What’s On The British Royal Family’s Calendar For 2024?

This year has been a big period of transition for the British Royal Family as they adjusted to their new roles following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Of course the biggest event of 2023 was the coronation of King Charles III in May, but there was also the birth of Princess Eugenie’s son, and of course Prince Harry’s explosive memoir. So what’s in the diary for next year? These are some of the notable royal events for 2024.

What’s On The British Royal Family’s Calendar For 2024?

King Charles’ Trip To Australia

It’s expected that the King and Queen are going down under next year, with a trip to Australia and New Zealand on the cards. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed by Buckingham Place, a diplomatic source confirmed the visit to the Sydney Morning Herald. The royal couple have been to Australia a number of times before, most recently travelling there together in 2018 – but this will be King Charles’ first visit to Australia as a monarch. Dates-wise, it’s likely the trip will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, a week-long summit starting on 21 October 2024

Prince Harry’s 40th Birthday

It’s a big year for Prince Harry, who will turn 40 on 15 September 2024. As he’s no longer a working royal, and his relationships with family members are strained, it’s unlikely there will be an official acknowledgement of the milestone (there wasn’t this year). However, he’ll no doubt be celebrating with Meghan and their two children, perhaps in their home at Montecito, California, or abroad – this year Harry celebrated his birthday in Germany.

The Duke of Westminster’s Wedding

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, will tie the knot with Olivia Henson on 7 June 2024 at Chester Cathedral. The Duke of Westminster has close ties with the Royal Family: he’s one of Prince George’s godfathers, close friends with the Prince and Princess of Wales, and his own godfather is King Charles. It’s thought that many of them will attend the wedding, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales all reportedly on the guestlist. However, it’s believed Prince Harry was not invited, despite maintaining a friendship with Hugh.

© RHS/Oliver Dixon

The King’s Birthday Parade

Each year, the Trooping of the Colour marks the official birthday of the British sovereign. In 2024, the event will take place on 15 June on Horses Parade, featuring a traditional ceremony with over 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians. Visitors can watch the event from The Mall or St James’ Park, or enter the ballot for seated tickets.

Archie Mountbatten-Windsor Starting School

Harry and Meghan’s son Archie will turn five in May 2024, which in California means he’ll be starting school. The couple have been private about their family life since moving to the US, but there has been much speculation about which school Archie will attend. On Hello’s A Right Royal Podcast, Montecito resident Richard Mineards shared some insight on the kind of education Archie might receive in the local area. ‘We have very good schools, which are not like England public schools but they’re state schools. And we have a very good one called Cold Spring School which has got great ratings and that’s in their catchment area,’ he said. Archie currently attends a nursery school where lessons include emotional literacy, mindfulness and sustainability.

Prince Edward’s 60th Birthday

Another big birthday milestone is the 60th birthday of Prince Edward – the King’s younger brother – on 10 March. In the past, he has spent his birthday undertaking royal engagements, and on his 59th birthday this year, he was granted a new title from the King: the Duke of Edinburgh.