As with most years, 2025 has been a busy one for the royals, and not necessarily in the best ways. While there has been plenty of good news this year, such as Princess Beatrice welcoming her second daughter and Peter Phillips getting engaged, the monarchy has had a tough time too.
This is mostly the result of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the scandals he has faced, which resulted in him losing his royal titles. While this may have been a blow to the royals, they will undoubtedly still be feeling optimistic about what 2026 can bring, with some significant moments set to unfold.
Here, the Royal News have taken a look at some of the biggest royal moments expected next year…
Prince George starts senior school in September
One of the biggest moments in 2026 will be Prince George’s major life change as he moves from Lambrook School to senior school. The 12-year-old prince, who is second in line to the throne, will be moving on to the next stage of his education. Although unconfirmed, it is believed George would become a student at Eton College, just like his father, Prince William, once was. While this will mean different classrooms, it could also mean a different home for George as he could become a boarder at the college, although he may opt to be a day pupil at the beginning. Other options for George could include Princess Catherine’s former school, the co-educational Marlborough College in Wiltshire, which would allow him to be joined there by both of his younger siblings one day.
100-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
2026 will also be significant as it will have been 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. This was the London home of her maternal grandparents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne. At the time of her birth, Elizabeth never expected to accede to the throne, especially as her father had an elder brother. Sadly, Queen Elizabeth II is no longer around to celebrate her 100th birthday, having passed away at Balmoral in 2022.
Prince William’s Earthshot Prize could be held in India
Prince William’s Earthshot Prize 2026 is going to be another big event next year in the royal calendar, and could take place in India. This has not been officially confirmed, but it is believed that this looks set to take place. This comes after the 2025 Earthshot Prize was held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, in November. It is not known whether Princess Catherine will accompany him next year, with the future Queen having stayed home with the couple’s three children over recent years when the event has taken place.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will be evicted from Royal Lodge
Another moment in 2026 people will no doubt be waiting for is the day Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaves Royal Lodge. Just months ago, it was revealed that the former prince would not only lose his royal titles, but his Crown Estate home too, as a result of scandals surrounding his previous friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. This is despite the fact that Andrew denies all accusations against him. The date of Andrew’s exact eviction from Royal Lodge is not yet known; however, it will have to be before October.
Lady Louise Windsor will be finishing university
Lady Louise Windsor will finish university next year and wave goodbye to St Andrews in Scotland. The royal is believed to have thoroughly enjoyed life at university and will no doubt be already thinking about her next move ahead of her final assessments in 2026. Although unconfirmed, it is believed Louise could pursue a path in the military.
Prince William and Princess Catherine’s 15-year wedding anniversary
A favourite event for many royal fans is April 29 – Prince William and Princess Catherine’s wedding anniversary. In April, it will have been 15 years since the couple married at Westminster Abbey – a day many of us can fondly remember. For their wedding anniversary earlier this year, the couple carried out royal engagements and shared a sweet photograph. It is hoped that this will be the same next year.
James, Earl of Wessex finishes school
James, Earl of Wessex is set for a big year ahead as the 18-year-old will finish school. Currently, it has not been confirmed whether he intends to pursue work after education, take up an apprenticeship, join the military, or attend university. This is likely to be something his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, will confirm nearer the time.
More updates from Meghan’s As Ever company
Meghan Markle really carved her way into the business world in 2025, and you can bet 2026 will be full of even more updates. This year, the Duchess of Sussex launched her As Ever company and has since launched a number of products, including wines, spreads, and candles. It appears that the brand has been successful so far. While Meghan is keeping her cards close to her chest, it is likely that she will continue to build up her brand next year, and that, of course, means more updates. What those updates will be is currently unknown.
Royal tour to America
2026 will bring some exciting royal tours, including one to America. It has been reported that King Charles could be set to travel to the US to mark the 250th anniversary of the country next year. If he does fly across the pond, it will mark his first visit since 2018, when he represented Queen Elizabeth II at George H. W. Bush’s funeral. It is believed such a visit could take place in April 2026.
Prince Harry’s visit to the UK
Something that typically happens every year is Prince Harry’s return to the UK. While he is likely to visit earlier, it is thought he will return in September for the 2026 Wellchild Awards. This is an event the Duke has flown across the pond to attend annually. It is unlikely that Meghan Markle will join him for the event, as the Duchess has not accompanied her husband to the UK since 2022.
William and Catherine set to go abroad on royal tour for first time in years
Prince William and Princess Catherine could be set to go on a joint royal tour together for the first time in years. It was reported just weeks ago that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been invited to take a royal tour of Australia by the country’s prime minister. Anthony Albanese said there was a “standing invitation” for Catherine and William to visit the country in the “coming period”. It is not yet known whether William and Catherine have accepted the offer.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda
Another royal-related date to put in the diary is the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This event is expected to take place in Antigua and Barbuda, beginning on November 1, 2026. The theme will be ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth’. The event is likely to be attended by either King Charles or Prince William.
Peter Phillips wedding to Harriet Sperling
A few wedding bells could be ringing next year in the Royal Family after two recent engagements. Although a date has not yet been publicly confirmed, it is believed Peter Phillips could wed Harriet Sperling next year after getting engaged this year. The couple have been spotted together many times, with both families reportedly happy about their engagement news. It has also been reported that Lady Marina Windsor could walk down the aisle next year to marry her fiancé, Nico Macauley. Dates for either wedding have not yet been confirmed.
Prince Harry’s court case
Prince Harry is also expected to potentially return to the UK in 2026 for his next court case. Prince Harry is one of seven people suing the publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday – Associated Newspapers Limited – for alleged unlawful information gathering. The trial, which is expected to cost more than £38m, will reportedly begin in January. It is believed Harry could fly across the pond to attend the hearings in person.
Marius Borg Hoiby court date for 32 charges
Marius Borg Høiby has had his court dates confirmed for early next year. The son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit was charged with 32 offences, including rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner, and acts of violence against another, making death threats, and traffic violations. Defence lawyer Ellen Holager Andenaes confirmed that proceedings will begin on February 3, 2026 and are expected to run until March 14, 2026. It has previously been reported that Mr Høiby denies the most serious accusations against him, but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges when the trial starts. This was said by his lawyer, Petar Sekulic, who told Reuters news agency.
