Royalty around the world are among the most photographed people and every image tells part of their story. As 2022 came to a conclusion, there were some big firsts caught on camera while the year ended as it had begun, around the throne of a Jubilee queen.
A future queen makes an important debut
In December 2022, the Dutch royal family confirmed that the heir to the throne had gone on a series of introductory meetings throughout the year to understand the role and work of the Armed Forces in the Netherlands. Princess Catharina-Amalia was seen meeting Army, Navy and Air Force personnel as well as taking part in exercises. When she is queen, all members of the Armed Forces will swear allegiance to her although, in reality, the Dutch government acts as head of the military.
Green and serene
The Prince of Wales awarded his Earthshot prize for the second time in December 2022. The ceremony, in Boston, saw five innovative schemes to protect the planet and increase sustainability awarded £1 million each to further their work. The heir to the throne met the US President during his trip while the green carpet saw The Princess of Wales in a rented dress and one of the most famous royal necklaces, the emerald choker so beloved of her late mother in law. William and Catherine carried on as normal, despite increased media interest following trailers for a Netflix documentary in which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed more about their life inside the Royal Family.
The King’s Christmas Day Walk
For the first time in seventy years, the UK heard The King speak on Christmas Day. Charles III’s first festive season as Monarch was a poignant one as he paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in his address while also showing deep concern for those struggling in the cost of living crisis. His focus on interfaith dialogue and praise for the often unsung work done by religious groups around the UK to help those in need was much lauded. On Christmas morning, he led his family to church at St. Mary Magdalene at Sandringham, providing a first image of this first Christmas of a King.
End of a Jubilee year and the start of a whole new world
As 2022 came to an end, Denmark prepared for a royal change. Queen Margrethe had walked into an unexpected row when she announced that four of her grandchildren would lose their HRH and princely titles on New Year’s Day 2023. Her second son, Prince Joachim, father of all four affected was vociferous and very public in his criticism. Margrethe II held firm, as did her heir, Crown Prince Frederik. In the last days of December, a new portrait of the family was released. It was taken in happier times but the destinies of two brothers seems implied with the heir at their Monarchs’ side and the one time spare a step behind. The old year gives way to a new year but the games of thrones continue.
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