This will be an exciting year for royal watchers.
Princess Charlotte goes to nursery school
Prince George had his first day of primary school in 2017, and two-year-Princess Charlotte is following her big brother’s footsteps by starting nursery school in January. Only time will tell if she’ll use the same last name Prince George uses in school.
William and Kate make a royal visit
Last year, Prince William, sometimes accompanied by Kate Middleton and their two children, made royal visits to France, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and Finland. In 2018, they’re jumping right back into official visits with a trip to Sweden and Germany from January 30 to February 2, according to Town & Country.
A new baby enters the family
When Kensington Palace confirmed Kate Middleton is pregnant and due in April 2018, the news made waves around the world . Details about the baby’s sex or possible names have yet to be revealed, but there’s one thing we know for sure: The little prince or princess could make this historic change in royal succession history.
Gold Coast 2018 brings on competition
April 4 to 15 will mean competition during the Commonwealth Games, which are like the Olympics for athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The sports event takes place every four years, and this year’s Gold Coast 2018 event will be held in Australia with Prince Charles representing Queen Elizabeth to open the games.
Commonwealth leaders will meet
Queen Elizabeth II is no mere monarch—she’s also the Head of the Commonwealth. About every other year, leaders from all the 52 countries meet for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The last summit was in 2015 in Malta, and the April 2018 event will represent the 25th CHOGM and the first in London since 1977.
Harry and Meghan get married
From the moment Prince Harry was spotted holding hands with Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games last year, royal watchers haven’t been able to contain their excitement about the budding romance. Now that the couple is officially engaged and details of the wedding are being revealed, the world will be eagerly watching the May 19 ceremony in Windsor Castle for details—like whether Prince Harry follows through with breaking this royal wedding rule.
The newest royal couple goes on tour
When Prince Harry is single, he does royal tours alone. Harry famously cancelled a plane ticket back to the U.K. after an official visit to the Caribbean in 2016 so he could visit his now-fiancée in Toronto. Once Meghan becomes a full-time royal after the wedding (though here’s why she won’t be called a princess), the couple will finally be able to go on official tours together. No plans have been announced yet, but some speculate their first visit will be to Canada.
Prince Charles turns 70
At 69 years old, Prince Charles is already the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history. He took the title from Edward VII, who was 59 when he succeeded his mother, Queen Victoria, in 1901. When Prince Charles turns 70 on November 14, another year might be added to his record.
