As 2025 comes to an end, Kate Middleton and Prince William are offering a rare glimpse into their year by sharing a collection of previously unseen photographs highlighting both their royal duties and personal family moments.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a slideshow of 12 images on their official Instagram account on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The photos chronicle a year filled with public service, major historical commemorations, international travel and moments involving their growing children.
The photo series opens with a solemn moment from January, showing William and Kate lighting candles during a Holocaust Memorial Day service at London’s Guildhall. The ceremony marked both the annual day of remembrance and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. The event was attended by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer as well as prominent Jewish leaders.
Several months later, the couple participated in another historic occasion: the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. They joined King Charles at Buckingham Palace for a tea honoring World War II veterans and brought along their eldest child, Prince George, who was 12 at the time.
The appearance marked Prince George’s most formal royal engagement to date, signaling the early stages of his gradual introduction to public royal responsibilities. Royal commentator Russell Myers told PEOPLE that George appeared highly engaged, asking veterans thoughtful questions about their wartime experiences. A palace source described the moment as a significant responsibility for someone so young, calling it an impressive and meaningful step.
One of the shared images captures Prince George speaking with a veteran alongside his father, reflecting the family’s effort to balance tradition with preparation for the future.
Later in the year, Prince William was photographed in a much livelier setting while attending the Welsh Guards’ Christmas party at Combermere Barracks. The December image shows the prince sharing laughs and drinks with soldiers, offering a relaxed contrast to the more formal engagements earlier in the year.
The photo collection also includes lighter moments from the couple’s international and sporting appearances. William is seen playing beach volleyball during his Earthshot Prize trip to Brazil, while Kate is photographed presenting the Wimbledon men’s singles trophy to Italian champion Jannik Sinner. Another striking image shows the prince and princess greeting Marine One as it landed at Windsor Castle during the U.S. state visit of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In a playful family moment, William appears grinning broadly while wearing a large ceremonial beefeater hat as he stands beside King Charles and Princess Anne during the 2025 Trooping the Colour celebrations.
While the images highlight a demanding year, the royal family is already preparing for major changes ahead. William and Kate, along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, are set to begin 2026 settled into their new home. The family moved into Forest Lodge, located within Windsor Great Park, in the fall of 2025. The residence will serve as their long-term base, even after William eventually ascends the throne.
Prince George is also approaching an important milestone. He will turn 13 on July 22, 2026, and is expected to begin secondary school in the fall. Public speculation continues over his future school, with Eton College — William’s alma mater — and Marlborough College — where Kate studied — considered the leading options. While some reports have suggested Eton is the likely choice, others have claimed Marlborough has already notified parents. The palace has not confirmed a decision.
The year ahead could also involve significant international travel. During a visit to the U.K. in September, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the prince and princess to return to Australia. The trip could potentially include their children, marking the first family visit since 2014, when the couple traveled with infant Prince George.
In addition, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. Plans are already underway for major commemorations, and it remains possible that senior members of the British royal family could attend, following the precedent set by Queen Elizabeth II’s visit during America’s bicentennial in 1976.
Prince William may also travel to the U.S. for sporting reasons. England is expected to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across 16 cities in North America. The final match is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
With a year of reflection behind them and significant milestones ahead, the Prince and Princess of Wales appear poised for another high-profile chapter as 2026 approaches.