Remarkable Royal Milestones of the 2010s: From resplendent royal weddings to ushering in the next royal generation
The 2010s: A Decade of Royal Milestones
The 2010s were a decade marked by significant events in the British royal family. Two of the most notable occurrences were the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011 and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
The 2011 royal wedding was a defining moment, watched by an estimated global audience of two billion people. The ceremony, held at Westminster Abbey with around 2,000 guests, symbolized the future of the British monarchy.
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne, a milestone previously only achieved by Queen Victoria. The celebrations included a large river pageant on the Thames involving 670 boats and a significant concert outside Buckingham Palace with performers like Stevie Wonder and Elton John.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, played an active role during this decade. He undertook his first rescue mission as a co-pilot of an RAF Sea King in 2010. In 2019, he and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, embarked on a diplomatic tour to Pakistan, promoting relations and highlighting issues such as climate change and education.
William and Catherine also launched the mental health charity campaign Heads Together in May 2016. The couple continued their charitable work, with numerous engagements and tours supporting community initiatives within the UK and abroad. They attended the G7 summit in 2021 and tours linked to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Zara Tindall, a member of the royal family, made history in 2012 by becoming the first royal to win an Olympic medal. She won a Silver Medal in the three-day equestrian event.
Other notable events included the now Prince and Princess of Wales announcing their engagement on November 16, 2010. Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a custom ring, made using a diamond he sourced from Botswana and two others that had previously belonged to Princess Diana.
Princess Charlotte, the only daughter of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, was born on May 2, 2015. The royal family fully extended their reach with each royal household setting up their own Instagram profiles in the early 2010s.
Queen Elizabeth II made a secret cameo in the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. In 2017, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana's death, Prince William and Prince Harry made an emotional visit to the new Kensington Palace memorial garden dedicated to her honor.
King Charles and Queen Camilla made a historic trip to Cuba in 2019, becoming the first royals to visit the Communist state in an official capacity. The young royals, including Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, started to steal the show in the 2010s, with adorable antics from the likes of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
These events underscore a decade marked by high-profile weddings, historic jubilees, public service, and international diplomacy by royal family members.
The British monarchy extended its digital reach with each royal household setting up their own Instagram profiles in the early 2010s, showcasing the family's daily life and events.
Princess Charlotte, the only daughter of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, was born in 2015, adding a fresh chapter to the royal family's history.
In the world of fashion and beauty, Kate Middleton's influence was evident, with her iconic outfits making headlines and inspiring numerous trends.
The royal family's commitment to health and wellness was demonstrated through the launch of the mental health charity campaign Heads Together in 2016, focusing on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
