William and Kate’s unluckiest year
How the couple are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary, facing their biggest test yet
Tomorrow, April 29, marks the Prince and Princess of Wales’ 13th wedding anniversary. And we’re sure the pair will be reflecting on what is their unluckiest year yet, with Kate’s surgery and cancer diagnosis. Coupled with that came social media conspiracy theories, unpleasant rumours and pressure over doctored photographs. It’s certainly a trying time for the Wales’.
However, it seems like yesterday we were watching the pair walk down the aisle in Westminster Abbey, in what was the most glamorous royal wedding for years. Their vows of “for better or for worse” couldn’t have been more appropriate, for throughout all the trials and trauma, the pair, along with their family, are giving strength to each other. Here are some of our favourite moments, over the past 13 years:
The wedding, 2011: On April 29, 13 years ago, William gave his beautiful bride Catherine a balcony kiss to remember, in what was one of the most genuine royal weddings of all time.
Birth of Prince George, 2013: Two years later, there was more cause for celebration, with the arrival of Prince George, on July 22. The first official photos of the family were heartfelt and down-to-earth, taken by Catherine’s dad, Michael.
Birth of Princess Charlotte, 2015: On May 2, two years after that, we welcomed Princess Charlotte. Like with George, Catherine posed on the hospital steps, for official pictures, before William drove the family home.
A visit from the Obamas, 2016: The reason the pair are so popular is because of their normality. This shone through when they introduced Prince George to the Obamas, in his pyjamas and monogrammed dressing gown.
Birth of Prince Louis, 2018: On April 23, we met Louis and the first official photos were taken by his proud mum, cradled in his big sister’s arms.
Clapping for carers, 2020: When the pandemic hit, William and Catherine spearheaded campaigns to support frontline workers. They gathered the family to clap for carers, applauding the NHS and uniting the nation.
James Bond premiere, 2021: That September, William and Catherine leant their superpower to promoting the pandemic-delayed James Bond, No Time To Die. The Princess of Wales absolutely stole the show in her gold Jenny Packham gown. Her and William’s happiness was clear in the candid shot by Alex Bramall, they later posted online, to celebrate New Year.
12th anniversary, 2022: Another candid shot came in the form of this lovely off-duty photo of the pair on bicycles, shot by Matt Porteous, which the couple posted this time last year, for their 12th anniversary.
Nine reasons why we love Charlotte the Great
Happy birthday to Princess Charlotte, who turns nine on Thursday. In honour of her birthday, here’s nine reasons why we love Charlotte the Great:
1. She’s got everyone under control.
2. She’s happy, fun-loving and confident.
3. She’s outspoken – famously telling photographers they weren’t invited to her brother Louis’ christening party, when she was three.
4. She’s cheeky - in 2019 she was snapped poking her tongue out at onlookers at the King’s Cup Regatta on the Isle of Wight.
5. She knows the ropes - at the Queen’s funeral, she was filmed telling George, “You need to bow,” as the coffin was placed into the hearse.
6. She can handle Louis. Similarly, she took charge of her cheeky little brother at the Platinum Jubilee, slapping his hand out of his mouth at the concert.
7. We reckon she’ll be another Princess Royal. She will inherit the title – and the aptitude of Princess Anne.
8. She’s got great style. She looks super-sweet in her dresses and cardigans, and equally shorts and t-shirts.
9. She’s simply… great.
Three cheers for Charles, he’s back!
Eleven weeks after starting his cancer treatment, the King is returning to public-facing royal duties. This Tuesday will see him making ‘the first in a number of external engagements in the weeks ahead’ and it was also confirmed that Charles will host a state visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan in June.
Buckingham Palace announced the good news on Friday, saying: “His Majesty the King will shortly return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis. To help mark this milestone, the King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients.”
The statement added: “As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year.”
As reported in the Telegraph, a spokesperson said his medical team are “very encouraged by the progress made so far”, and doctors “remain positive about the King’s continued recovery”.
Corgi parade at Queen’s new statue
It’s a sight Queen Elizabeth would have loved, last Sunday 46 corgis helped to unveil her new statue on what would have been her 98th birthday. Placed in the grounds of Oakham Library, Rutland, the 7ft bronze memorial was created by sculptor Hywel Pratley and also immortalises a trio of the Queen’s beloved dogs. We think it’s a terrific tribute, even if some critics disagree.
Sophie’s Beatles moment
The Duchess of Edinburgh recreated pop history by happily posing on London’s Abbey Road zebra crossing, made famous by The Beatles on their 1969 album cover of the same name.
Looking chic in a Beulah London Yahvi dress, Sophie was at the Abbey Road Studios on Wednesday joining Orbis UK at their annual Visionaries event for the eye care charity. The Duchess is Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness whose aim is to ‘transform lives through the prevention and treatment of blindness’.
Wisecracking William
It’s good to know that in spite of his family’s challenging year, the Prince of Wales hasn't lost his sense of humour. This week, we found out William likes to talk to sheep and other animals about their feelings, cleans out his children’s guinea pigs’ cage and Charlotte loves his dad jokes.