The Best Royal Photos of the Year

The royal couple had a short holiday before returning back to public duties in mid-January. But our favorite photo of the then-six-months-pregnant duchess and Prince Harry came during their visit to Bristol, England, when their royal walkabout turned into a real-life snow globe.

At this year’s BAFTA awards (the British equivalent of the Oscars), mom and dad—er, the Cambridges—dressed to the nines and even met the royal family’s on-screen counterparts, aka the cast of The Crown.

The duchess returned stateside for her American baby shower in New York City, but not without donning a pair of Lululemon leggings for her private jet back to London (courtesy of Amal and George Clooney, 'natch).

Wearing a glittering green Missoni midi dress, the Duchess of Cambridge pulled a pint like a pro during her and William’s royal tour of Northern Ireland.

Meghan and Kate reunited in public for the first time since Christmas at Commonwealth Day services, and exchanged a few giggles (and shed tears!).

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall cruised around Havana in a 1953 black MG TD convertible as the first members of the British royal family to visit Cuba in an official capacity.

Charles and Camilla then visited Northern Ireland, timed with their 14th wedding anniversary, and took Christmas-card-worthy pictures to mark the occasion.

HBD, Lottie! The princess grew up before our eyes in the three photos taken by her mum, the Duchess of Cambridge, in honor of the princess’s 4th birthday. Charlotte also received x’s and o’s from Uncle Harry and Aunt Meghan.

Filed under: How to pull off unflattering rain gear like a true kween.

After her very wet morning spent at the Windsor Horse Show (see above), Queen Elizabeth was introduced to her new (and eighth!) great grandchild, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Later, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry introduced their firstborn and seventh in line to the throne, two days after his birth on May 6 at the swanky Portland Hospital in London.

We mean, can you even? Little Archie was introduced during a photocall at Windsor Castle.

Prince Louis turned 1 in April but didn’t appear in public 'til nearly halfway through the year. His appearance was at mom Kate’s Back to Nature Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show.

It’s not spring ‘til the queen says so, and Her Majesty’s annual garden party kicked off the season of royals wearing florals and fancy hats. We love this photo for its eye-catching composition, and the stark contrast of the two guards flanking the 93-year-old sovereign in her bright-pink coat dress. 

A glowing new mom Markle made her post-pregnancy debut at the annual celebration of the queen’s birthday, called Trooping the Colour.

Angry face Louis refused to smile for the cameras, making this one of our favorite Cambridge family pics of all time.

Ladies and gents: The royal family, in all their glory.

A controversial closed-door christening for Archie (media weren’t allowed to take pictures of the guest arrivals, which is commonplace for royal baptisms) didn’t stop the Sussexes from sticking to tradition with the family photo (featuring Princess Diana’s sisters...awww).

But the couple did have their own photographer take family pics after the event, and this black-and-white photo of the doting parents and their 2-month-old son is history-book worthy, we’re sure.

The hug heard (and seen) 'round the world.

A jersey-wearing Prince George showed off his missing teeth for a photo by mom Kate in honor of his 6th birthday.

Told to smile and wave at the crowds, Charlotte did what any 4-year-old would: She broke royal protocol. And we love her all the more for it.