By royal appointment – what 2022 holds for the Windsors
Court cases, celebrations and anniversaries: the royal calendar, revealed
After the Queen confirmed the Duke of York will relinquish his military titles and patronages and no longer use his HRH title, fighting his sexual abuse case by Virginia Giuffre Roberts as a “private citizen,” we can expect Prince Andrew to dominate headlines in the coming months.
Whether he settles the case or fights it, he continues to assert his innocence. “This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims,” a source told The Telegraph.
Buckingham Palace put out a statement on Thursday saying, “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and Royal patronages have been returned to The Queen. The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”
It is understood The Queen took the measures after discussions with Prince Charles and Prince William, who were keen to distance the Royal Family from Andrew’s issues, in what will be a key year for the monarchy.
Aside from the scandal, here’s what else to expect in 2022:
February 6: The Queen reaches 70 years on the throne
The Queen hits 70 years on the throne on February 6, the date her father, King George VI died aged 56, in 1952. While she doesn’t celebrate her accession on that date, because she is mourning her father, she is keen for the nation and Commonwealth to join together. She hopes the Platinum Jubilee, “will be an opportunity for people everywhere to enjoy a sense of togetherness; a chance to give thanks for the enormous changes of the last 70 years,” she said in her Christmas speech.
February 9: The 20th anniversary of Princess Margaret’s death
A few days later, it will be 20 years since Princess Margaret passed away aged 71 on February 9, 2002. The Queen has outlived her younger sister by more than two decades and it will be a sombre time of reflection.
March 30: The 20th anniversary of The Queen Mother’s death
The following month, it will be two decades since the Queen also lost her mother, aged 101, on March 30, 2002. The Queen gave a moving speech at the time, saying, “I thank you for the support you are giving me and my family as we come to terms with her death and the void she has left in our midst. I thank you also from my heart for the love you gave her during her life and the honour you now give her in death.”
April 9: The anniversary of Prince Philip’s death
Sadly, the reflection continues, as April 9 marks one year since the Queen lost Prince Philip and a service for him is planned in Westminster Abbey, around this time.
April 16-22: Invictus Games
In April, Prince Harry is finally hosting his twice-postponed Invictus Games in The Hague. For tickets, visit here.
May 12-15: Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Windsor
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations begin in May, with A Gallop Through History at Windsor Castle. More than 500 horses and 1000 performers will feature in military and equestrian displays. Tickets are available here.
June 2-5: Platinum Jubilee celebrations at Buckingham Palace
The central Jubilee weekend takes place in June, with a spectacular Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) in The Mall. Tickets are available through a ballot, from tomorrow, here. There will also be a Platinum Party at the Palace and pageant, among many other events. For the full schedule and ticket information, visit here.
June 21: Prince William turns 40
Just when you thought the party was over, Prince William will be blowing up the balloons for his 40th birthday on June 21. He follows wife Catherine, who hit the milestone on January 9. She marked it by releasing a stunning set of portraits, so we hope William will do the same.
July 17: Camilla turns 75
The following month, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall also has a special birthday, when she turns 75. We expect she’ll receive lots of lovely books.
July 28 - August 8: The Commonwealth Games
The Queen launched the baton relay from Buckingham Palace last October and in July the Commonwealth Games will kick off in Birmingham. Hopefully Her Majesty will be there in person to receive it back again. The event is being produced by Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight, who says “it is going to be mind-blowing”. For information and tickets, visit here.
August 31: 25 years since the death of Diana
Last year, William and Harry unveiled their statue of their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in the gardens of Kensington Palace to commemorate what would have been her 60th birthday. This year, the brothers will mark the 25th anniversary of her death, in Paris, aged 36. It is not clear whether Harry will return to the UK to take part in either the Platinum Jubilee, or a memorial to his mother, but it is also around this time his memoir is expected to be published.
Nov 21: 75th wedding anniversary of the Queen
Sadly, on November 21, the Queen will celebrate the 75th anniversary of her marriage to Prince Philip, alone. In 1947 the princess said, “It is lovely to think that your happiness has made millions happy too in these hard times.”
Dec 12: Princess Anne’s 30th wedding anniversary
Finally, Princess Anne has something to celebrate, when she hits her 30-year anniversary to Timothy Laurence. Back in 1992, when she split from first husband Captain Mark Phillips, she was part of what the Queen termed her Annus Horribilis. Let’s hope 2022 turns out to be much better.