Significant Royal Milestones of the 2010s: From the Grand Royal Wedding to the Arrival of the New Dynasty
The 2010s were a decade filled with significant events and milestones for the British Royal Family. Here are some of the most noteworthy moments:
The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (April 29, 2011)
This royal event was one of the biggest in modern history, with the wedding taking place at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony was attended by around 2,000 guests and attracted a global audience estimated at two billion people. The union of a future king and queen marked a defining moment for the monarchy, cementing its future [2][4].
Births of Prince William and Catherine's Children
The royal couple expanded their family during the decade, welcoming three children:
- Prince George Alexander Louis (born July 22, 2013)
- Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana (born May 2, 2015)
- Prince Louis Arthur Charles (born April 23, 2018) [4]
Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee (2012)
The Queen celebrated 60 years on the throne, a milestone only previously reached by Queen Victoria in 1897. The celebrations included a massive pageant of 670 boats on the River Thames—the largest in over 300 years—and a major concert outside Buckingham Palace featuring artists like Stevie Wonder and Elton John [2].
Queen Elizabeth II Becomes Britain's Longest-Reigning Monarch (September 9, 2015)
The Queen surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria's reign, solidifying her place in British history [2].
Transition and New Beginnings
The decade also marked a transition period for the Royal Family as it moved into a new chapter shaped by younger generations and changing public expectations [2]. Notable events included:
- Prince Harry's Proposal to Meghan Markle (November 2017): 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.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding (May 19, 2018): The couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at Windsor Castle.
- Princess Eugenie's Wedding (October 12, 2018): Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, becoming the first British princess of royal blood to marry in the Church of England since the wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips.
- Queen Elizabeth II's First Instagram Post (2019): The royal family fully extended their reach by setting up their own Instagram profiles in the early 2010s.
- Meghan Markle's Inclusion in the Royal Christmas Celebrations (2016): Meghan Markle was granted the privilege to join the royal family Christmas celebrations.
Other Noteworthy Events
- The royals were actively involved in the London 2012 Olympic Games.
- Savannah Phillips, daughter of Peter Phillips and granddaughter of Princess Anne, was born on December 29, 2010.
- Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to visit the Republic of Ireland since the independent state had been established in 2011.
- Prince Louis Arthur Charles was born on April 23, 2018, at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, making him the heaviest newborn heir in over 100 years.
References: [1] BBC News. (2011, April 29). Royal Wedding: William and Kate tie the knot. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13098010 [2] The Telegraph. (2017, December 14). The 50 most significant moments in the Queen's reign. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/12/14/50-significant-moments-queens-reign/ [3] The Telegraph. (2018, May 19). Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry at St George's Chapel. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/19/prince-harry-meghan-markle-marry-st-georges-chapel/ [4] The Telegraph. (2018, October 12). Princess Eugenie marries Jack Brooksbank. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/10/12/princess-eugenie-marries-jack-brooksbank/
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