The Most Memorable Royal Photos of 2024

kate middleton cancer update photo
The Most Memorable Royal Photos of 2024Matt Porteous

This year got off to an unexpected start with the British royal family, with both Kate Middleton and King Charles hospitalized for medical conditions in January, and then the news of Charles's cancer diagnosis in February and a month later, Kate's cancer diagnosis.

In light of his cancer diagnosis, King Charles stepped back from public duties, as did the Princess of Wales, who underwent "preventative chemotherapy" that she announced she finished in September 2024. Their dual cancer diagnoses made the start of 2024 much quieter for the House of Windsor than normal, with two senior working royals effectively out of commission.

In April 2024, the Palace announced Charles will return to public facing duties, and he's been carrying out a scaled-back diary of engagements, and in June 2024, Kensington Palace shared Kate hopes to attend a few engagements this summer despite continuing to receive cancer treatment. She's appeared twice since: at Trooping the Colour, and at the Wimbledon men's finals.

Across the pond, 2024 is shaping up to be an interesting for year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. They have more projects in the works at Netflix, including a cooking show hosted by the Duchess of Sussex, and traveled to Canada in February for a series of events celebrating one year to go until the 2025 Invictus Games. Meghan is also set to launch a new brand, American Riviera Orchard.

Here, see the most memorable royal photos of 2024 (so far):

the braemar gathering 2024
Chris Jackson - Getty Images
the duke and duchess of sussex colombia visit day 3
Eric Charbonneau - Getty Images
the duke and duchess of sussex visit colombia day 1
Diego Cuevas - Getty Images
the duke and duchess of sussex colombia visit day 1
Eric Charbonneau - Getty Images
britain royals kate health
Will Warr - Getty Images
topshot britain royals kate health
Will Warr - Getty Images
the prince of wales attends the sovereign's parade at the royal air force college cranwell
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
state opening of parliament 2024
Chris Jackson - Getty Images
royal visit to the aberdeen flower show
WPA Pool - Getty Images
topshot britain royals southport riots
PAUL ELLIS - Getty Images
state opening of parliament 2024
WPA Pool - Getty Images

January 7, 2024

For his first public appearance of 2024, King Charles went to Sunday services at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. He had planned to spend January at Balmoral, but due to his health issues, he had to return to London.

king charles attends sunday church service in sandringham
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
princess beatrice announces pregnancy
Handout - Getty Images
the duchess of edinburgh visiting mane chance sanctuary
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
2024 concordia annual summit september 23
Riccardo Savi - Getty Images
the duke and duchess of sussex colombia visit day 2
Eric Charbonneau - Getty Images

January 10, 2024

Princess Anne kicked off international for the royals, undertaking a three day official visit to Sri Lanka. Here, she arrives at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.

topshot sri lanka britain royal
ISHARA S. KODIKARA - Getty Images

January 11, 2024

The Princess Royal was joined by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, during the visit.

royal visit to sri lanka day two
Jonathan Brady - PA Images - Getty Images

January 18, 2024

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced that the Princess of Wales had undergone abdominal surgery and would be hospitalized for ten to fourteen days, and on medical leave until after Easter. A day later, Prince William was seen leaving The London Clinic, where Kate was recuperating following surgery.

the princess of wales recovers in the london clinic after successful abdominal surgery
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

January 22, 2024

While three senior royals were absent from royal duties, Queen Camilla kept up with her schedule of engagements—all while providing updates on the King's health.

queen camilla visits swindon
WPA Pool - Getty Images

January 23, 2024

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Jamaica, at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love.

More photos here

meghan, duchess of sussex and prince harry, duke of sussex attends the premiere of bob marley one love at the carib 5 theatre
Marcus Ingram - Getty Images

January 29, 2024

On the same day Kate was discharged from the hospital, King Charles was discharged, too— and exited with Queen Camilla by his side.

More photos here

king charles iii leaves hospital after treatment for enlarged prostate
PETER NICHOLLS - Getty Images

February 4, 2024

A day before he announced his cancer diagnosis, King Charles and Queen Camilla were pictured attending church at Sandringham.

king charles iii queen camilla attend sunday church
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

February 6, 2024

The day after the news of his cancer diagnosis was made public, King Charles was pictured in London heading to Buckingham Palace to fly back to Sandringham. That morning, he met with Prince Harry at Clarence House, who flew from Los Angeles to be with his father.

More photos here

britain royals health
HENRY NICHOLLS - Getty Images

Here, the King's Helicopter is pictured flying above a Royal Standard flag, as it takes off from the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

britain royals health
ADRIAN DENNIS - Getty Images

February 7, 2024

Prince William returned to public engagements after Kate's hospitalization, and attended London's Air Ambulance Charity Gala Dinner. "I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," he said. "It means a great deal to us all."

Read more here

the prince of wales attends london's air ambulance charity gala dinner
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

February 8, 2024

After his quick trip to the UK, Prince Harry made a surprise appearance in Las Vegas, where he presented the Walter Payton Man of the Year award to Cameron Hayward of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

More photos here

13th annual nfl honors portraits
Todd Rosenberg - Getty Images

February 11, 2024

As Charles began his cancer treatment, he was pictured attending church at Sandringham alongside Queen Camilla.

king charles iii attends sunday church
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

February 14, 2024

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated One Year to Go until the 2025 Invictus Games with a trip to British Columbia. Their day began on the Whistler Mountain, where they spent time at the training camp.

More photos here

invictus games vancouver whistlers 2025's one year to go winter training camp
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

February 15, 2024

Throughout their Canada trip, Meghan embraced cozy fashion—including this navy Hermès puffer coat she wore to watch Harry (and others!) participate in skeleton.

More on her fashion here

invictus games vancouver whistlers 2025's one year to go winter training camp
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

February 16, 2024

On the final day of their trip, Harry joined a game of wheelchair curling, then spoke to competitors. “These last few days have been very, very special,” he said. “Every single one of you inspire me, and you inspire us, every single day.”

Read a recap of their trip

invictus games vancouver whistler 2025's one year to go winter training camp
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

February 18, 2024

Prince William attended the BAFTAs solo, where he met EE Rising Star nominees Phoebe Dynevor, Ayo Edebiri, Sophie Wilde, and Mia McKenna Bruce, and this photo soon went viral for their reactions to the Princes of Wales.

the prince of wales attends the 2024 ee bafta film awards
WPA Pool - Getty Images

February 23, 2024

King Charles was photographed reading get well cards that were sent to Buckingham Palace. "I have had so many wonderful messages and cards. It’s reduced me to tears most of the time," he told Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

More photos here

king charles iii receives cards from wellwishers
Pool - Getty Images

February 27, 2024

Members of the British royal family attended a Service of Thanksgiving for Constantine, the former and last king of Greece, held in Windsor at St George's Chapel. Prince William bowed out at the last minute, sparking discussion online about Kate's health.

More photos here

thanksgiving service for king constantine of the hellenes
WPA Pool - Getty Images

Queen Camilla led the royals at service. She's pictured here with Princess Anne and Queen Anne Marie of Greece.

thanksgiving service for king constantine of the hellenes
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

March 1, 2024

Amid rising speculation around Kate's health, Prince William carried out a day of engagements in Wales. He's pictured here with Rob McElhenney, who purchased Wrexham AFC with Ryan Reynolds. Throughout the day, William kept to his policy of not commenting on his wife's health.

britain wales royals
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

March 4, 2024

The Duke of Kent, 88, carried out his first solo engagement of 2024 in March, attending the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) service at Westminster Abbey.

westminster abbey holds a service of thanksgiving on the 200th anniversary of the rnli
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

March 8, 2024

Meghan participated in a keynote panel for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas. "Whether you’re a 9 year old girl or a 90 year old woman, you can absolutely continue to make the change that we all need," she said in her remarks. The panel also came on the heels of the news that Meghan signed a podcast deal with Lemonada Media, and has a new project in the works.

2024 sxsw conference and festival breaking barriers, shaping narratives how women lead on and off the screen
Mat Hayward - Getty Images

March 10, 2024

To celebrate UK Mother's Day, Kensington Palace released a photograph of the Princess of Wales and her three children, taken by Prince William—a photo that quickly turned into a PR disaster, after it was recalled by major photo agencies.

A day later, Kate issued a personal apology for editing the photo. "Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day," she wrote, but the apology didn't quell conspiracy theories.

More on the photo controversy here

a group of people posing for the camera
Prince William / Kensington Palace

March 11, 2024

Amid the ongoing photo controversy, Prince William attended Commonwealth Day Services at Westminster Abbey, joining Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family.

the british royal family attend annual commonwealth day service
WPA Pool - Getty Images

March 12, 2024

Queen Camilla received a lookalike Barbie doll during a Women of the World reception at Buckingham Palace. "Thank you very, very much indeed. It's brilliant," she said. "You've taken about 50 years off my life!"

queen camilla hosts international women's day reception
WPA Pool - Getty Images

March 21, 2024

Meghan and Harry hosted an event at the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at SoFi Stadium.

Read more here

a man and woman posing for a picture
Matt Sayles

March 22, 2024

On March 22, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales had been diagnosed with cancer, and was receiving "preventative chemotherapy" treatment. In tandem, the Palace shared a personal video message from Kate, in which she spoke about her diagnosis, her health, and her desire for privacy.

Everything we know about Kate's cancer diagnosis

kate middleton cancer diagnosis
BBC Studios

March 27, 2024

After Kate's cancer diagnosis was made public, there was an outpouring of support for the Princess of Wales. At an engagement, Queen Camilla shared that Kate is "thrilled by all the kind wishes and support," and received this sweet note to give to her.

queen camilla visits shrewsbury
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

March 28, 2024

On Maundy Thursday, Queen Camilla stepped in for her husband, who was unable to attend due to his ongoing cancer treatment.

queen camilla attends the royal maundy service at worcester cathedral
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

March 31, 2024

On Easter Sunday, King Charles attended services in Windsor, his first major appearance since January.

the royal family attend the 2024 easter mattins service
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

Charles and Camilla were joined by a small group of royals—Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson (for the first time since 1991), and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (not pictured here).

More photos here

the royal family attend the 2024 easter mattins service
WPA Pool - Getty Images

After the service ended, King Charles greeted members of the public.

the royal family attend the 2024 easter service
Samir Hussein - Getty Images

April 12, 2024

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Florida for the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to benefit Sentebale.

royal salute polo challenge
Yaroslav Sabitov - PA Images - Getty Images

One of Harry and Meghan's upcoming projects at Netflix will be a show that follows the world of professional polo.

the royal salute polo challenge to benefit sentebale
Jason Koerner - Getty Images

Harry and Meghan shared a kiss after she presented him with the trophy. More details on Meghan's outfit, here.

royal salute polo challenge
Yaroslav Sabitov - PA Images - Getty Images

April 14, 2024

The Duke of Kent undertook his last engagement as Colonel of the Scots Guards, a position that was passed on to the Duke of Edinburgh.

the duke of kent attends final black sunday events as colonel of the scots guards
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

April 22, 2024

Queen Camilla visited The Royal Lancers regiment, her first visit since being appointed as their Colonel-in-Chief. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during World War II.

queen camilla visits the royal lancers in north yorkshire
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

April 24, 2024

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh walked across the iconic Abbey Road crossing, made famous by The Beatles album cover.

the duchess of edinburgh attends orbis visionaries reception
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

April 26, 2024

To announce King Charles's return to public duties, Buckingham Palace shared a new photograph of the King and Queen Camilla, taken in the gardens of the palace on April 10, the day after their 19th wedding anniversary.

king charles queen camilla april 2024
Handout/Millie Pilkington/Buckingham Palace via Getty Images

May 2, 2024

Sophie channeled Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, taking style inspiration from her late mother-law.

Read more

royal windsor horse show day 2
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

May 3, 2024

Charles embraced his niece, Zara Tindall, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Read more here

royal windsor horse show day 3
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

May 4, 2024

Prince Edward chats with his daughter, Lady Louise, at the horse show. Lady Louise is an avid carriage driver.

royal windsor horse show day 4
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

May 8, 2024

Prince Harry returned to London for the Invictus Games Foundation's 10th Anniversary service at St Paul's Cathedral. While no members of the royal family were at the service, Princess Diana's siblings supported Harry.

Read more

the invictus games foundation 10th anniversary service
Samir Hussein - Getty Images

May 8, 2024

King Charles hosted the first Garden Party of the season, joined by Queen Camilla—along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Read more here

the sovereign's garden party 2024 may 8
Pool - Getty Images

May 10, 2024

Meghan and Harry kicked off a three-day trip to Nigeria at a school supported by the Archewell Foundation.

Read Meghan's remarks

the duke and duchess of sussex visit nigeria day 1
Andrew Esiebo - Getty Images

May 12, 2024

Meghan's fashion choices during her trip departed from her usual neutrals.

More on Meghan's Nigeria style

nigeria britain royals invictus games
KOLA SULAIMON - Getty Images

May 13, 2024

Charles and William share a sweet moment ahead of the official handover of the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

the king passes role of colonel in chief of the army air corps to the prince of wales
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

May 14, 2024

King Charles unveils his portrait by artist Jonathan Yeo in the blue drawing room at Buckingham Palace.

Read more about the controversial portrait

first official portrait of king charles iii since coronation unveiled
WPA Pool - Getty Images

May 20, 2024

Queen Camilla was one of many members of the royal family who attended the Chelsea Flower Show.

More photos here

the king and queen and other members of the royal family visit the rhs chelsea flower show
WPA Pool - Getty Images

May 21, 2024

Prince William invited his cousins Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, and Peter Phillips to accompany him at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

More photos here

topshot britain royals garden party
YUI MOK - Getty Images

They were all smiles, like Zara, center, despite the rainy weather.

britain royals garden party
YUI MOK - Getty Images

May 22, 2024

Princess Anne reunited with her godson, Prince Haakon, during a visit to Norway.

Read more here

princess anne of great britain and crown prince haakon visit norway's home front museum
Per Ole Hagen - Getty Images

May 25, 2024

Prince William and Prince George attended the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

manchester city v manchester united emirates fa cup final
Eddie Keogh - The FA - Getty Images

May 31, 2024

King Charles and Queen Camilla watch their horse 'Treasure' run in the Betfred Derby Festival 2024 at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

epsom downs races ladies day
Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

June 5, 2024

Queen Camilla got teary at the UK's national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Portsmouth, England.

commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of d day take place in portsmouth
Pool - Getty Images

June 7, 2024

William attended the wedding of the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson solo.

The best photos of the wedding

the wedding of the duke of westminster and miss olivia henson
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

Princess Eugenie was also among the guests at the wedding and the evening reception.

More on her outfit

the wedding of the duke of westminster and miss olivia henson
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

June 10, 2024

A solemn shot of King Charles during a ceremony where he presented New Colours to No 9 and No 12 Company The Irish Guards at Windsor Castle.

britain royal military
BEN STANSALL - Getty Images

June 14, 2024

On the eve of Trooping the Colour, Kensington Palace announced Kate would be in attendance, though it does not signify a return to royal duties for the Princess. In tandem with this announcement, they shared a new picture of Kate taken at Windsor this week.

Read more about the photo here

"I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet," Kate wrote.

Read her full letter here

kate middleton cancer update photo
Matt Porteous

June 15, 2024

Kate made her grand return to public life at Trooping the Colour 2024.

Read more here

trooping the colour 2024
Samir Hussein - Getty Images

The Wales family made their annual appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, and the Princess smiled sweetly at her husband.

All the best Trooping photos

trooping the colour 2024
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

June 17, 2024

At the annual Order of the Garter ceremony, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the traditional parade through Windsor.

More photos here

the order of the garter service at windsor castle
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

June 20, 2024

Even Queens bite their nails! Camilla watched a race anxiously at the annual Royal Ascot, a staple of the royal family's annual calendar.

All the best photos of Royal Ascot 2024

royal ascot 2024 thursday
Chris Jackson - Getty Images

June 25, 2024

King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan for a State Visit, including a glamorous State Banquet, where the royal women wore tiaras.

All the best photos here

the emperor and empress of japan state visit to the united kingdom
WPA Pool - Getty Images

July 5, 2024

On July 5, King Charles appointed the third prime minister of his reign: Sir Keir Starmer.

keir starmer is uk's new prime minister after labour's landslide election victory
WPA Pool - Getty Images

July 6, 2024

Prince William was a regular at England's matches during the 2024 Euros, and got very into the match during the quaterfinals.

england v switzerland quarter final uefa euro 2024
Jean Catuffe - Getty Images

July 11, 2024

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a rare public appearance at the 2024 ESPYs, where Meghan looked glamorous in an ivory Oscar de la Renta gown.

Read more here

the 2024 espy awards show
Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

At the ESPYs, Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games. "The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient," Harry said, "but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me."

2024 espy awards arrivals
Frazer Harrison - Getty Images

July 14, 2024

The Princess of Wales made her second appearance of the year at the Wimbledon men's finals, looking radiant in a purple Safiyaa dress.

Read more

celebrity sightings at wimbledon 2024 day 14
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

Princess Charlotte, wearing pink Ray-Bans, is a tennis fan just like her mom—and got very into the match.

celebrity sightings at wimbledon 2024 day 14
Karwai Tang - Getty Images

July 14, 2024

Meanwhile, Prince William and Prince George attended the Euros finals together. Though the England men's team lost, the father-son duo still found moments to celebrate during the match.

spain v england final uefa euro 2024
Jean Catuffe - Getty Images
prince harry lesotho un
Jenna Jones

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