There’s no question about it; 2021 has been a huge year for the royal family.
They’ve welcomed three new royal children, said goodbye to Prince Philip, marked a number of marital milestones and returned to their duties after a global pandemic.
Prince Charles is preparing to take on the role of king, the Cambridges are working harder than ever and the Queen is “keeping calm and carrying on”.
Meanwhile, in the US, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have continued to carve out new royal roles for themselves.
As the year comes to an end, we’re looking back at the royal family photos that captivated us in 2021. Keep scrolling to see them all.
February
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off the year with a bang, announcing they were expecting their second child with this stunning photo.
February
The couple shared a follow up photo with their son Archie, but kept his face hidden.
February
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank welcomed their son in Febraury, introducing August Philip Hawke Brooksbank to the world with this snap.
March
The world went into a spin when the first clips and images from Harry and Meghan’s bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview emerged.
March
During the interview they shared rare footage of their young son Archie, now two, and announced they were expecting a daughter – see the beautiful reveal in the video below.
Harry and Meghan announce that they’re having a daughter to Oprah
March
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge then stole the spotlight with this relaxed photo to celebrate her Hold Still project.
Queen and Prince Charles
April
The Queen and Prince Charles posed togther for this sweet snap on the grounds of Frogmore House, Windsor.
April
The world mourned when news broke of Prince Philip’s death on April 9, 2021.
April
William and Kate shared this photo of the late Duke of Edinburgh with their son, Prince George, as they paid tribute to his legacy.
April
The Cambridges also shared previously unseen family photos with Philip…
April
… including this one of him and the Queen with seven of their grandchildren.
Prince Philip funeral
April
This photo of the Queen sitting alone at her late husband’s funeral went viral as the royal family farewelled its patriarch – see footage from the funeral in the video below.
The Queen arrives for the funeral Of Prince Philip
Prince Philip funeral
April
This image of Catherine arriving at the funeral captivated millions of royal-watchers.
Prince Philip funeral
April
William and Harry reunited for the first time in over a year to walk in Philip’s funeral procession.
April
William and Kate marked Prince Louis’ birthday just a few weeks later with this sweet snap of the youngster on his bike.
April
The parents-of-three then celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary with two stunning new portraits.
April
The smitten pair also shared a family video to mark the mileston – watch it below.
Prince William and Duchess Catherine release touching family video to celebrate 10-year anniversary
Princess Charlotte
May
Princess Charlotte’s sixth birthday followed soon after and the royal family released this sweet photo to celebrate.
Queen opens Parliament
May
The Queen looked regal as she opened a new session of Parliament not long after losing Prince Philip.
May
William rolled up his sleeve for the COVID-19 vaccine in this photo, urging fellow Brits and people around the world to do the same.
May
Catherine soon followed in her husband’s footsteps, getting the jab herself.
Queen, Camilla and Kate
June
Her Majesty was in good spirits as the UK reopened in June, attending a lively joint engagement with Kate and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Bidens and the Queen
June
That same month, US President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr Jill Biden made thier first visit to the UK to meet the Queen.
Kate and Jill Biden
June
Kate took some time to bond with the US First Lady, both women dressing in vibrant pink ensembles.
Diana statue
July
William and Harry reunited again in July to mark what would have been their mother, Princess Diana’s, 60th birthday by unveiling a statue in her honour – see the moment unfold in the video below.
Prince Harry and Prince William arrive at the Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace
Prince George
July
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared this adorable photo of Prince George to mark his birthday.
Kate Wimbledon
July
Catherine almost stole the show in this green frock as she congratulated Ash Barty for winning the Wimbledon ladies final.
Sophie and Louise
August
Lady Louise Windsor looked all grown up when was spotted with her mother, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, just before her 18th birthday. Royal fans noticed that she was wearing her late grandfather, Prince Philip’s old jacket.
Princess Charlotte
August
The Cambridges shared this darling image of Charlotte holding a butterfly to mark the Big Butterfly Count initiative in the UK.
Queen
August
Her Majesty was given a royal welcome when she returned to Balmoral for her first summer holiday there since Prince Philip’s passing.
Kate gold dress
September
Catherine made headlines when she donned this stunning gold gown to attend the premiere of the latest James Bond movie in London.
No Time To Die premiere
September
She attended the glamorous event with William, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Anne and Sophie
September
Princess Anne and Sophie, Countess of Wessex stepped out for a delightful rare joint appearance.
Harry and Meghan NY
September
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex made a series of in-person appearances in the US, sending fans into a spin.
Global Citizen Vax Live
September
The duo followed their British royal relatives in promoting the COVID-19 vaccine when they attended the Global Citizen Vax Live concert in New York.
Will and Kate
September
Back in the UK, William and Catherine were caught in a rare tender moment at the first Earthshot Prize Awards – see what the prize is all about in the video below.
The Earthshot Prize: Repairing Our Planet trailer starring Prince William
September
This month also saw Princess Beatrice welcome her first child with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, a little girl they named Sienna Elizabeth.
October
Princess Eugenie shared this sweet candid photo with her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York.
Beatrice and Edo
October
Soon after, Beatrice was spotted for the first time since giving birth at a royal wedding in Greece with husband Edo.
Harry and Meghan
November
Meghan stole the show in this red frock as she and Harry attended a military gala in the US.
Harry and Meghan arrive at the 2021 Salute To Freedom Gala in New York
Charles and Camilla
November
Charles and Camilla posed for a number of incredible photos during their royal tour of Jordan and Egypt.
November
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Meghan shared this rare photo of her and Harry’s son Archie – see the duchess’ parenting update in the video below.
Meghan Markle admits Archie and Lilibet didn’t enjoy Halloween!
Cambridge Christmas card
December
Look how much they’ve grown! William and Catherine’s Christmas card featured their family-of-five in a photo taken on a trip to ancient site Petra in Jordan.
Harry Meghan Christmas card
December
Fans went wild when the Sussex family released their 2021 Christmas card as it featured the photo debut of daughter Lilibet.
