With two weddings, one birth, and one very shocking pregnancy announcement, it’s safe to say that 2018 was a busy year for the British royal family. In the midst of these milestones, it was some of the smaller moments that caught the world’s eye – think: Prince Harry’s whisper at the royal wedding, Prince George smiling cheekily in his birthday portrait, and more. Here, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit the highlights, both big and small.
The Fab Four Came Together
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and Prince William became known as the “Fab Four” in 2018. These two power couples made more appearances together – like this one at the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum in February – solidifying their relationship on the world stage and giving us a glimpse into this new dynamic.
Princess Charlotte Perfected the Royal Wave
Prince William escorted Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet Prince Louis – who was born on April 23rd – but it wasn’t the new arrival who stole the spotlight. Giving a little wave to the cameras, the adorable pint-sized princess proved that, at the age of only three, she has mastered the royal wave.
Princess Charlotte Took on Big Sister Duties
As the first official images of the newest royal arrival were released, hearts worldwide melted over the sight of Princess Charlotte tenderly kissing Prince Louis. The image is one that will go down in history as perhaps the cutest sibling interaction caught on film.
Harry Told Meghan How He (Really) Felt
Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement in November 2017, the world eagerly awaited their big day. There were so many unforgettable moments from this special event, but the one that will truly live on in our memories is when he looked over at his bride and whispered, “You look amazing.”
you look amazing. *bites lip* pic.twitter.com/yeGpkn9qJt
— DanielléDASH (@DanielleDASH) May 19, 2018
Meghan Markle Befriended Queen Elizabeth
In their first solo outing together, Meghan Markle got to spend some quality time with the Queen when they visited Cheshire for a royal event in June. The Duchess of Sussex wore a structured Givenchy dress, the Queen was in vibrant lime, and the two were seen giggling as a new – and unexpected – friendship blossomed.
Prince George Personified Cheeky
That cheeky little smile in his birthday portrait said it all: Prince George turns five! Though we may not know what the little royal is thinking – or do we? – we love getting to see him grow and his personality shine. This shot captured it all!
Meghan Markle Launched Her Solo Project
In September, Meghan Markle released the news of her first official project as a royal. Together: Our Community Cookbook is a collection of recipes for which she wrote the foreword. Created to support the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, it was another opportunity for the philanthropic princess to lend her voice to a good cause.
A Royal Pregnancy Was Announced
After about five months of marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced the baby news that the world was waiting for. Expecting their first child in spring 2019, the couple is – once again! – making royal history, which makes us dub it the perfect love story.
Princess Eugenie Tied the Knot
After seven years together, Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in a beautiful ceremony at the same church as the royal wedding. This ceremony showed off a side of Eugenie that we hadn’t seen before as she chose to wear a Peter Pilotto gown that showed off her surgery scar to inspire young girls. Once again, the royals used their platform for good – and that is unforgettable.
The Royals Got Candid
Often commemorating special occasions with posed photographs, the British monarchy rarely strays from tradition, but as times are changing, it is keeping up. In what came as a complete surprise to the public, the royal family released not one, but two portraits to mark Prince Charles’ 70th birthday.
The Prince of Wales posed alongside his wife, his two children, their wives, and his three grandchildren for a celebratory photography session in the Clarence House garden. In addition to the formal image, a more candid counterpart was also unveiled, showing everyone laughing and looking completely relaxed – a rare treat.
Meghan Markle Broke Another Style Rule
Stunning the crowds at the British Fashion Awards earlier this month, Meghan showed off her growing baby bump in a surprise appearance. Presenting Claire Waight Keller – the designer behind her wedding dress – with the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, the mom-to-be was a vision in Givenchy. What everyone is still talking about, though? The fact that she broke royal style protocol, yet again, by sporting dark nail polish.