The week's best royal photos
Plus a lookback to this time last year and a look ahead to next week's diary in The Royal Dispatch
Hello Royal Clubbers, it’s Millie here.
The main moment from this week was a shimmering state banquet where we saw plenty of tiara moments from the royals in their finery.
But before we dive into the best royal pictures of the week, it’s time to head back in time…
This time last year…
It was a whole family affair this time last year for the Waleses, who joined together for the Princess’ festive carol concert at the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. The event offered a chance to pause and reflect on the values of love, compassion, and vital connections.
Cameras also caught this sweet moment where Princess Charlotte helped her older brother to light his candle.
Queen Camilla, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, King Charles and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim al-Thani looked extremely glamorous at the state banquet held for the Emir’s two-day state visit last year.
Donald Trump met Prince William in the Salon Jaune room at the UK Ambassador’s Residence on the day of the reopening ceremonies of the Notre Dame Cathedral, five and a half years after a devastating fire destroyed part of the historic building.
Further reading
Robert Jobson: Will Charles and Harry reunite in the US?
WATCH: My outing with Duchess Sophie
Meghan Markle’s holiday special is out
Best Royal Pictures of The Week
Duchess Sophie
Duchess Sophie looked enamoured with her tiny new friend, six-month-old Dottie, during a visit to The Lighthouse Guildford on Monday to open a new community hub. Sophie is patron of The Lighthouse, a charity which hosts a range of creative projects to support, encourage and empower those who find themselves in need.
Danielle was on the ground shadowing the Duchess. You can watch her video diary here.
Dutch royals
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima looked extremely glamorous as they attended a concert performed by Sabrina Starke on Tuesday in Paramaribo, Suriname. The Dutch king and queen are in Suriname for a three-day state visit.
Here’s a lovely photograph of the royal pair in a palm garden – I have to say, I’m envious of the sunshine!
Cool as coconuts! Both Willem-Alexander and Maxima appeared to enjoy their refreshing beverages while visiting a former plantation called Frederiksdorp on Wednesday.
King Felipe of Spain
Could King Felipe be the newest member of the Spanish football team? Felipe looks extremely pleased with his gift here as he joined in celebrations with the Spanish players after their victory in the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2025 at Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday in Madrid.
Prince Harry
Not the type of personality we’re used to seeing on a US talk show, Prince Harry joined Stephen Colbert on The Late Show on Wednesday. He jokingly auditioned for a ‘Christmas prince’ role in a romantic TV film for the Hallmark Channel.
German state visit
As you will no doubt have read this week, it’s been a busy time for the senior royals as the King and Queen hosted a state visit for the president of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender. They were greeted at Heathrow on Wednesday by Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Luckily the weather played ball for the military procession – doesn’t Windsor Castle look glorious in the winter sunshine?
The Prince and Princess of Wales were lucky enough to view a special exhibition of items relating to Germany from the Royal Collection in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on the first day of the state visit.
What a beautiful set-up! All the usual pomp and ceremony of a state banquet is combined with the festive glory of the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in St George’s Chamber. Our royal writer Tracy was able to preview the set up, and you can read all about it here.
Here’s a closer look at the stunning table arrangement – every detail meticulously placed. It’s the first state visit from Germany in 27 years so you can understand the need to roll out the red carpet for the occasion.
The Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Anne are pictured arriving ahead of the state banquet. Both royal ladies opted for stunning tiaras: the Duchess of Gloucester wore Queen Mary’s Honeysuckle Tiara, which she also chose for the US state visit in September, while the Princess Royal chose the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara. This is a firm favourite for Anne. Made by Cartier, the sparkling headwear features emerald-cut aquamarines and diamonds. It was a wedding gift for Anne from her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
And here they all are! King Charles, Queen Camilla, president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Elke Büdenbender in all of their finery, ready for the state banquet.
This has to be my favourite photograph this week. Princess Catherine almost steals the show with this look. Not only is her sparkling blue Jenny Packham gown fit for a modern day princess, she also delighted royal fans by choosing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, studded with rubies and diamonds.
Next week’s royal diary
There’s plenty of royal outings to look forward to next week, Royal Clubbers, including a banquet for the Swedish royals and a birthday for certain royal twins…