It's the most wonderful time of the year: All of your favorite royals (read: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II, and more) are gathering at the Queen's Sandringham estate to attend their annual Christmas service and spend the holiday together.
Though Meghan wasn't officially a duchess this time last year, the Queen still invited her to attend the festivities and spend quality time with the royal family. So much has happened since then with Meghan alone—her wedding, her pregnancy, her first charity initiative, her first royal tour, etc.—it's fascinating to see photos of the royal family at this time last year knowing how much everyone has experienced since.
Kate and Will had plenty of life changes of their own—including the birth of their third child Prince Louis, their two eldest children Prince George, 5, and Princess Charlotte, 3, participating in stealing the show at two different weddings, Kate becoming an aunt to her sister Pippa Middleton's first child, and the Duchess of Cambridge's official return from maternity leave.
RELATED STORY
Even Queen Elizabeth experienced some big life changes, like officially passing on her duties like the royal patronage to the Fab Four. Of course, we can't forget about Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank who got married only a few months ago as well.
To put it simply, the royal family had themselves a year. Here's the whole clan at Sandringham last year:
Meghan wore a darker ensemble than last year, complete with a similarly shaped (but, again, darker) hat and matching bag. Kate wore a vibrant red coat with a matching fascinator, and the two chatted amiably as they entered the church. The most obvious difference between this year and last year, of course, is that Kate was pregnant with Prince Louis at the time, and now Meghan is expecting the latest addition to the royal family.
What a difference a year makes.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
How the Royal Family Celebrates Christmas
-
Katie Holmes Taps Every Fashion Editor's Favorite Unexpected Color ComboTry this insider styling trick ASAP.
-
Only Three Episodes of 'The Traitors' Season 3 Have Dropped, But the Traitors Are Already Headed for BetrayalThe producers truly chose chaos for this installment of Peacock's reality hit.
-
This $4,900 Bag Is the Hero of Hailey Bieber's Mom StyleA case for the oversized staple.
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
-
Prince William Views This Royal Family Member as a "Brother" and Someone He Can "Always Rely On""There's no doubt Wills sees him as the brother he lost."
-
Why the Royal Family's Annual Income Is Increasing by $56 Million in 2025The royals will receive a whopping $165 million, which critics have called "scandalous."
-
Former Prisoner Recalls Life-Changing Meeting With "Amazing" Princess Kate: "Saw Me as an Equal"Francesca Fattore shared the "one thing that surprised" her about the Princess of Wales in a new interview.
-
Why Princess Margaret's Husband Was Called "Spectacularly Rude and Uncooperative" by a TV PresenterLord Snowdon didn't endear himself to one particular interviewer.
-
Queen Elizabeth Found the Presence of Her "True Favorite" Royal Family Member Incredibly "Soothing""The Queen found her very down to earth, because she refused to have expensive security...and she loved her lack of airs and graces."
