The royal year ahead: what's in store for '24
Birthdays, tours and anniversaries - here's what's on the court calendar
Happy New Year! We are back for another year of royal news. And kicking off our newsletters for 2024, is a round-up of the dates on the court calendar. Here’s what to expect:
Birthday girls and boys: How fast they grow up - fun-loving Mia Tindall turns 10 on January 17 and her cousin, Prince George, celebrates his 11th birthday in July. This means he’ll be heading to secondary school in September – but whether he’ll follow in William and Harry’s footsteps and enrol at Eton, is yet to be confirmed. William and Catherine have been spotted looking around the school, but Catherine has also been seen at her old alma mater, co-ed boarding school Marlborough College, where both George and Charlotte could attend. Also going to big school this year, will be Prince Archie, who has his fifth birthday in May and is expected to enrol in a local school, such as nearby public elementary Cold Spring School.
Edward and Sophie celebrate: It’s all about the Edinburghs this year, who are fast becoming our favourite couple. Prince Edward celebrates his 60th birthday in March and the couple will reach their silver wedding anniversary in June. Lady Louise Windsor also turns 21 in November.
Anne’s anniversary: It’s also the 50th anniversary of one of the most dramatic moments in the Royal Family’s history, when on March 20, 1974, Princess Anne was the subject of a kidnapping attempt by gunman Ian Ball. He held up her car as she drove back to Buckingham Palace and shot her protection officer, chauffeur, a passing journalist and policeman, before ordering her out of the vehicle and demanding a ransom of £2 million. “Not bloody likely,” she replied, refusing to move, later saying she was most annoyed her dress got torn, “and it was a good new dress.”
Royal tours: The first royal tour of the year will be made by Princess Anne, who goes to Sri Lanka next week. King Charles and Camilla will visit Canada in May and Australia in October and the Prince and Princess of Wales are also reportedly planning a visit to Rome, although details are to be announced.
Harry hits a milestone: Prince Harry will be partying in California in September, when he turns 40. While it’s doubtful William and Catherine will receive an invite, it’s a far cry from his 30th when they threw a party for him in Clarence House - something he left out of his autobiography Spare.
Meet Australia’s new Queen
Big news for our Aussie readers this week, as their own Princess Mary becomes Queen of Denmark on Jan 14, despite the Scots also claiming her as their own. It follows the shock abdication of Queen Margrethe II.
Mary, who was born in Tasmania, has Scottish parents who emigrated Down Under in the 1960s, but she has since given up both her Australian and British citizenships.
No matter, wrote Kerry for Sydney’s The Sunday Telegraph, the Aussie line will continue when son and heir Prince Christian, 18, takes the throne, as he’s technically half-Australian. Perhaps they could swap the Robes of State for Speedos of State to honour her background…
Meanwhile, don’t be expecting a lavish and long Coronation like King Charles’ - the Danes are much more streamlined and the whole thing takes just a few minutes. Let’s hope she wears a posh gown, at least.
Visit The Crown’s amazing exhibition
Talking of posh gowns, for anyone missing the dazzling frocks, jewels and props from The Crown (that’s all of us, then), get yourself down to Bonhams London on New Bond Street for a free preview of The Crown Auction.
With more than 170 lots, it’s a treasure trove from all six seasons of the award-winning series. Highlights include the glorious gowns and accessories worn by our favourite Queen (Claire Foy), favourite Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby) and favourite Princess Diana (Elizabeth Debicki). Fancy some new wheels? Make a bid for the Gold State Coach replica – one of the most expensive props created for the show.
Take a closer look for yourself. Maria’s already got her free ticket for this Saturday. Book yours here. The Crown Auction preview is open to all from 11 Jan to 5 Feb, ahead of the live auction taking place on 7 Feb and an online one running from 11 Jan-8 Feb. Happy bidding!
Happy 42nd birthday, Kate!
The Princess of Wales celebrates her big day on Tuesday, and we hope she will be celebrating surrounded by family and friends at Adelaide Cottage. As for gifts, fingers crossed William has upped his game since he once confessed to buying her a pair of binoculars.
Read more from The Royal List writers
From Australia to the UK, Kerry and Maria love researching and writing royal features for top-selling brands, which is why we are thrilled to have several articles in the latest issue of WOMAN Royal Special. On sale now in all good UK supermarkets and newsagents, or order a copy here.