023 saw The Prince of Wales launch his project to tackle homelessness – Homewards. The Prince has been a passionate advocate for raising awareness around the stigma attached to homelessness since he began his royal career.
The King led the Royal Family in the Garter Day procession at Windsor Castle, his first since he acceded to the throne in September 2022.
It was Charles’ first Garter Service as Monarch. (Royal Family).
We hope you’ve enjoyed looking at our favourite photos and moments from 2023.
Keep an eye out on our social channels and website for all the latest royal news and engagements.
