The biggest royal events to look forward to in 2022

After an eventful 2021 for the royal family, the monarchy is looking forward to an exciting 2022 with a number of significant celebrations.

This year is an historical one for Queen Elizabeth and also marks an important milestone for many members of the British royal family and beyond.

Here, we take a look at the defining moments of the royal family for 2022.

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Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee

In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II will become the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service.

Her Majesty ascended to the throne in February 1952 at the age of 25, after the death of her father King George VI.

On February 6, 2022, the Commonwealth will mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with events around the UK and beyond.

Australia is set to hold a number of national events to mark the historic royal occasion, including commemorative stamps and coins, lighting the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Canberra, and monuments around the country.

Lake Burley Griffin's Aspen Island, Canberra, will also be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island for a special event in June.

Throughout 2022, the Queen and members of the royal family will travel around the UK for engagements to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and the UK will enjoy an extended bank holiday to mark the historic milestone.

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The Queen's 96th birthday

The Queen will turn 96 on April 21, 2022 — making her Britain's oldest monarch.

It will be Her Majesty's second birthday without Prince Philip, who died on April 9 just days before the Queen turned 95.

The Queen's official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, will be part of her Platinum Jubilee celebration and will take place on the June long weekend to celebrate the historic occasion.

This year will be the first time the Queen's birthday parade will be staged in full since the pandemic began.

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Prince William turns 40

2022 also marks a milestone year for the Duke of Cambridge, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in June.

Not only is it a milestone birthday, The Times reports Prince William will share a payment of £8 million upon his 40th birthday as part of a trust fund established by his great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth The Queen mother.

The payment will be shared with his brother Prince Harry, who is also set to receive a sum on his 40th birthday.

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The Duchess of Cambridge turns 40

Prince William's wife The Duchess of Cambridge is also celebrating her 40th birthday this year on January 9.

Kate is expected to keep the celebration "low key" in a bid to avoid comparisons with Meghan Markle.

Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! he believes Kate will have "no fuss" around her birthday as she wants to focus on her responsibilities to the monarchy and family.

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Crown Princess Mary turns 50

2022 will also be a big year for Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark, as she prepares to celebrate her 50th birthday on February 5.

The Australian-born Danish royal will mark the occasion with a series of celebrations, including the opening of a "Mary and the Crown Princesses" exhibit.

The festivities will kick off on January 27, when the Mary Foundation will celebrate its chairman with partners and networks.

In connection with the exhibition opening, a new portrait of the royal will be revealed, and Mary will ring in her actual birthday with a gala dinner at Rosenborg Castle hosted by Queen Margrethe.

William and Kate's US tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are set to fly into the US in 2022 for the Earthshot Prize, marking the couple's first trip to America since 2014.

Prince William and Kate will visit the US for William's environmental initiative, which is hosting its second ceremony in America in 2022.

"This is just the start," Prince William, 39, told People during celebrations in London for the global prize.  

"I'm thrilled that in 2022, The Earthshot Prize will be heading to the United States, where we will continue to spread this vital message of urgency, optimism and action."

The couple's US visit will also be the first time they have flown into the country since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traded their royal life for a quieter existence in California.