The summer of 2022 would prove to be long, hot and sunny in Europe. It’s traditionally a quieter time for royal houses across the continent as the holidays begin but amidst the sunshine there were moments that would prove to be truly historic.
A Golden celebration
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary as the month got under way. Prince Richard married Birgitte van Deurs on July 8th 1972 in a relatively low key ceremony. However, just weeks later, the newlyweds found their lives changed when Richard’s older brother, Prince William, was killed in a plane crash. The couple gave up their own jobs to become working royals and became Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in 1974 on the death of Richard’s father, Prince Henry. They still carry out hundreds of engagements every year between them.
A very royal thank you to the NHS
Queen Elizabeth II presented the highest civilian award for bravery to the National Health Service in July 2022. The George Cross was given for outstanding service over the 74 years of its existence, in particular for everything done by health workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Queen Elizabeth was joined by her heir for the ceremony at Windsor Castle on July 13th 2022.
Camilla reigns supreme
The summer of 2022 had several royal stars but one of the brightest was the woman who had been named a consort in waiting just months earlier. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall turned 75 in July 2022 with TV programmes and magazines dedicated to her work and royal duties. Just months earlier, Queen Elizabeth II had used her Jubilee message to confirm that Camilla would, one day, be known as queen consort. That day would come sooner than anyone expected as the birthday celebrations unfolded.