It was a year that the royal family will look back on fondly, as records were broken and new life was welcomed into the world.
On May 2nd, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana was born inside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London.
Just 10 hours later, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped the little girl in a soft ivory bonnet (a gift from nanny Maria Borrallo’s Spanish mother), and took her back to Kensington Palace.
Since her birth, the public has been treated to photos of Charlotte and her big brother, George, from the infant’s christening to the family’s first Christmas card together.
When the Duke and Duchess pay an official visit to India in the spring, royal fans hope that they’ll bring along their two children.
In other royal happenings, Her Majesty surpassed Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning British monarch in history, a milestone that she told others she’d prefer not to make a fuss over.
Check out what else happened over this past year in Windsorville in the slideshow below.
A Princess Is Born
Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge made her arrival into the world at 8:34 am local time on May 2nd, weighing 8 lbs., 3 oz. Per tradition, a sign was posted at the gates of Buckingham Palace declaring the news.
Prince George Dabbles In Vintage
When Prince William carried his son, Prince George on to Buckingham Palace’s balcony for the 2015 Trooping of the Colour, something about George’s outfit looked very familiar. In fact, Kensington Palace confirmed that William wore the exact same thing to the parade in 1984. According to What Kate’s Kids Wore, the outfit may be older than that; Charles wore something very similar in a 1950 photo of Cecil Beaton.
One Is Happy And Glorious
At about 5:30 local time on September 9th, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch in history, surpassing her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria. Her Majesty carried on an engagement that day, treating it as business as usual. “Many, including you First Minister, have also kindly noted another significance attaching to today, although it is not one to which I have ever aspired,” the Queen told crowds at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station in Scotland. “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.”
Well, This is Awkward
The Sun releaved family footage of the Queen, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Edward VIII in 1933 making a Nazi salute. “Most people will see these pictures in their proper context and time,” a palace source told the Daily Mail of the footage. “This is a family playing and momentarily referencing a gesture many would have seen from contemporary news reels. No one at that time had any sense how it would evolve. To imply anything else is misleading and dishonest.”
What Smells?
Prince George held his baby sister, Charlotte as the Duchess of Cambridge took the first official photos of the Princess at the family’s Norfolk home.
Prince Harry’s Remarkable Work
After ending his ten-year career with the army in June, Prince Harry focused his efforts on charitable endeavors. One of them was supporting a 1,000-mile trek through the UK for Walking With The Wounded, an organization that focuses on helping wounded vets recover from their injuries. In this particular shot, Harry embraced a vet who gave him a dog tag belonging to her fallen comrade. It was a touching moment between the two, and signified Harry’s dedication to the cause.
A Right Royal Christening
The Cambridge family walked together to St. Mary Magdalene Church to baptize Princess Charlotte on July 5th, 2015. Her grandmother, the Princess of Wales was baptized at this very church in 1961. For the occasion, Prince George wore a replica of the same outfit William wore to meet his newborn brother, Harry in hospital in September 1984.
Life Is But A Dream!
The Duchess of Cambridge took photos of Princess Charlotte laughing at a stuffed animal, which she decided were too cute to keep to herself. That and another were soon released to the public.
George Greets His People
Prince George waved to crowds across the street from the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital, where the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Princess Charlotte on May 2nd, 2015.
Do You Like One’s Hair?
The Duchess of Cambridge debuted bangs for her first solo engagement since returning from maternity leave on September 17th, 2015.
George, Get Back Here!
For the first time, William and Catherine shared their Christmas card with the public. The British Monarchy’s Facebook page featured a message to royal fans: “The Duke and Duchess are hugely appreciative of all the warm messages they have received about their family this year and are very much looking forward to their first Christmas as a family of four.”
Just Gave Birth, Looking Spectacular
Merely ten hours after giving birth to her daughter, the Duchess of Cambridge put on her LK Bennett “Sledge” pumps and a bespoke Jenny Packham dress for the short ride home to Kensington Palace on May 2nd, 2015.
Finally, A Tiara
For the first time since her wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a tiara. On October 20th, Catherine borrowed the Queen Mother’s Lotus tiara for the Chinese State Visit. On December 8th, Catherine wore the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara to the Queen’s annual Diplomatic reception. That particular tiara was often worn by the late Princess of Wales.
A Well-Deserved Gift
In June, the Queen made Prince Harry a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) during a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Victorian Order is considered a personal gift from the sovereign. “As Prince Harry embarks on his next chapter (he leaves the army this month after 10 years of service and 2 tours of duty), the Queen wanted to recognise and celebrate his achievements on behalf of the monarchy,” royal expert Victoria Arbiter told The Duchess Diary. “The Invictus Games, initiated by him, were a huge success. He served in Her Majesty’s armed forces, completing two tours of duty. Sentebale, a charity he helped established, is making significant strides, and he continues to champion the needs of wounded veterans.”
Cutest Throwback Ever
Kensington Palace sent out an adorable tweet about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spending an evening at University of St. Andrews in Scotland after an official engagement took them to nearby Dundee in October. The accompanying photo features the couple at their 2005 graduation ceremony.