24 British royal family moments that stopped the world in 2024, from cancer diagnoses to baby news
To say 2024 has been a big – and challenging – year for the British royal family would be a colossal understatement.
In the last 12 months, 'the Firm' has endured gut-wrenching lows like King Charles III and the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnoses, as well a triumphant highs like Princess Beatrice's baby news that had the whole world celebrating.
Keep reading to relive the 24 royal moments that stopped the world in 2024.
January: Sarah Ferguson shares cancer news
In January, Sarah Ferguson shared difficult news: she had been diagnosed with skin cancer just six months after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis.
Taking to social media, the Duchess of York wrote: "It was thanks to the great vigilance of my dermatologist that the melanoma was detected when it was.
"Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock but I'm in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support.
"I believe my experience underlines the importance of checking the size, shape, colour and texture and emergence of new moles that can be a sign of melanoma and urge anyone who is reading this to be diligent."
February: King Charles announces cancer diagnosis
The following month, the royal family copped a huge blow when King Charles III received a cancer diagnosis of his own.
The news came after His Majesty underwent a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, which Buckingham Palace confirmed was not related to his cancer. However, it was during that appointment that a "separate issue" was discovered.
His Majesty announced he would be stepping back from royal duties to undergo treatment.
"The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible," read a statement.
"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer."
February: Prince Harry makes whirlwind UK visit
Off the back of his father's cancer news, Prince Harry raced back to the UK from his home in California.
Wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, did not accompany Harry and royal watchers were shocked when the prince only spent 24 hours in his home nation.
It's understood he met with his father for a short time while in the UK before returning to his wife and children in the US.
February: Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella, dies
The royal family suffered fresh tragedy a few weeks later when Thomas Kingston, husband of Lady Gabriella, died suddenly. He was 45.
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother," a statement released on behalf of Gabriella, Martin and Jill Kingston, Joanna Connolly and Emma Murray began.
"Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing."
King Charles and Queen Camilla sent their condolences to the family.
No cause of death was released at the time, but it was later revealed that Thomas died from a head injury and a gun was found near the body.
February: The Princess of Wales vanishes from public life
Around the same time, royal watchers noticed a glaring absence on the royal front lines: Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
Despite being a senior working royal, Catherine hadn't been seen in public since attending Christmas Day mass with Prince William, their three children, and other members of the royal family in December 2023.
The princess underwent "abdominal surgery" in January and though it was understood she was recovering at home, her extended absence sparked a flurry of rumours and speculation.
March: Meghan Markle launches American Riviera Orchard
On the other side of the pond, Meghan Markle was preparing to step back into the public spotlight with a big announcement in March.
She quietly launched her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard with a short Instagram video, which featured shots of her cooking at what appeared to be her and Prince Harry's home in California.
The soft launch inspired huge interest from fans who were eager to see what the Duchess of Sussex had up her sleeve.
However, in the months that followed there was limited news from the brand and so far Meghan has only shared a few products with close friends.
March: Catherine, the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis
The world truly seemed to stop in March when the Princess of Wales suddenly returned to the spotlight to announce she had been diagnosed with cancer.
"This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," she said in a pre-recorded video shared with the world.
"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK."
Catherine revealed she would be taking time away from royal duties to undergo chemotherapy.
April: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss at the polo
There was a rare spot of joy when this photo of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sharing a tender kiss emerged in April.
The snap was taken at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge to Benefit Sentebale in Florida, USA, where Harry and his team took home the trophy Meghan was all too happy to present to him.
Their outing followed the news the couple were working on two new series for Netflix, including one focused on the 'grit and passion' of polo.
Unfortunately, the series – which aired in December – received poor reviews.
May: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Nigeria
While the royal family in the UK took time away from the spotlight, Harry and Meghan embarked on their very first pseudo-royal tour in May, when they jetted to Nigeria for a whirlwind visit.
While there, they met with local families, championed charitable and humanitarian causes, and promoted the Invictus Games, which Harry established in 2014.
Meghan also opened up about her connection to the African nation.
"It's been eye-opening to be able to know more about my heritage," Meghan told locals.connection to Nigeria.
"Never in a million years would I understand it as much as I do now. And what has been echoed so much in the past day is, 'Oh, we are not so surprised when we found out you are Nigerian'.
"It is a compliment to you because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous, beautiful."
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