It’s been a banner year for Kensington Palace! Flip through the major milestones that have peppered the lives — engagements, wedding anniversaries, pregnancies, and retirements — of the world’s most popular royal family.
1 of 21
Kate and Will dressed to impress for a glamorous date night out at Royal Albert Hall for the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards back in February. Kate looked every bit the duchess that she is in a floral-printed, off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen gown.
2 of 21
Queen Elizabeth made friends with a baby elephant in April while visiting England’s ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, making for one adorable set of animal-loving photos.
3 of 21
After months of speculation about Prince Harry’s new flame, “Suits” actress Meghan Markle, the private prince came out to defend his love in an official statement. "It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm. He knows commentators will say this is 'the price she has to pay' and that 'this is all part of the game.' He strongly disagrees. This is not a game -- it is her life and his."
4 of 21
Music royalty met British royalty when Prince William and Lady Gaga joined forces to raise awareness for the Heads Together campaign. Taking part in a FaceTime session, the stars aimed to battle the stigma associated with mental illness.
5 of 21
The newest royal couple were spotted cuddling while celebrating the wedding of Harry’s close friend Tom Inskip. Paparazzi caught the new couple hand-in-hand and snuggling up at the ceremony in Jamaica.
6 of 21
The adorable Princess Charlotte posed ahead of her second birthday on May 2. "Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank everyone for all of the lovely messages they have received, and hope that everyone enjoys this photograph of Princess Charlotte as much as they do,” the duke and duchess’ spokesperson wrote in a statement.
7 of 21
The wedding of the year took place on May 20, with Kate’s little sister Pippa tying the knot with hedge fund manager James Matthews in a romantic countryside wedding. The bride was a vision in white, opting for a dress by British designer Giles Deacon.
8 of 21
The entire Royal Family came together this summer in celebration of the annual Trooping of the Colour celebration on June 17.
9 of 21
Prince George delivered another set of aww-worthy photos when the tiny royal explored helicopters while in Hamburg, Germany, with mom and dad.
10 of 21
It was a photo-op to remember when Kate Middleton and Prince William posed in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero on March 18, 2017, in Paris, France.
11 of 21
A solo Prince William accompanied a weary Prince George to his very first day of school at Thomas's school in Battersea, London.
12 of 21
A now-four-year-old Prince George flashed a major smile while posing for another official annual portrait.
13 of 21
After 65 years of public service, the dapper Duke of Edinburgh made his final royal appearance on Aug. 2. The 96-year-old royal took in a parade celebrating the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge at Buckingham Palace.
14 of 21
Kensington Palace confirmed the upcoming arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s third child in September. “The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news,” the official statement read. As with her first and second pregnancies, the duchess suffered from acute morning sickness, or Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
15 of 21
Meghan Markle was by Prince Harry’s side when he brought the Invictus Games to the actress’s adopted hometown of Toronto. The series of dressed-down appearances brought speculation of an upcoming engagement to an all-time high.
16 of 21
One year after sending his Invictus Games challenge across the pond to Prince Harry, Barack Obama rekindled his bromance with the royal while sitting courtside at one of the event’s wheelchair basketball matches in October.
17 of 21
Prince Harry made a pit-stop in Chicago this fall where he helped Michelle Obama kick off the inaugural summit of the Obama Foundation.
18 of 21
Paddington Bear simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to steal a quick dance with the duchess while promoting the movie at London’s Paddington Station.
19 of 21
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip posed for a portrait in celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary on Nov. 20.
20 of 21
The couple-of-the-moment were the picture of happiness as they stepped out at Kensington Palace to confirm their engagement on Nov. 27.
21 of 21
Days after announcing their engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carried out their first joint royal appearance on Dec 1. The newly engaged couple looked as loved-up as ever while visiting a World AIDS Day charity in Nottingham.