2026 SAVE THE DATE

It's been a rocky chapter for the Royal Family, marked by feuds, estrangements, health challenges and unfolding scandals.

- 

Yet amid the storm, there have been golden moments, too. Kate's resilience shone through, Princess Anne celebrated her 75th birthday, and Princess Beatrice welcomed baby Athena – now 11th in line to the throne. As King Charles and Prince Harry work toward a reconciliation, 2026, could be a year of fresh beginnings. So what celebrations are in store?

The Queen's centenary

April is the month to celebrate a special anniversary, as it's 100 years since the late Queen Elizabeth was born on 21 April 1926, not in a palace, but at 17 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London. The site is now a modern office block, but if you look closely, a small plaque marks the site of the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II. Crowds gathered outside the house when she was born and when the family moved shortly afterwards to 145 Piccadilly (now the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel), they would flock here, to catch a glimpse of the little princess. There are lots of events planned to mark the centenary - including the exhibition Queen Elizabeth: Her Life in Style at The King's Gallery. The final design of the memorial in St James's Park, by Foster + Partners will be unveiled in April and British artist Martin Jennings will create a sculpture of Her Majesty.

HOW TO VISIT: Queen Elizabeth: Her Life in Style at The King's Gallery opens in spring (see details overleaf). You can walk through St James's Park, see the Queen's plaque at 17 Bruton Street and check in to nearby InterContinental London Park Lane (parklane.intercontinental.com).