With 2020 just around the corner, we’re coming to the end of a decade. And what a 10 years it has been for the British royal family. From weddings to scandals, these were the most memorable royal moments of the decade.
Prince William And Kate Middleton’s Royal Engagement, 2010
The decade started off with some pretty big news – after eight years of dating on and off, Prince William *finally* popped the question to Kate Middleton during a 10-day African safari in October 2010. “It was a total shock when it came,” Kate said during a TV interview following the engagement announcement in November 2010. “There’s a true romantic in there.”
Prince William And Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding, 2011
The next year, the royal wedding to end all weddings took place on 29 April 2011. It was watched by 26.3 million UK viewers in addition to suspected billions around the world. Kate Middleton wore an Alexander McQueen gown designed by creative director Sarah Burton.
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 2012
6 February 2012 marked 60 years since Queen Elizabeth first took over the throne, making her only the second British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The occasion was celebrated via a four-day weekend of events.
The Queen’s James Bond Moment, 2012
Yes, this happened! Daniel Craig reprised his role as British secret agent James Bond to accompany Her Majesty The Queen to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 27, 2012. They created a James Bond spoof where Bond comes to Buckingham Palace to pick up the Queen. She greets him, saying, “Good evening Mr Bond”. They then hop in a helicopter and fly over London before the Queen and Daniel Craig ‘parachute’ into the stadium. When Queen Elizabeth was asked to partake in the film, she reportedly agreed straight away. “Of course I must say something. After all, he is coming to rescue me,” the Queen said, according to her royal dresser, Angela Kelly.
The Birth Of Prince George, 2013
On July 22, 2013, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed the arrival of their first child, Prince George Alexander Louis Cambridge. Prince George is third in line behind his grandfather Prince Charles and his father Prince William. When he was born, the bells of Westminster Abbey were rung. Two years later, on May 2, 2015, Prince George’s sister Princess Charlotte was born. Kate and Will welcomed their third child, Prince Louis, on April 23, 2018.
The Queen Became The Longest-Reigning Monarch, 2015
Queen Elizabeth reached an epic milestone on September 9, 2015, when she became the longest-reigning UK monarch. She surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria who ruled for 63 years. The humble Queen addressed the occasion in a speech: “Inevitably, a long life can pass by many milestones – my own is no exception. But I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.”
Prince William, Kate Middleton And Prince Harry Launched The Heads Together Campaign, 2016
Before there were regular rumours about a family feud between Prince Wiliam and Prince Harry, the brothers joined forces (along with Kate) to launch the Heads Together campaign on May 16, 2016, which aims to change the national conversation on mental wellbeing and to end stigma around mental health. Prince William and Prince Harry have both opened up about their struggles following the unexpected death of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Announced Their Engagement, 2017
After a whirlwind romance, Prince Harry proposed to his girlfriend of approximately 15-months, American actress Meghan Markle (most famously known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits) at their Nottingham Cottage home while in the middle of roasting a chicken. “Just an amazing surprise, it was so sweet and natural and very romantic,” Meghan told ITV news after the engagement was announced on November 27, 2017.
The Duke of Edinburgh Retired, 2017
On 4 May 2017, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, announced his retirement after more than 65 years of service from public engagements at the age of 96. His final duty was in August, when he met with the Royal Marines who had recently completed a 1,664-mile trek.
When Harry Married Meghan, 2018
The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on May 19, 2018 was a momentous moment in history. The official address was performed by Reverend Michael Curry, the first black presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and a London-based gospel group The Kingdom Choir performed a rendition of Ben E King’s Stand By Me. Meghan, who wore a Givenchy wedding gown by Claire Waight Keller, broke tradition by walking herself halfway down the aisle before being joined by Harry’s father, the Prince of Wales, who escorted her the rest of the way.
The Birth Of Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor, on May 6, 2019. Meghan and Harry decided to forgo an official title for Archie as they wish for him to grow up as a private citizen. “I’m so incredibly proud of my wife,” Harry said following the birth of his son. “As every father and parent would ever say, your baby is absolutely amazing, but this little thing is absolutely to die for so I’m just over the moon. How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension.”
Prince Andrew’s Scandal, 2019
Unfortunately, the decade of joyous moments and milestones isn’t ending on a high. Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth’s third child, has landed himself in the middle of a scandal after a woman claims he had sex with her when she was 17 years old. Prince Andrew decided to sit down with BBC Newsnight anchor Emily Maitlis for a televised interview, which only made matters worse. He spoke about his regret for being friends with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and also claimed he has “no recollection” of meeting Virginia Giuffre (nee Roberts), the woman who claims she was sex trafficked by Epstein and forced to have sex with the Prince three times between 2001 and 2002 when she was 17. Following the interview and backlash, the Duke of York announced he would “step back from public duties”.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
