The British Royal Family’s Year in Photographs
A month-by-month, image-by-image look at the Windsors throughout 2022.
Before we ring in 2023, I wanted to take one last look back at the British Royal Family’s 2022. This year was, in so many ways, one for the history books. My thoughts go straight to the visuals, the pictures that lived on the front pages and filled our social media feeds. Where to even start recapping it all! I decided to go month by month, choosing one memorable image to share.
But mostly: I would love to hear your thoughts. What photograph from the last 12 months stands out to you most?
PS: I’ve included links to past newsletters if you are looking to dive into the So Many Thoughts archives. Happy reading!
The British Royal Family’s Year in Photographs
(Photos via Getty Images unless otherwise noted)
January — Kate Goes Glam with Her 40th Birthday Portraits
Catherine, then the Duchess of Cambridge, released three stunning new portraits in January to mark her milestone birthday. She wore a trio of glamorous gowns by Alexander McQueen for the photographs, which were shot by Paolo Roversi. But with her hair in loose waves and minimal jewelry from the royal family’s collection (no tiara in sight, simply earrings and a bracelet from Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana), Kate held onto her royal air of relatability. If I had to choose, I would say that the red full-color shot, with the big smile and her hands in her pockets was my favorite. She looked happy and at ease, enjoying herself even.
For more: Kate’s 40 most fashionable moments
February — The Queen Marks Her Historic Milestone
Although the festivities were held later in the year, Queen Elizabeth II officially marked 70 years on the throne in February. There was some uncertainty around when, or if, we’d see her; she typically marked this winter anniversary of her father’s death privately. But Her Majesty emerged to much fanfare at Sandringham for a small reception, where one participant said she was in “sparkling” form. While cutting the cake, the Queen quipped, “I think I might just put the knife in it.” And she did, adding, “Someone else can do the rest.” What a treat it was to see her!
For more: The close bond between Princess Elizabeth and her father
March — The Cambridges’ Controversial Commonwealth Tour
The criticism of the first major post-pandemic tour for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began before their travel did. The couple’s trip in March to Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas was planned as part of a series of royal tours to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. But visiting three Commonwealth countries prompted long overdue questions about the royal family’s role in each, both past and present, and demands for reparations. The carefully crafted visuals, meant to nod to history, made things worse. One particular engagement in Jamaica saw the royal couple standing in the back of a Landrover, recreating a scene Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip carried out decades earlier. Kate’s fashion seemed of another time, too, a white lace dress reminiscent of an iconic frock the monarch wore on her Commonwealth tour in the 1950s. The CNN analysis of the trip carried the headline “When Royal Tours Fail.”
For more: My previews of the stops in Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, as well as reflections on what the Cambridges could have done differently
April — The Kiss to Kick Off the Invictus Games
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the public spotlight in April for the long-awaited return of the Invictus Games. Rescheduled twice due to the pandemic, Prince Harry’s competition for wounded service men and women was finally able to happen in The Hague. Meghan, clad in an off-the-shoulder white top by Khaite, introduced her husband at the opening ceremony; Harry greeted her with a sweet kiss. Swoon!
For more: A primer on the Invictus Games and Harry’s military service
May — The Queen’s Smile at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
I was lucky enough to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May and can see why it was known as Her Majesty’s favorite event of the year. It was such fun! The Queen made the short drive from Windsor Castle to the horse show grounds for a surprise appearance on the second day. She was in fine fashion form, too, with her navy cardigan and signature silk headscarf. But the best accessory by far was her very genuine smile, particularly when receiving the winners cup. She looks so very pleased!
For more: My Insta Stories recap of the Windsor Horse Show
June — Celebrating 70 Years on the Throne
I traveled back to London in June to witness the four days of festivities marking the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee. It was a remarkable feeling to be in the crowds for this moment in history. I was particularly struck by the Brits’ willingness to separate the individual from the institution. Whatever people felt about the monarchy, and its role going forward, there was a collective and palpable desire to celebrate the Queen. The highlight for me was her balcony appearance for Trooping the Colour. I sprinted up the mall to catch a glimpse of Elizabeth II, what a thrill that was (and even from my far-away vantage point, I could see young Price Louis’s antics!).
For more: The best moments of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and an up-close look at Diana’s wedding tiara
July — The Cambridge Children Step Into the Spotlight
This year we saw a noticeable uptick in public engagements from the Cambridge-turned-Wales children. All three were present at the Jubilee celebrations in June, where Prince Louis stole the show. Prince George joined his parents at the Wimbledon men’s final in July and the following month Princess Charlotte accompanied her parents to the Commonwealth Games. I gotta say, I feel for all of them in these moments! It must be so hard to be both a parent and a kid when the whole world is watching.
For more: The history of the royal family at Wimbledon
August — Meghan Breaks Down Archetypes
The Duchess of Sussex released her highly anticipated podcast on Spotify in August. Through a dozen episodes, Meghan dove deep into the origins of labels including “Angry Black Woman,” “Diva,” and “Bimbo.” I looked forward Archetypes to each week, eager to hear what guests she had on and what topics she tackled. Timed to the release, she appeared on the cover of The Cut from New York Magazine. The stunning series of photographs by Campbell Addy built on one another in such a phenomenal way, while the cover story by Allison P. Davis had the entire internet abuzz.
For more: My thoughts on the first episode of Archetypes and my Insta Stories breakdown of the Cut photos
September — A Spectacular Send Off for Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully on September 8, ending her historic 70-year reign. The moment was anticipated; reports of her failing health persisted throughout the year. But it also came as somewhat of a shock. Just two days before her death, in front of a fireplace at Balmoral, she greeted her newest prime minister. What came next was like nothing we have seen in modern royal history: day after day of stunning visuals of a nation — and the globe — mourning the Queen. At every turn, the pictures live-streamed around the world were more striking than the next. It was a fitting send-off for a monarch who famously said she needed to be seen to be believed. (It’s nearly impossible to choose just one; I’ve opted for a gallery of the lasting images here instead.)
For more: Mourning the Queen, front page by front page
October — A Spare for the History Books
It’s hard to remember when the announcement of a book title — one comprised of a single word, no less — made such waves. The first look at Prince Harry’s Spare in October, with a striking image of him on the cover, teed up what is sure to be a blockbuster release. Clearing my calendar now for Spare’s release on January 10.
For more: Stay tuned! Spare book club news coming soon.
November — Charles Takes The Crown
After decades of speculation around what kind of monarch the Queen’s eldest son would be, the reign of King Charles III began to take shape in November — just as the latest season of The Crown hit Netflix. I had a fascinating chat with Dominic West, who has taken up the mantle as the heir, about what he admires about the new monarch. He reenacted Charles’s “Bloody pen! F—king pen!” outburst for me, adding: “The queen of 70 years was never that emotive, and he’s doing it every day…I think people love it.” And some, apparently, don’t. On a visit to York in early November, a member of the crowd threw an egg in Charles’s direction.
For more: My Town & Country cover story on Dominic West
December — Harry & Meghan Show Us Their Story
In all that was retold and reframed in Harry & Meghan on Netflix, one thing was definitively new: the visuals. There were so many gorgeous pictures in the six-part docu-series of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children. The streaming service made a handful of high-res shots available to the press for download (like the one you see above). Scores more have been screenshot from the episodes and re-shared on social media. It’s amazing after all these years — and all the speculation — to have pictures to illustrate their story, to bring it to life.
For more: My thoughts on Volume I and Volume II, and my SMT Lives with Lindsey White and Ateh Jewel
What was the image of the royal family that stands out to you most? Paid subscribers can share in the comments. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading today.
These pictures of the queens send off had me in tears again. Those images, that will live in history books, evoke such emotion.
But Mostly....your recap makes me really feel for the royals and what an emotional year they’ve had. Such highs and such lows - and for the Wales’ to be navigating it as parents....my heart goes out to them.
Would have loved a picture of The Princess Royal (October, Uganda?) or the Countess of Wessex (October, Congo) (summer Commonwealth games) ?? Obviously Princess Anne could not be the picture of Sept, but her steadfast duty and care of her mother’s life of service was a highlight of the year for me.