Were Any Of These 2022 Royal Family Pictures Photoshopped Too?
In the wake of the furor surrounding the most recent official image of Catherine, Princess of Wales and her kids, you might be forgiven for wondering: were these pictures real, or were they, at least in part, just what people want you to see? Of course, there's a world of difference between images sent out in a news release as a public relations exercise, and moments captured in public by the press and then relayed to the world at large. And there's no denying that on reflection, 2022 was an unforgettable year for the British royal family. It started with the ultimate high of celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee. But then September 8, 2022, became one of the most momentous dates in modern history when the Queen passed away after 70 years and 214 days on the throne. And to cap off the year, Harry and Meghan dropped a tell-all documentary that re-opened some pretty big old wounds. So in a year when everything changed for the royal family, here's a look back at the most striking images of the Windsors across those 12 months. Judge for yourselves to what extent any of them were staged, or digitally adjusted after the fact!
Royal rugby
When: February 2
Kate Middleton may be a princess now, but that hasn't curbed her ability to let loose and have some fun. Early in 2022, she got together with the England rugby team during a training session to take part in their lineout drills. She was all smiles as members of the team hoisted her up into the air. And that's good news, as she became the patron of the Rugby Football League and the Rugby Football Union after Harry ditched his royal duties.
Cuddles with Candy
When: February 4
It's a common misconception that Queen Elizabeth II only had eyes for corgis. Although she reportedly had over 30 of the breed throughout her lifetime, the Queen can be seen here with Candy the dorgi. "What is a dorgi?" we hear you cry! Well, it's a mixture of a dachshund and a Pembrokeshire Welsh corgi. Candy doesn't seem too fussed about the memorabilia from the Queen's Golden and Platinum Jubilees, but she sure is cute!
Elizabeth’s wish
When: February 10
Early in 2022, Camilla Parker Bowles got a piece of news she may have always secretly wanted to hear. Marking 70 years of her rule, Queen Elizabeth II announced in February, “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife, Camilla, the same support that you have given me, and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.” This photo was taken three days after the public heard Her Majesty's announcement.
Slide like nobody's watching
When: February 22
Who says LEGO is just for kids? When Kate visited the LEGO Foundation PlayLab in Copenhagen, Denmark, she really let out her inner child. And fans who are used to seeing a demure duchess got a real treat watching her let down her hair as she slid down a slide in the name of work.
Tiny person, big hat
When: March 17
What's funnier than a stern-faced member of the King's Guard wearing a ridiculously oversized furry hat that dates back to the 17th century? Putting that same enormous headpiece on a tiny child! And it seems both Kate and Prince William would agree with us. Neither of them could hold back their laughter as little Gaia Money let her dad put his silly hat on her head.
Belly laughs in Belize
When: March 20
Kate was quite literally glowing as she let out what can only be described as a full belly laugh during a trip to Belize in the spring. The now-Prince and Princess of Wales were touring the Caribbean for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and were treated to some of the delights of the Garifuna festival. They were gifted local chocolate and a warm welcome from the people of the small village of Hopkins.
Elizabeth travels solo
When: March 29
On April 9, 2021, Prince Philip passed away, leaving Queen Elizabeth II to run the country alone. And there's something especially moving about seeing the lone figure of the then-monarch dressed in mourning clothes almost a whole year after her beloved husband ceased to be at her side. The Queen was on her way to a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey to celebrate Phillip's life.
A picture speaks a thousand words
When: April 17
It's been a rough ride for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle these past few years. But despite scandals such as "Megxit" — when they stepped down from their royal titles and duties — the pair continue to put on a united front. Here we can see Meghan looking particularly stoic on day two of the Invictus Games in the Netherlands. A picture really does speak a thousand words.
A princess in a porthole
When: April 21
Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II's only daughter, is one of the more low-key members of the royal family. So to spot her peeping through a porthole is quite the occasion! As patron of the National Museum of the Royal Navy, Her Royal Highness was visiting the D-Day landing craft as part of her duties. Even if it was just a work trip, it does look quite fun!
The Invictus Games
When: April 21
Prince Harry created the Invictus Games to celebrate and raise awareness for injured, sick, or wounded servicemen and women. The 2022 games lasted almost a week and saw over 500 serving and veteran men and women taking part in an inspiring set of adaptive games. Here, Harry's speaking with a member of the Netherlands basketball team who had recently undergone an operation.
Pearls and pearly whites
When: April 28
It's not often a 96-year-old is dressed to the nines in a triple string of pearls and an heirloom brooch, but Queen Elizabeth II wasn't your average elderly lady! The brooch had sentimental value — as well as a hefty monetary value — as it once belonged to the late Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II was looking immaculate for a meeting with the President of Switzerland at Windsor Castle.
The Imperial State Crown and a frown
When: May 10
Although still only a prince here, Charles certainly looked the part of a future monarch. He wore all his military regalia as he sat next to the Imperial State Crown at the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords. The event formally marks the start of the new session of Parliament. But it's also the perfect opportunity to polish all those gems on such a vital crown.
Schmoozing with Cruise
When: May 19
William and Kate both hit the red carpet for the U.K. premiere of Top Gun: Maverick and got to meet the star of the show. Their interaction with Tom Cruise caused quite a stir, though, because the actor seemed to break royal protocol. As the trio headed toward the screening, Cruise took Kate's hand to help her up a set of stairs. Now, there aren't any official rules about touching a member of the royal family, but it's supposedly best to wait for them to ask for assistance. Onlookers have suggested Kate's subtle moving of her handbag into the hand closest to Cruise was a move to block any further acts of chivalry.
Meghan visits Uvalde
When: May 26
Meghan made the visit to Uvalde, Texas, to pay her respects to the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting. This unofficial appearance was as a mother and not a royal. Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a baseball cap, Meghan knelt down to lay flowers at a cross for the 10-year-old victim Uziyah Garcia.
Louis loses it
When: June 2
Little Prince Louis is fast earning a reputation as the "naughty" prince, and it's not hard to see why! His cheeky behavior was out in full force as the royals gathered for the Trooping the Colour on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. A famous TV nanny, Jo Frost, was far from impressed with Louis' unruly attitude — and found herself in hot water for suggesting on Twitter that he should "listen up" and "do as he's told."
Celebrating in style
When: June 2
The aerial section of the Trooping the Colour military ceremony is a tradition that dates back centuries, and the importance doesn't seem to be lost on Princess Charlotte and Prince George. They'd dressed up to celebrate their grandmother's official birthday — and watch the Red Arrows put on their display.
Band practice
When: June 4
Princess Charlotte of Wales may have to follow strict rules while making public appearances, but that doesn't mean she can't still have some fun. On a trip to Cardiff Castle amid the frenzy of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, the pint-sized princess put a prop pencil to good use. By the looks of things, she's conducting an imaginary band. You dance to the beat of your own drum, Charlotte!
Grandson and grandma
When: June 5
The family resemblance between grandmother and grandson is undeniable in this photo. Just look at the playful glints in their eyes! Queen Elizabeth II looked a vision in her bold green coat and matching hat as she saw off the Platinum Jubilee weekend alongside her family on the Buckingham Palace balcony. We're assuming her oversized hatpin was purely for accessory purposes and not there for self-defense...
"Mother, I am not entertained!"
When: June 5
Cheeky Louis strikes again! It's not every day that you see a princess getting shushed with a firm hand across her face, but Louis had clearly had enough of being told to behave... The Platinum Pageant was yet another event that marked the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne. But it seems the thousands of performers weren't enough to keep Kate and William's youngest entertained!
Dressed to the nines
When: June 13
The British royal family brings plenty of pomp and pageantry, and the Order Of The Garter is no exception. Just look at those feathered hats! It's one of the oldest and most senior orders of chivalry in the United Kingdom and was first founded by King Edward III in 1348. There are only ever 24 Knights or Ladies in the order, and the yearly precession at St George's Chapel in Windsor sees them all come together to celebrate the honor.
Cracking up with Sophie
When: June 14
Proving that even the royal family loves to place a bet, King Charles III and his sister-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, made an appearance at Royal Ascot. Ascot is one of the most prestigious racecourses in the U.K. and hosts a special week of races each year. The Queen attended during her reign.
Harry horsing around
When: June 17
Polo might not make sense to the untrained eye — a bunch of adults thundering around with long sticks in pursuit of a tiny ball — but the royal family and polo go way back. It isn't known as the "sport of kings" for nothing! All the men in the Windsor family play polo, and even Philip and George VI hopped in the saddle in their time. Unfortunately, it seems royalty doesn't always win!
Brother and sister bonding
When: September 3
Anne, Princess Royal and her older brother sit side-by-side as the antics of the Braemar Highland Gathering are afoot. The world-famous games include traditional Scottish contests such as the caber toss — which involves launching 20-foot logs as far as you can. Bagpipes and giant logs are enough to make anyone chuckle.
Standing strong
When: September 6
Meghan and Harry stood strong after they arrived hand-in-hand at the "One Year To Go" event that marked the countdown to 2023's Invictus Games. And the pair were glowing! Meghan kept things simple in an ivory knit turtleneck and wide-leg pants, while Harry looked smart in a gray suit. This is a perfect example of holding your head high no matter what.
Elizabeth breaks tradition
When: September 6
According to tradition, the Queen would normally meet with newly elected prime ministers at Buckingham Palace. However, due to Queen Elizabeth II's poor health, Liz Truss, the U.K.'s shortest-serving former prime minister, was given an audience with her majesty at Balmoral Castle instead. With the knowledge of what would happen in the coming days, it's hard to see the then-monarch looking so frail.
Harry's #1 admirer
When: September 6
Even a prince can't resist the lure of an adorable doggo! This friendly pooch was clearly a fan of the royal, being a very good boy by happily receiving chin scratches and posing for photos alongside other admirers in Düsseldorf. Harry and Meghan have three fur babies to accompany their two human children. And according to Harry, "We all need a dog that keeps us calm.” Hear, hear!
Settling in to school
When: September 7
If you've ever wondered how royalty is educated, then look no further. The young royals — George, Louis, and Charlotte — start out the school year just like any other kids. Luckily, though, there were no back-to-school tantrums from Kate and Williams' brood. The family was all smiles on their way to a settling-in day at Lambrook School.
The King’s speech
When: September 9
September 9, 2022, marked a momentous moment in British history, and it was no doubt a nerve-wracking time for Charles. In the wake of his mother's passing, the newly-appointed King addressed the nation for the first time as monarch. With an air of collected courage, he vowed to serve his people "with loyalty, respect, and love."
Brothers reunite
When: September 10
The world held its breath for the much-awaited reunion between the supposedly feuding royal brothers. But if there was any underlying tension remaining between William and Harry, it wasn't visible. The siblings and their spouses put on a united front as they walked around Windsor Castle to view floral tributes left to their grandmother by her loyal subjects and fans.
A grieving grandson
When: September 14
The royals are renowned for keeping their emotions in check during their appearances in public. But Harry's feelings got the better of him during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth II. After walking behind the coffin as it headed to Westminster Abbey — where it would stay for four and a half days — it seemed the gravity of the situation became all too much. It may be a public affair, but underneath all of the performance, Harry was still a grandson grieving the loss of his grandmother.
Putting on a brave face
When: September 17
Following the news of his mother's death and the world-turning event of becoming King, Charles had no time to decompress from the whirlwind that was September. In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing, the new King had endless appointments and appearances to attend. The strain and raw emotion are clear in his eyes here as the newly-appointed monarch braced himself to thank the U.K.'s emergency service workers.
Stoic Meghan Markle
When: September 19
During the Duchess of Sussex's tell-all interview with Oprah in 2021, she revealed that Queen Elizabeth II had gifted her pearl earrings and a pearl necklace after she became a member of the royal family. So it was poignant to see that Meghan Markle wore the jewelry pieces again when she walked behind the Queen's casket as it entered Westminster Abbey.
Kate comforts George
When: September 19
Many headlines following the Queen's funeral focused on a touching moment between Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince George of Wales. At one point during the ceremony, George rubbed his eyes — possibly letting the emotion of the day get the better of him. And it was then that Catherine placed a hand on his knee as if to comfort him.
Father and son at the funeral
When: September 19
King Charles III and Prince William cast a poignant image as they saluted during the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. William and the freshly-appointed King look the spitting image of each other; they both seem to be carrying the weight of the world upon their shoulders.
Princess Charlotte in mourning
When: September 19
Some felt that Princess Charlotte shouldn't have been at the Queen's funeral given that she was only seven years old. But despite her youth, the young royal held herself with poise and grace throughout the day. It's not visible here, but this was the first time she’d ever worn a royal brooch, and it was a special one. It was not only a gift to Charlotte from the Queen, but it was also in the shape of a tiny horseshoe — a symbol of the Queen’s famous love of horses.
Charles' hidden message
When: September 19
King Charles III insisted that the flower arrangements for his mother's funeral be made environmentally friendly without the use of floral foam. Some people interpreted this subtle decision as a sign that Charles is ready to step into his mother's shoes and further modernize the monarchy. His other tribute to the Queen was less subtle but just as heartfelt: he left a message inside the bouquet.
Camilla channels Elizabeth
When: October 11
Camilla joyfully stroking a horse's snout takes on a whole new level of poignancy now that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Any royal family lovers will know just how much Elizabeth adored horses throughout her life, so the visible glee on the new Queen Consort's face as she's greeted by an equine fan in Aberdeenshire makes for a pretty meaningful snap.
A mother-in-law moment
When: November 13
Kate and Camilla wore their poppies proudly at the National Service of Remembrance to commemorate the brave servicemen and women who served in both the World Wars and later conflicts. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the pair still shared a lighthearted moment. Both looked sublime in their all-black outfits.
Unbreakable bond
When: December 2
This candid moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales at The Earthshot Prize event almost doesn't need any explanation. So often, the pair are pictured with the utmost composure and professionalism, but here their undeniable connection crackles between them. Their strong eye contact and relaxed stance are testaments to the strength of their bond, even after such a turbulent few months.
A new era of royals
When: December 6
Women everywhere aspire to be as effortlessly chic as the future Queen Consort. Although it's unlikely most of us will find a reason to pop on a tiara and greet high-flying diplomats, we can still dream! As for Kate, she looked dazzling in a floor-length embroidered gown as she welcomed members of the Diplomatic Corps to Buckingham Palace.
