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| Queen Elizabeth II and U.S. President Donald Trump in Windsor Castle. Image: Dan Scavino, Jr./ Wikimedia Commons |
It’s been another busy year for the royals. With 2018 drawing to a close, Queen Elizabeth II has clocked in 120 days at work, so impressive already for a 92 year-old and still working fulltime! The Queen’s children, meanwhile, have worked for a combined 675 days. Princess Anne, The Queen’s only daughter worked for almost 200 days and carried out more than 455 appearances at home and 85 abroad, more than any member of the British Royal Family . No wonder this year in The Queen’s reign was full of memorable events and significant milestones. Let’s recap the highlights of the royal family’s shining moments for the year 2018.
Birth of Prince Louis
of Cambridge
In April, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince
Louis of Cambridge. He is the third and youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge. On his birth, he follows his two older siblings, his father, and his
grandfather, Prince Charles, in the line of succession to the throne.
Wedding of Duke and
Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry married American actress Meghan Markle in a
glittering ceremony in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19. While the
couple did not invite heads of state or government officials, the event was
attended by members of the British Royal Family and a host of celebrities,
including George Clooney, Oprah Winfrey and Meghan’s Suit’s co-stars. On the
morning of the wedding, Queen Elizabeth II gave Harry the titles of Duke of
Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. On her marriage, Markle became
Duchess of Sussex.
Prince William’s
Historic Visit to Israel and Palestine
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| Prince William and Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai in June 2018. Image: Guy Frankovich / Wikimedia Commons |
In June 2018, Prince William became the first member of the British Royal Family to visit Israel and Palestine since the British Mandate expired in the area. The prince’s “non-political visit” took him to Tel Aviv where he met Mayor Ron Huldai and toured the beach area and city center. He also visited Jerusalem and was welcomed by President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; and Ramallah, meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Trooping the Colour
2018
This year's Trooping the Colour has had many memorable
moments, including The Queen taking the carriage ride alone as Prince Philip
was did not attend the event due to a hip surgery. The Duchess of Sussex also
made her debut after her wedding to Prince Harry. The Duchess of Kent also made
her surprise appearance after years of being absent. Prince Andrew also rode on
the horseback for the first time after taking over Prince Philip's post as
Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
President Trump’s
Official Visit
In July 2018, President Donald Trump and his wife, First
Lady Melania Trump, paid an official visit to the U.K. They were welcomed by
the 92-year-old Queen at Windsor Castle, where the two heads of state made a
ceremonial inspection of the guard. The U.S. president was seen taking an
abrupt halt through the inspection until Queen Elizabeth quickly told him where
the go and then, Her Majesty was forced to walk around him.
Princess Eugenie’s
Wedding to Jack Brooksbank
St. George’s Chapel saw another royal gathering in October
with the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York to businessman Jack Brooksbank. The guests included the extended members of
the British Royal Family, relations from the Greek and Hanoverian royal
families and countless friends and colleagues.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Autumn Tour
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| The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are welcomed by New Zealand Governor General Patsy Reddy. Image: GG.Govt.nz/Wikimedia Commons |
The Netherlands State
Visit to UK
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands were
welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II on their state visit to the UK,
October 23-24. A state banquet was also hosted by the Queen, with other members
of the Royal Family accompanied The Queen at this evening’s State Banquet
including, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge. The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence,
the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke
of Kent and Princess Michael of Kent also attended.
Prince Charles’ 70th
Birthday
Prince Charles celebrated his 70th birthday in November with
his mother, The Queen, hosting a lavish party at Buckingham Palace. The Queen
delivered a touching toast for her son, calling it a “privilege for any mother
to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday.” She also
praised Prince Charles for being a “champion
of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader — a dedicated and
respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history — and a
wonderful father.” The party was attended by members of the British Royal
Family and various European royals, including the King and Queen of Norway, the
Grand Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, and King Queen Juan Carlos and Queen
Sofia of Spain, among others.
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