The British royal family is looking ahead to 2025 with hopes of leaving behind what has been described as their "hardest" and most "brutal" year.
With a series of personal health crises, family feuds, and scandals, the royals have had a tumultuous 2024, culminating in an intense period of emotional and physical strain.
The Prince of Wales, Prince William, has publicly acknowledged the challenges of the year, calling it "the hardest year" of his life, as both his father, King Charles III, and wife, Kate Middleton, faced serious health battles. In January, the palace disclosed that the Princess of Wales had planned abdominal surgery, and later that same month, King Charles underwent a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.
February brought more distressing news as it was revealed that the monarch, 76, had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. The diagnosis was a heavy blow for the royal family, especially as the public witnessed King Charles bravely carrying out his royal duties despite his ongoing health struggles. In March, Princess Catherine, 42, further shocked the public with the announcement of her own cancer diagnosis. By September, she shared the emotional news that she had completed chemotherapy treatment, sparking a wave of sympathy from supporters around the world.
The royal family's health woes did not end there. In addition to the monarch’s and Princess Catherine's battles, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was also diagnosed with skin cancer, which was discovered during treatment for breast cancer. Further complicating matters, in June, Princess Anne, King Charles’ only sister, suffered a concussion and memory loss following a horse-riding accident.
As the year drew to a close, Queen Camilla, 77, was also struck by illness, suffering from a chest infection that forced her to scale back on her royal duties. Throughout 2024, the Queen consort had been a strong pillar of support for her husband, but her own health challenges served as yet another blow to the royal family.
Meanwhile, Prince Andrew, whose reputation has long been tarnished by scandals, found himself at the center of new controversies. In December, a Chinese businessman, Yang Tengbo, was barred from entering the UK amid allegations of attempting to cultivate connections with Prince Andrew in an alleged effort to influence British elites. Although Tengbo denied any wrongdoing or involvement in espionage, the scandal led to further damage to the Duke of York’s reputation. As a result, Prince Andrew did not join the royal family for Christmas celebrations.
In the United States, Prince Harry also made headlines as his US visa status became a subject of public scrutiny. The controversy stemmed from claims made in his memoir, Spare, where he admitted to past drug use. The issue raised questions about his eligibility for a visa, casting a shadow over his and his family’s public image.
Amidst these personal and health-related struggles, the royal family also faced financial challenges. Prince Andrew, who had been living in the Royal Lodge, a residence gifted to him by the late Queen Elizabeth II, faced the threat of eviction due to cost-cutting measures. However, as the year ended, he remained in the residence, despite speculation about his future there.
