ABOVE: Prince George introduced to the world (July 23)
Was it the birth of Prince George, the discovery of Prince Harry’s new love, the Queen’s coronation anniversary, Kate Middleton’s maternity and post-maternity fashions, Prince Charles’ Time Magazine cover story, or Prince William singing with Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift that signified the biggest moment for you of the British royal family this year?
All about Prince George
Let’s be honest, there is no question here, Prince George stole the royal show for 2013. He upstaged Liz, (my affectionate term for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II) not once, but twice with both his birth and christening. It was also a big year for his parents, who became…parents. We also saw William end his service as an RAF helicopter pilot, move back to London with Kate, and take on more official royal engagements. A busy year of transitions!
“The Forgotten Prince”
The second most influential moment for England’s royals for myself, personally, was not what Kate wore but Time magazine’s cover story of Prince Charles, titled “The Forgotten Prince.” With so much focus on the younger, more “modern” royals, Charles’ efforts have arguably received less attention in the media than Kate’s fashions. I think in the latter half of 2013, we saw more focus being put on the heir apparent and his work.
Rebuilding Prince Harry
This year felt like a maturing year for the prince. When I say it was a “rebuilding” year, I mean he needed to recoup his image as a relevant and serious monarch since his Vegas scandal of 2012. And, rebuild his image he did. We saw him visit the United States and Australia in an official capacity, as well as emerge in what appears to be a serious romance with Cressida Bonas. He took on the challenging and admirable Antarctic charity expedition. But, what we’re all waiting for with baited breath is for another royal wedding! Will we see Prince Harry propose to his girlfriend Cressida Bonas in 2014? I personally doubt it. I think England’s royalty is not one to let newcomers dive lightly into royal life.
It’s all about what Kate wore
It’s no illusion that Kate’s clothing choices for 2013, although not an event, were under constant microscope, especially her maternity wear. Her popularity has continued to soar with every inch of her scrutinized, right down to her grey hairs. (Will showing off grey hairs be the next hairstyle trend for us women?)
What to look forward to in 2014:
- The world’s cutest little prince turns one-year-old.
- Welcoming a new royal with the birth of Zara Phillips’ and Mike Tindall’s baby in the new year.
- The ever-evolving relationship of Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas.
- William and Kate’s visit to Australia – They are also reportedly travelling with their son, and, according to the Mirror online, Kate’s mother may travel with them on this trip in replacement of a nanny.
What about the Queen?
Her majesty is approaching 88-years of age this coming April, nearing her 62nd year of her reign, showing only modest signs of slowing down and letting her children and grandchildren take on more official royal engagements. However, the Queen is still very much active in her public role and I don’t predict there’ll be an abdication, ever. Like Queen Victoria before her, Liz is staying.
What moment of 2013 from England’s monarchy do you think was the biggest?
Comments