Best Royal Family Photos Of the Past 20 Years
Welcome to the royal family! It’s a world of princes and princesses, dukes and duchesses, kings and queens — and yes, the occasional scandal and intrigue. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip’s children and grandchildren have been a source of fascination in the UK and US alike, and we delight in following their royal traditions, charity work, and ever-growing families. They may not be our monarchs, but they definitely have our attention.
While King Charles III now presides over the royal family, the two couples we’ve taken the most interest in are grandchildren Prince William and Prince Harry. Prince William and wife Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales share three kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and their youngest, Prince Louis — some of the sweetest (and best-dressed kids we’ve ever seen). And of course, these young royals have two new cousins: Archie and Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from the royal family in January 2021 and will no longer take on royal engagements with William, Kate, and the others — but family is family, no matter what your title. The Queen had always been especially close to Harry, and formed a special bond with Meghan early on, as the American actress bravely joined the royal family. While Meghan and Harry are currently living in the US, they’ve promised to reside in the UK part-time. After all, Archie needs his playdates with his cousins!
As these kids grow up, we’ll have a whole new generation of royals to follow, and who knows how they might restructure and redefine what the royal family stands for. For now, we’re just as obsessed with these timeless royals as we ever were — the fashion, the fanfare, and all the family love.
Without further ado, we present all the best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years.
A version of this article was originally published in April 2020.
More from SheKnows
Best of SheKnows
Trooping The Colour 2024
Kate Middleton came back to the public eye after six months away, and looked so happy to be back.
Matching Wales for Easter 2023
Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Catharine, Princess of Wales were all dress in matching attire for the 2023 Easter celebration.
Matching Lovebirds for Easter 2023
Queen Camilla and King Charles III looked so happy for this Easter celebration in their coordinating blue attire!
The Prince And Princess Of Wales Attend BAFTA Film Awards 2023
Kate Middleton and Prince William looked like movie stars when they attended this year’s BAFTA awards (and we love their adorable ongoing pattern of wearing color-coordinated outfits).
Kate & William at The Earthshot Prize 2022
Kate and William finished off their jam-packed Boston trip attending The Earthshot Prize 2022. “Behind the scenes at the second annual #EarthshotPrize awards ceremony ????,” the royals’ shared on Instagram alongside sweet black and white pictures of the two. “Celebrating brilliant solutions and the inspiring people behind them!”
A Piece of Home
As William and Kate visited Greentown Labs in Boston, they were greeted at the door by a little boy dressed as a British guard. The smiles on the royals’ faces says it all when it comes to the familiar costume. I guess there’s nothing like a piece of home to cure homesickness during a trip!
The Prince Meets the President
In one of the days of his highly-anticipated Boston trip, William had a short meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. “Where’s your top coat?” Biden asked as William approached, immediately breaking the ice. Who knew the meeting between such powerful people would actually be so sweet?
A Royal Welcome
On Nov 22, Charles, Camilla, William and Kate stood totally in sync as they welcome South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa. Should I say a second fab five?
Charles Returns A King
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles followed the line of succession and became King. This iconic snapshot was taken of Charles and Camilla as they returned to Buckingham Palace for the first time as King and Queen. What a symbolic moment!
Walking Together for Queen Elizabeth II’s Funeral
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex all walked in tow for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Grandchildren Mourning
Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren: Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor, Princess Beatrice of York, Prince Harry, Prince William, James, Viscount Severn, and Princess Eugenie of York arrived together to hold a vigil at the coffin of their grandmother.
Honoring the Queen Together
Queen Elizabeth II’s grandchildren: Zara Tindall, Lady Louise Windsor, Princess Beatrice of York, Prince Harry, Prince William, James, Viscount Severn, and Princess Eugenie of York held a vigil together at their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin. This touching and heartbreaking moment has stayed in thousands of people’s minds.
Queen Elizabeth II Takes In The Platinum Jubliee
Queen Elizabeth II’s historic Platinum Jubilee was celebrated in early June and commemorated with days of festivities. The monarch, who celebrated 70 years on the throne, stood on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony and waved.
Queen Elizabeth II Chats with Prince Louis During Trooping the Colour 2022
Prince Louis and his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, had a little chat during Trooping the Colour. The 4-year-old prince was arguably one of the stars of the celebrations.
Prince Lpuis at the Platinum Jubilee
The most iconic photos from the Platinum Jubilee has to be Prince Louis’ reaction to the helicopters.
Queen Elizabeth II & Grace Nichols
On March 6, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II presented the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry to poet Grace Nichols.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Wow At Salute to Freedom Gala
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wowed everyone when they attended the Salute to Freedom Gala on Veteran’s Day.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Speak At Global Citizen Live Concert
On Sept. 25, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they spoke at the Global Citizen Live Concert.
Prince William & Kate Middleton At the Earthshot Prize Awards
Prince William and Kate Middleton looked amazing at the Earthshot Prize Awards, the first-ever awards ceremony for their environmental program to work on fighting against climate change. Everyone loved the fact that Kate rewore this stunning gown from Royal appearance back in 2011.
Harry & William Reunite For Diana’s Statue Unveiling
This photo of the brothers laughing together again in 2021 makes us feel like everything will be okay.
Charles & Camilla Go to the Races
The Royal Ascot had Britain’s King in attendance, Charles, and wife Camilla.
2021 G7 Summit – Day One
The G7 Summit had a royal attedance with Queen Elizabeth II, right, Prince Charles, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, centre, Prince William, background left and Kate Middleton.
Kate & Will Take Scotland
Back on tour! William and Kate Middleton’s 2021 tour of Scotland saw the 10-years-married couple charming locals right and left.
Kate Middleton Arrives at Philip’s Funeral
Kate Middleton was utterly striking as she arrived to mourn William’s grandfather.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Attend 2018 Christmas Day Service with William & Kate
Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry attend the Christmas Day service in Sandringham.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Attend Commonwealth Day Service with Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Prince William and Kate Middleton stand with Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex at Westminster Abbey for a Commonwealth day service.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Have a Laugh with Prince WIlliam & Kate Middleton
Meghan Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Visit the Memorial Garden
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend an event at the memorial garden in Kensington Palace.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Attend the 2017 Invictus Games
Prince Harry attends the wheel chair tennis with Meghan Markle at Nathan Phillips Square Toronto.
Prince George & Princess Charlotte at 2017 Trooping the Colour ceremony
Princess Charlotte and Prince George on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping of the Colour 2017.
Harry & Meghan Markle Wedding
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave from the West Door of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor on May 19, 2018.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Chat with Barack & Michelle Obama
Barack Obama talks with Prince William at Kensington Palace, while Kate Middleton speaks with Prince George, and Michelle Obama talks with Prince Harry of Wales.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Take a Walk on Howth Cliff
Kate Middleton and Prince William visit Howth Cliff, a spectacular cliff walk north of Dublin.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Take Princess Charlotte to Her First Day of School
Princess Charlotte with her father Prince William, and mother, Kate Middleton and Prince George, arriving for her first day of school at Thomas’s Battersea in London.
The Royal Family Gathers at Church for Christmas
Prince William, Kate Middleton stand with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte outside the St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Pet the Dogs at the Army Canine Centre
Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at the Army Canine Centre in Islamabad.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Visit the Aga Khan Centre
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit at the Aga Khan Centre.
TOPSHOT-BRITAIN-ROYALS-FOUNDATION
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton at the First Annual Royal Foundation Forum.
Kate Middleton & Prince William Wedding
Who could forget this iconic day?
Prince William & Kate Middleton Visit Germany with Prince George & Princess Charlotte
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte arriving in Berlin, Germany.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Pose in Front of the Eiffel Tower
Prince William and Kate Middleton pose in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero in Paris, France.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Attend the Endeavour Fund Awards
Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry at the 4th Endeavour Fund Awards.
Kate Middleton & Prince William Present Newborn Baby George
Kate Middleton and Prince William at St Mary’s Hospital with newborn son Prince George.
Queen Elizabeth II Attends the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service
Queen Elizabeth II at the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Visit Gravity Bar in Dublin
Kate Middleton and Prince William at a Reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Ireland.
Kate Middleton Plays a Game of Cricket
Kate Middleton takes part in a game of cricket as she visits SOS Children’s Village, a charitable organisation in Lahore.
Prince William & Kate Middleton at Prince Louis’ First Trooping the Colour
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte at Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Prince William & Kate Middleton Visit Pakistan
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit the Chiatibo glacier in the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Celebrate Their Engagement
Britain’s Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle look down at her engagement ring as they pose for photographers.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Visit South Africa
Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex meet with local residents during Heritage Day public holiday celebrations.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle with Baby Archie
Prince Harry and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, holding their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
