As the clock ticked down to 2026, the Prince and Princess of Wales offered the public a unique gift: a candid, behind-the-scenes look at their extraordinarily busy year. Taking to their official Instagram account, William and Kate shared a series of "unseen favourite" photographs that chronicled a monumental 2025, marked by a return to full public duty and significant family milestones.
A Year of Purpose and Public Service
The year began on a note of profound relief and renewed energy. Following the Princess's announcement in January that her cancer was in remission, the Waleses "hit the ground running". Their schedule became a testament to their commitment, blending solemn national duties with heartfelt charitable work. The couple supported causes close to their hearts while also stepping up to represent the monarchy alongside King Charles at major events, including a historic state visit.
Their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were present on select special occasions, making 2025 a significant chapter for the entire Wales family. The shared photo collection beautifully illustrates this blend of the personal and the profoundly public.
Month-by-Month: A Royal Diary
The released images provide a visual timeline of their year. It commenced in January with the couple commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day. February saw Princess Kate visiting an Action for Children Mother and Baby Unit within HMP Styal.
In March, the Princess attended the Irish Guards St Patrick’s Day Parade. April brought a personal celebration as William and Kate, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, travelled to the Isles of Mull and Iona to mark their wedding anniversary.
May featured a poignant moment as Prince George joined his parents to speak with veterans during the 80th anniversary commemorations of VE Day. June was a highlight for royal watchers, as the entire Wales family stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony with King Charles for the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Summer and Autumn Engagements
The summer saw Kate in a familiar role, presenting Jannik Sinner with the Wimbledon men's singles trophy in July. August was dedicated to her early childhood advocacy, as she launched a series of animated films through The Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Childhood.
September was dominated by high-level diplomacy, with both William and Kate performing central roles in welcoming US President Donald Trump for a state visit. As the year progressed, Prince William's schedule intensified. He held an audience with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, in October, before flying to Rio de Janeiro in November for the Earthshot Prize awards. The year concluded festively with the Prince attending The Welsh Guard Christmas party at Combermere Barracks in December.
Public Reaction and Looking Ahead
The intimate glimpse into their year was met with delight from royal supporters. Many fans flooded the social media post with comments, expressing their appreciation for the retrospective and their excitement for what 2026 might hold for the Prince and Princess of Wales. The collection not only documented their workload but also highlighted the modern, accessible approach the couple is cultivating within the monarchy, sharing select moments directly with the public.
