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…
Princess Anne’s year usually comes to an
end with her tucking over 500 engagements under her belt and the
words ‘hardest working royal’ ringing in her ears. This year has
been very different for the Princess Royal. As well as turning 70,
she’s seen her usual pattern…
Luxembourg's Prime Minister defends Grand Duke Henri's decision to spend holidays in France
30th December 2020
The Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier
Bettel, has dismissed criticism of the country’s Grand Duke after
it emerged that Henri has spent part of the festive season at his
home in the south of France despite restrictions in place to stop
the spread of…
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…
An overseas visit, engagements focused on
improving global relations and a focus on interfaith dialogue. All
were part of the Duke of Gloucester’s 2020 diary, before the
coronavirus pandemic struck, yet the work of this discreet royal
and his equally low key wife often go…
This year has sprung plenty of surprises
but as 2020 comes to an end, we’ve been treated to perhaps the
least unexpected royal revelation of them all. As the countdown
begins for the Duke of Edinburgh’s 100th birthday in June 2021,
it’s been reported that…
The shadow that threatened obscurity: Spain's Royal Year in Review
28th December 2020
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…
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…
King Felipe’s Christmas Eve address, in
which he spoke of the importance of principles and ethics, has
become the most watched royal festive speech in Spanish history.
The broadcast, which was shown across a number of channels in Spain
at 9pm, broke the record for…
It's behind you! The extra messages in the royal Christmas speeches
26th December 2020
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…
