The week's best royal photos
William and Catherine at the Royal Variety Performance and more in The Royal Dispatch
Hello Royal Clubbers, it’s Millie here.
There’s lots to catch up on this week in the world of the royals, as we’ve had two appearances from Princess Catherine – in one of which she even made a speech – a tiara moment from Queen Camilla and lots of engagements abroad for the European royals.
But before we dive into the best royal pictures of the week, it’s time to head back in time…
This time last year…
Royal household staff put the final touches on a 20-foot-high Nordmann Fir tree in St George’s Hall, grown nearby in Windsor Great Park and illuminated with thousands of lights in November last year.
This sweet moment depicts Queen Camilla, who was presented with an honorary doctorate of literature from the University of London by the University’s Chancellor, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, at Senate House in London.
Celebrations for Monaco National Day 2024 as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Prince Jacques of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Gabriella of Monaco wave to well-wishers.
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden waves from inside a Swedish railbus exhibit at the Christmas train show after attending the exhibition launch of “A Botanical Christmas With Carl Linnaeus” at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
King Charles meets Sir Elton John and David Furnish at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall last year.
Further reading
LISTEN: Robert Jobson on King Charles’ frustrations with son Prince William
Should King William’s ‘court’ include the York sisters?
WATCH: Exclusive preview of Lady Glenconner’s historical royal auction
Best Royal Pictures of The Week
King Felipe of Spain
Bearing in mind that King Felipe of Spain is the world’s tallest living monarch, there’s quite the height difference here as he spoke to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on Tuesday.
Swedish royals
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden stood between German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Sweden’s prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, on the balcony of the Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney looked on as King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia signed the guest book during a welcoming ceremony on Parliament Hill in on Tuesday in Ottawa, Canada. The Swedish royal family arrived in Canada on Tuesday to begin a three-day state visit.
Monaco royals
How neat do Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco look in this new official portrait? The photograph was taken to mark the National Day celebrations in Monaco on Wednesday, and the twins appeared on the balcony alongside their parents to wave to celebrating crowds.
Prince William and Princess Catherine
Marmalade sandwich, anyone? The Prince and Princess of Wales met a number of performers and representatives including Paddington Bear at the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday.
Here’s a closer look at Princess Catherine’s outfit and jewels. You can watch Alex’s video diary behind-the-scenes at the Royal Variety show here.
Queen Letizia
The Spanish queen looked especially festive as she attended the XLII “Francisco Cerecedo” Journalism Awards at the Ritz Hotel on Wednesday in Madrid, Spain. The burgundy look really suits her!
A royal Christmas tree
A warden makes final adjustments to the Christmas tree at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Thursday in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. During the festive season, the palace is dressed with Christmas decorations, including two 12-foot-high Christmas trees.
Queen Camilla
Here’s a close-up of Queen Camilla at the Diplomatic Corps reception at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, wearing the stunning emerald tiara worn by Princess Eugenie on her wedding day.
An unusual waxwork
This slightly uncanny photograph shows the wax effigy of Princess Diana, wearing the “revenge dress”. The waxwork was unveiled at the Musee Grevin in Paris on Thursday.
I personally find this rather creepy and wasn’t sure there was much likeness, but let me know what you think by voting in the poll!
Prince Edward
Prince Edward and Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of Education for Lagos State, met participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award during a visit to New Era Girls Senior Secondary School in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday.
Next week’s royal diary
Lots to look forward to next week, Royal Clubbers. Scroll on to read what the royals will be up to next week…