British RoyalsEuropean RoyalsFeatures

The Royal A-Z of 2020

The end of the year is traditionally a time for reflection, for looking back, for taking stock. This year, with its many and ever changing challenges, is no different. We’ll all be glad to leave 2020 behind and as we prepare to show it the door, in the hope of better things to come, Royal Central takes one last look back at the royal year just gone. A is for Aiko and Akishino whose roles…
Read more
FeaturesQueen Elizabeth II

''Never give up'': The Queen's Year in Review

For a record breaking Queen with her own place in the history books, it takes something special to make a year stand out. However, the challenges of 2020 and the approach taken to them by Elizabeth II mark the past twelve months out as some of the most significant in her long reign. An historic speech watched by millions around the world has become a landmark in a life already filled with…
Read more
FeaturesSpain

The shadow that threatened obscurity: Spain's Royal Year in Review

In the end, it was the invisible man who attracted all the attention. The royal year in Spain has been dominated by King Juan Carlos. From ongoing scandals to a dramatic flight into exile, his every move has been the focal point for millions. As 2020 comes to an end, the question remains – will the shadow of Juan Carlos send his whole royal house into obscurity? The year began with sympathy…
Read more
The Kents

The Royal Year in Review: the Kents

In ordinary times, the past year might well have seen a focus on the Duke of Kent celebrating his 85th birthday and questions asked about how much longer this devoted cousin of the Queen would continue to serve the Royal Family. Instead, this most extraordinary time has seen…
British RoyalsEuropean RoyalsFeatures

It's behind you! The extra messages in the royal Christmas speeches

While all the focus is on the words during the royal Christmas speeches, once the addresses have been given, attention turns to the furniture. There is always an interest in how the royals dress the rooms in which they give their most anticipated speeches of the year. And that was no different in 2020, a year when one theme in particular dominated the royal Christmas addresses. Light was all…
Read more