Now that the dust has settled on another year, and the celebrations of a new year are coming to an end, it seems appropriate to look back on a year for the royal family like no other.
2021 saw the royals quickly adapting between changing covid-19 regulations, endeavouring to carry out their work regardless, and using creative ways to do so to ensure everyone's safety. They continued to recognise the important contributions made by so many during the ongoing pandemic and thank and encourage people, shining a light on those who have given much.
2021 also saw the senior royals coming together, and focusing on key areas such as the climate and environment. Whether at the COP26 summit, or Earthshot Prize Awards, the royals have played their part and publicly acknowledged the role that their family members are playing. They embodied and showed by example how a family should encourage one another by publicly naming and explaining the work of others within, and beyond, the royal family.
But 2021 has had its share of difficulties. Notably the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. You can read more about his life and work, and the occasion of his death, elsewhere on this blog. The Queen too has had difficulties with her health, and members of the family have rallied around to help her. We see more cross-generational engagements than ever before. The royals are presenting a united front that is heartwarming to see.
2021 saw the infamous Oprah interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and strained relations between the Sussex's and other members of the royal family. But one mustn't forget their touching tribute to the Queen, in naming their daughter, born in 2021, Lilibet (the Queen's nickname) and also giving their daughter the middle name Diana, after the late Princess of Wales.
2021 saw other additions to the family as well as Lilibet. Princess Eugenie gave birth to August Philip Brooksbank, Zara Tindall gave birth to Lucas Philip Tindall, and Princess Beatrice gave birth to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.
The Duke of York has completely stepped back from official engagements and a public role in 2021, and I expect it will continue this way in the future.
So as we look back on 2021, we can see that the royals as a whole have withstood difficulties both public and private, yet continued to encourage others, support good causes, and make a difference. They have been figureheads during the pandemic, spoken up about the environment, and presented a united front.
If 2021 was a somewhat difficult year, then 2022 looks to be a celebratory year. The Queen will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, the first monarch in British history to do so. 6th February will mark her 70 years on the throne! Celebrations will be held mainly in June when the weather is warmer.