The Most Memorable Royal Photos of 2024 (So Far)
This year got off to an unexpected start with the British royal family, with both Kate Middleton and King Charles hospitalized for medical conditions in January, and then the news of Charles's cancer diagnosis in February and a month later, Kate's cancer diagnosis.
In light of his cancer diagnosis, King Charles stepped back from public duties, as will the Princess of Wales, who is undergoing "preventative chemotherapy." That makes the start of 2024 much quieter for the House of Windsor than normal, with two senior working royals effectively out of commission. In April 2024, the Palace announced Charles will return to public facing duties.
Across the pond, 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting for year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. They have more projects in the works at Netflix, including a cooking show hosted by the Duchess of Sussex, and traveled to Canada in February for a series of events celebrating one year to go until the 2025 Invictus Games. Meghan is also set to launch a new brand, American Riviera Orchard.
Here, see the most memorable royal photos of 2024 (so far):
January 7, 2024
For his first public appearance of 2024, King Charles went to Sunday services at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. He had planned to spend January at Balmoral, but due to his health issues, he had to return to London.
January 10, 2024
Princess Anne kicked off international for the royals, undertaking a three day official visit to Sri Lanka. Here, she arrives at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
January 11, 2024
The Princess Royal was joined by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, during the visit.
January 18, 2024
On January 17, Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery and would be hospitalized for ten to fourteen days, and on medical leave until after Easter. A day later, Prince William was seen leaving The London Clinic, where Kate was recuperating following surgery.
January 22, 2024
While three senior royals were absent from royal duties, Queen Camilla kept up with her schedule of engagements—all while providing updates on the King's health.
January 23, 2024
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Jamaica, at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love.
January 29, 2024
On the same day Kate was discharged from the hospital, King Charles was discharged, too— and exited with Queen Camilla by his side.
February 4, 2024
A day before he announced his cancer diagnosis, King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured attending church at Sandringham.
February 6, 2024
The day after the news of his cancer diagnosis was made public, King Charles was pictured in London heading to Buckingham Palace to fly back to Sandringham. That morning, he met with Prince Harry at Clarence House, who flew from Los Angeles to be with his father.
Here, the King's Helicopter is pictured flying above a Royal Standard flag, as it takes off from the grounds of Buckingham Palace.
February 7, 2024
Prince William returned to public engagements after Kate's hospitalization, and attended London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner. "I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," he said. "It means a great deal to us all."
February 8, 2024
After his quick trip to the UK, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Las Vegas, where he presented the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to Cameron Hayward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
February 11, 2024
As Charles began his cancer treatment, he was pictured attending church at Sandringham alongside Queen Camilla.
February 14, 2024
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated One Year to Go until the 2025 Invictus Games with a trip to British Columbia. Their day began on the Whistler Mountain, where they spent time at the training camp.
February 15, 2024
Throughout their Canada trip, Meghan embraced cozy fashion—including this navy Hermès puffer coat she wore to watch Harry (and others!) participate in skeleton.
February 16, 2024
On the final day of their trip, Harry joined a game of wheelchair curling, then spoke to competitors. “These last few days have been very, very special,” he said. “Every single one of you inspire me, and you inspire us, every single day.”
February 18, 2024
Prince William attended the BAFTAs solo, where he met EE Rising Star nominees Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Sophie Wilde, and Mia McKenna Bruce, and this photo soon went viral for their reactions to the Princes of Wales.
February 23, 2024
King Charles was photographed reading get well cards that were sent to Buckingham Palace. "I have had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time," he told Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
February 27, 2024
Members of the British royal family attended a Service of Thanksgiving for Constantine, the former and last king of Greece, held in Windsor at St George's Chapel. Prince William bowed out at the last minute, sparking discussion online about Kate's health.
Queen Camilla led the royals at service. She's pictured here with Princess Anne and Queen Anne Marie of Greece.
March 1, 2024
Amid rising speculation around Kate's health, Prince William carried out a day of engagements in Wales. He's pictured here with Rob McElhenney, who purchased Wrexham AFC with Ryan Reynolds. Throughout the day, William kept to his policy of not commenting on his wife's health.
March 4, 2024
The Duke of Kent, 88, carried out his first solo engagement of 2024 in March, attending the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) service at Westminster Abbey.
March 8, 2024
Meghan participated in a keynote panel for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas. "Whether you’re a 9 year old girl or a 90 year old woman, you can absolutely continue to make the change that we all need," she said in her remarks. The panel also came on the heels of the news that Meghan signed a podcast deal with Lemonada Media, and has a new project in the works.
March 10, 2024
To celebrate UK Mother's Day, Kensington Palace released a photograph of the Princess of Wales and her three children, taken by Prince William—a photo that quickly turned into a PR disaster, after it was recalled by major photo agencies.
A day later, Kate issued a personal apology for editing the photo. "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day," she wrote, but the apology didn't quell conspiracy theories.
More on the photo controversy here
March 11, 2024
Amid the ongoing photo controversy, Prince William attended Commonwealth Day Services at Westminster Abbey, joining Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.
March 12, 2024
Queen Camilla received a lookalike Barbie doll during a Women of the World reception at Buckingham Palace. "Thank you very, very much indeed. It's brilliant," she said. "You've taken about 50 years off my life!"
March 21, 2024
Meghan and Harry hosted an event at the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi Stadium.
March 22, 2024
On March 22, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales had been diagnosed with cancer, and was receiving "preventative chemotherapy" treatment. In tandem, the Palace shared a personal video message from Kate, in which she spoke about her diagnosis, her health, and her desire for privacy.
Everything we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis
March 27, 2024
After Kate's cancer diagnosis was made public, there was an outpouring of support for the Princess of Wales. At an engagement, Queen Camilla shared that Kate is "thrilled by all the kind wishes and support," and received this sweet note to give to her.
March 28, 2024
On Maundy Thursday, Queen Camilla stepped in for her husband, who was unable to attend due to his ongoing cancer treatment.
March 31, 2024
On Easter Sunday, King Charles attended services in Windsor, his first major appearance since January.
Charles and Camilla were joined by a small group of royals—Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson (for the first time since 1991), and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (not pictured here).
After the service ended, King Charles greeted members of the public.
April 12, 2024
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Florida for the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale.
One of Harry and Meghan's upcoming projects at Netflix will be a show that follows the world of professional polo.
Harry and Meghan shared a kiss after she presented him with the trophy. More details on Meghan's outfit, here.
April 14, 2024
The Duke of Kent undertook his last engagement as Colonel of the Scots Guards, a position that was passed on to the Duke of Edinburgh.
April 22, 2024
Queen Camilla visited The Royal Lancers regiment, her first visit since being appointed as their Colonel-in-Chief. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during World War II.
April 24, 2024
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh walked across the iconic Abbey Road crossing, made famous by The Beatles album cover.
April 26, 2024
To announce King Charles's return to public duties, Buckingham Palace shared a new photograph of the King and Queen Camilla, taken in the gardens of the palace on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.
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