It’s been an eventful time for the royals since the King was crowned last May. We take a look at his first year at the helm of The Firm
WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON. PHOTOS: GETTY, INSTAGRAM @PRINCESSEUGENIE, @AMERICANRIVIERAORCHARD, @TRACYROBBINS
Charles’ maiden year
Photoshop faux pas
After time away from the public eye while recovering from surgery, the Princess of Wales’ return to social media saw her, arguably, unfairly scrutinised. A photo of Kate with her children, taken by Prince William, was shared on the Wales’ Instagram account to celebrate Mother’s Day. But followers noticed inconsistencies within the snap, and it was even removed by national picture agencies. The photo then led to upsetting conspiracy theories. In an attempt to stop rumours, Kate issued an apology: ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused.’
Harry’s legal battles
Since stepping back as a senior royal, Prince Harry has filed a number of lawsuits. In December, the duke, 39, challenged RAVEC (Royal and VIP Executive Committee) and the Home Office’s decision to reduce his publicly funded personal security in the UK. However, in February, he lost the high court challenge and in April, lost yet another appeal. Despite this, as Woman went to print, his legal team still intended to apply directly to the Court of Appeal ‘to challenge the decision’.
Harry’s privacy and phone hacking claims against the British press, meanwhile, resulted in the Mirror Group Newspapers paying the prince’s legal bills, plus a ‘substantial additional sum by way of damages’. His trial with the Sun is due to go ahead in January 2025.
Eugenie’s baby joy
Less than a month after the coronation, the Royal Family had more cause for celebration when Princess Eugenie welcomed her second child with husband Jack Brooksbank. Announcing the news Eugenie, 34, shared an adorable picture of the tot alongside the caption, ‘Jack and I wanted to share the news that we had our little boy, Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank on 30 May 2023 at 8.49, weighing 7.1Ibs.’
Parting of the ways
Peter Phillips, who was said to be the late Queen’s favourite grandson, became a bachelor once again after splitting up with his girlfriend of three years, Lindsay Wallace. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Princess Anne’s son, 46, was
