The 30 Biggest Royal Moments of the Windsors' Turbulent Year
The 30 Biggest Royal Moments of the Windsors' Turbulent Year
This year has been described as a second annus horribilis for the royal family; the first, famously, was 1992, when Windsor Castle literally caught fire, and three out of the Queen's four children separated from their spouses. And while the Queen may not use latin again to describe 2019, here have been plenty of scandals over the past 12 months. There was Prince Philip's controversial car accident; Prince Harry's searing statement about the press; an Prince Andrew's announcement that he'll step back from his royal duties. But there was much to celebrate as well, including the birth and christening of baby Archie, a royal wedding, and Prince Charles's history-making visit to Cuba.
As 2019 comes to a close, take a look back at the 30 biggest royal moments of this turbulent year.
Prince Philip's Car Accident
On January 17, Prince Philip's Land Rover collided with another car near Sandringham. Fortunately, the then-97-year-old royal was unharmed, and the driver and passenger of the other car sustained minor injuries. A nine-month-old baby was in the backseat of the other car and was also fortunately uninjured. While the story certainly made headlines—and prompted debate about whether nonagenarians should be allowed to drive—the retired royal did not face charges in connection with the accident. That said, he did voluntarily surrender his license, and is now only allowed to drive on private roads.
Charles and Camilla Take a History-Making Trip to Cuba
Charles and Camilla went on several royal tours this year to locations ranging from Ireland to New Zealand, but perhaps their most noteworthy trip was to Cuba during a tour of the Caribbean. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were the very first members of the British royal family to ever make an official visit to the country.
The Royal Households Split
On March 14, amid rumors of a rift between Prince Charles's two sons, Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace announced that Prince William and Prince Harry were officially separating their royal households. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's offices then moved to Buckingham Palace, while the Cambridges' team stayed in Kensington Palace. "This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for the Duke and Duchess’s work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson said in a statement at the time.
Harry and Meghan Launch Their Own Instagram Account
A few weeks after the Sussexes established a separate household, they also launched their own Instagram account, @SussexRoyal."Welcome to our official Instagram," the caption reads. "We look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal." They signed the message simply "Harry & Meghan."
Kate Receives the Royal Victorian Order
On Will and Kate's eighth wedding anniversary, Queen Elizabeth gave her granddaughter-in-law a rare honor. The British monarch made Kate a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, an appointment which, according to the royal family's website, is "the personal gift of the Sovereign" and "awarded to those who have served The Queen or the monarchy in a particular way." At formal events, like the annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace (pictured here), Kate will now wear a blue sash and a silver star-shaped pin to indicate the honor.
The Sussexes Make the Move to Windsor
In April, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved out of their home at Kensington Palace and into Frogmore Cottage, just a few weeks before baby Archie arrived. The new house, which is situated on the Frogmore Estate in Home Park in Windsor, was given a major renovation before the royals moved in, a project which cost $3.05 million in public funds.
Baby Archie Is Finally Here
On May 6, Meghan gave birth to a healthy baby boy. "Their royal highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to announce the birth of their child," reads an official announcement, which was posted on the Sussexes' Instagram account. His name, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was announced a few days later. Archie does not currently have a royal title, but that could change once Prince Charles becomes King.
14) Lady Gabriella Windsor & Thomas Kingston
The Queen's first cousin once removed (her parents are Prince and Princess Michael of Kent) married financier Thomas Kingston at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2019, followed by a reception at Frogmore House. Luisa Beccaria worked with the bride to design her custom dress—the bride changed into another Luisa Beccaria creation for the evening reception in London.
President Trump's State Visit
In June, President Trump arrived in the U.K. for a three-day state visit, the goal of which was to "reaffirm the steadfast and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom."
Trump was met by protestors in the country, but he also had a packed itinerary of events with the royals including tea with Prince Charles at Clarence House, a tour of Westminster Abbey with Prince Andrew, and a lavish state banquet at Buckingham Palace.
A Rumored Feud Between the "Turnip Toffs"
In March, the British newspaper The Sun claimed that Kate had a new "rival," Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, a friend who lives with her husband in a grand estate near Will and Kate's home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall. (The area was once known for its turnip crops.) But the Daily Mail was quick to debunk the speculation, with royal reporter Richard Kay even reporting that both women "have considered legal action but, because none of the reports have been able to offer any evidence about what the so-called dispute is about, they have chosen to ignore it." Whether or not the two women were on good terms, they were both in attendance at Trump's State banquet at Buckingham Palace. (That's Rose above in white.)
Prince Louis Makes His Buckingham Palace Balcony Debut
Will and Kate's youngest turned 1 this year, and was seen waving his arms wildly during the annual Trooping the Colour parade to celebrate the Queen's birthday.
Meghan Redesigns Her Engagement Ring
In her first public appearance following the arrival of her son Archie, the Duchess of Sussex debuted a newly redesigned engagement ring, with a noticeably different, thin micro-pavé band. It was later reported that the new band was a gift from Prince Harry, as was Meghan's new eternity band, in honor of both the royal couple's one-year anniversary, and the birth of their first child.
Prince Philip's 98th Birthday
At 98, every birthday is considered a major moment. While Prince Philip is retired from royal duties, and has been for several years now, he was seen at a few public events in 2019, including Gabriella Windsor's wedding in May, just a few weeks before he celebrated the milestone.
Archie's Christening
Baby Archie's christening was a private affair in Windsor. And while Harry and Meghan did release a few photos to the public in honor of the religious milestone, they kept the names of his godparents to themselves, prompting a complicated debate about royal privacy.
Meghan Meets Beyoncé
British royalty met the American kind on the orange carpet at the European premiere of the Lion King this summer. "The baby, so beautiful," Beyoncé said about Harry and Meghan's newborn Archie during the meeting. "We love you guys." Jay Z also reportedly offered the Sussexes a parenting tip: "The best advice I can give you, always find time for yourself," he said.
Meghan Launches the Smart Set
Over the past year and a half, Meghan has brought a new perspective to the royal family's longstanding tradition of supporting charities through patronage. Last year, she raised funds for the Hubb Community Kitchen by launching a cookbook; this year, she combined two of her passions—fashion and empowering women—and launched a limited-edition line called the Smart Set. For every item purchased from the capsule collection, one was donated to her patronage, Smart Works, which prepares underprivileged women for the job market.
Princess Charlotte Marks Her First Day of School
William, Kate, and Prince George accompanied Charlotte on her first day at Thomas's Battersea in September, and while she was a bit timid in front of the camera, Prince William said she is "very excited" to start the new school year.
Harry and Meghan's Royal Tour of Southern Africa
In September, the Sussexes embarked on an ambitious tour of southern Africa. Harry and Meghan brought their baby, Archie, along for the ride as they championed causes ranging from women's empowerment to the elimination of landmines, and met with civil rights icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "I think Archie will look back at that in so many years and understand that right at the beginning of his life he was fortunate enough to have this moment with one of the best and most impactful leaders of out times," Meghan said of the meeting, which is pictured here. "It’s really special."
Meghan Files a Privacy Lawsuit Against the Mail on Sunday
Despite the noteworthy moments early on in the tour, the Sussexes' visit to South Africa will likely be remembered for the news that came on the final day of Meghan and Harry's trip. The Sussexes shared that Meghan is suing the Mail on Sunday, an announcement which was coupled with a searing open letter by Prince Harry about the press, in which he said: "I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been." Read it in full here.
It was revealed later that Prince Harry is also pursuing legal action against the owners of the Sun and the Mirror over alleged illegal phone hacking.
Princess Beatrice's Engagement
The royal family announced the news that Princess Beatrice was engaged to her boyfriend Edoardo "Edo" Mapelli Mozzi in September."We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement," the happy couple said in a statement. "We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to be married. We share so many similar interests and values and we know this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness." The wedding is expected to take place sometime in 2020.
An Emotional Documentary
Shortly after they returned home, British network ITV aired Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, a documentary about the Sussexes' tour of southern Africa. For the film, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan gave their most candid interview yet, opening up about the scrutiny of the tabloids and its impact on their mental health. During the film, Meghan spoke about this "really challenging" period in her life, saying:
"Look any woman especially when they're pregnant, you're really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn ... And especially as a woman, it's really, it's a lot. So, you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. And also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I'm okay, but it's a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."
When ITV's Tom Bradby more pointedly asks her if it has been a struggle, the duchess simply says "yes."
Prince Harry Opens Up About His Relationship With Prince William
After months of rumors of a rift between the two brothers, Prince Harry also addressed the speculation head on in the documentary saying that they are "certainly on different paths at the moment."
"Part of this role and part of this job and this family being under the pressure that it’s under... stuff happens," Harry said. "But look we’re brothers. We’ll always be brothers."
Prince Charles Attends Naruhito's Enthronement Ceremony
In October, representatives from monarchies across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East traveled to Japan to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's Enthronement Ceremony. The group in attendance were the representatives of a new generation of royals, and many present have either recently ascended to the throne themselves, or are heirs apparent, patiently waiting in the wings.
Prince William's Major Fashion Moment
On well-received royal tour of Pakistan undertaken by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in October, Prince William made a serious fashion statement when he skipped his usual suit and tie and tried out a traditional Pakistani sherwani in a bold green shade.
The Queen's Dresser Opens Up
Very few people know what life is really like inside Buckingham Palace, but this year, Queen Elizabeth granted permission to Angela Kelly, who has served as her dresser and confidant for 25 years, to write a book not only about royal fashion, but also about their experience working together. It's a fascinating look behind the scenes at all the preparation that goes into every royal moment.
Prince Charles Lays a Wreath on the Queen's Behalf
For the third year in a row, Prince Charles laid a wreath on his mother's behalf during the Remembrance Sunday service. It's one of several indications that the Queen is starting to shift some of her responsibilities to younger members of the royal family. Notably, she also passed on longstanding patronages to both Kate and Meghan this year.
Prince Andrew Gives a Disastrous Interview About Epstein
Even after Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in jail earlier this summer, members of his high profile social circle continued to remain in the headlines for their associations with the convicted sex offender. In November, the Duke of York attempted to clear the air with a "no holds-barred" interview with the BBC's Emily Maitlis.
The two sat down at Buckingham Palace and discussed not only Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein, but also the accusations that he had sex with Virginia Roberts Giuffre while she was being trafficked by Epstein, which he vehemently denied. The broadcast was widely regarded as a disaster for the Queen's second son.
Prince Andrew Steps Back from His Royal Duties
Following enormous public criticism of the interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew voluntarily stepped back from his royal duties.
In a personal statement released in November, the Duke of York said that he had asked for permission from the Queen to "step back from public duties for the foreseeable future," noting that his association with Epstein has become a "major disruption" not only for the royal family but also for the charities and organizations he supports. He also said he'd be willing to speak with law enforcement, "if required."
The Shrug That Went Viral
Between her depiction in the latest season of The Crown, and two videos that went viral shortly after the show's premiere, Princess Anne is having a serious moment on the internet here at the end of 2019. But for the record: She wasn't shading Trump with that shrug during the NATO reception at Buckingham Palace. Royal reporter Valentine Low recently shared the real story behind the footage: "The Queen, after greeting the Donald (and the Melania), turned to Anne to see who was next. But there wasn't anyone waiting: Trump was the last leader to be received by the Queen," he wrote on Twitter. "Anne raised her hands in the air, laughed and said: 'It's just me,' adding a moment later 'and this lot' as she pointed to the members of the household behind her."
That said, another clip of the Princess Royal made the rounds on Twitter suggesting she was part of a conversation about the U.S. President, but it's unclear what she said.
Queen Elizabeth Meets With Boris Johnson
Twice this year, the Queen met with Boris Johnson, her 14th Prime Minister, and asked him to form a government in her name. The second was in December, following his party's landslide victory in parliamentary elections, which all but guarantees Brexit will happen.
Will 2019 go down as a second annus horribilis?