From Prince Harry's book to King Charles' coronation, this year's big royal events
The Duke of Sussex's book Spare, the coronation and the marking of the late Queen's death will all be big news this year.
Last year’s royal calendar was bursting with events — from the highs of the Platinum Jubilee and landmark birthdays to the lows of the sombre ceremonies that marked Queen Elizabeth's death, such as the grandchildren's vigil in Westminster Hall and the state funeral itself.
From the contentious and controversial to the celebratory, 2023 appears equally busy for the British monarchy. Following hot on the heels of Meghan and Harry’s headline-hitting Netflix documentary, the Duke of Sussex’s book is bound to start the year with a bang.
A few months later comes Charles’ bigger-than-expected coronation, followed by the annual Trooping the Colour. Bookmark this page for new additions to the Royal Family’s schedule as they’re announced.
Prince Harry's memoir release - 10 January
On 10 January, Prince Harry's highly anticipated memoir Spare will be released.
Yahoo UK understands that no publications will get an advance look at the memoir, and that its contents are being kept tightly under wraps - so it’s bound to be a must-read.
Read more: Meghan Markle teases host of TV show that turned her down
Having said that, commentators have already speculated that there may not be that many new revelations in the memoir about the Royal Family or the motivations for the Sussexes exit from royal life. After their six-part documentary series on Netflix and their interview with Oprah, this seems to be relatively well-trodden ground.
It seems likely however, that Harry will delve deeper into his earlier life and his relationship with being the second son, and playing a supporting role in ‘The Firm’.
The publisher has called the memoir "intimate and heartfelt" and it remains to be seen whether its contents will drive a further wedge between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the Windsors.
Read more: 'Wow': Moment Harry left visibly upset by text message from William
After Harry alleged in the Netflix documentary that aides working for his brother had briefed the press against him — something the palace has refused to comment on — it made it clear that he is willing to critique his brother's household.
Watch: Harry describes 'terrifying' moment William screamed at him in front of the Queen
King Charles' Coronation - 6 May
The official coronation of King Charles is set for 6th May — the same day as his grandson Archie's fourth birthday. It will be the first really high profile event of Charles' reign as he and Camilla are officially crowned as King and Queen Consort.
The upcoming coronation has already attracted some controversy around the scale and costs associated with it. Initially, it was said that Charles wanted a "slimmed down" ceremony, but recently it has been reported that he has changed his mind and will instead opt for a coronation filled with pomp and ceremony to "showcase" the UK globally.
Trooping the Colour - 17 June
Trooping the Colour, or the King's birthday parade, will take place on the 17th June. It has been used to mark the monarch's official birthday for more than 260 years.
Over 1400 soldiers take part in the parade, and the Royal Family also watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace and wave to the crowds gathered, the new King will also take the salute.
Read more: Princess Anne named hardest working royal of 2022
This year, the Queen Consort has been given the role of Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and the Princess of Wales the Colonel of the Irish Guards for the day of celebration and pageantry, although Yahoo UK understands they will not be wearing military uniforms like members of the Royal Family who have served in the armed forces.
Royal Ascot - June
A firm favourite in the royal calendar, the family regularly attends the horse races at Royal Ascot together.
The late Queen was a passionate rider and race horse owner, she is said to have owned over 100 during her life and entered them in over 3500 races, more than 500 of which she won.
Her love for horses has certainly been passed down to her children and grandchildren, with Zara Tindall winning BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in 2006 for her equestrian career. William, Harry and Charles are also known to have a passion for polo.
The first Royal Ascot since the Queen's death is bound to be a poignant one for the family.
First anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death - 8th September
While no specific plans have been announced to mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death, the Royal Family is sure to mark this sombre occasion in some way.
Whether it be through an official address, a church service or some other act of remembrance, the Windsor's are sure to pay tribute to the last monarch, who reigned and acted as head of their family for seventy years.
Remembrance Day - 11 November
Each year, the Royal Family comes out in full force to honour those who have given their lives serving in the armed forces, both in the UK and the Commonwealth.
2022 marked the first time that Charles had participated in the wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph as monarch, and William as Prince of Wales.
Charles had a wreath designed in his own style, which was one of those little details that showed even a few weeks into his reign he is looking to do things his own way, and mark out his own identity as sovereign.
