If 2024 taught us anything, it’s how unpredictable life can be—even for royals, whose schedules and annual events usually run like clockwork.
So, while I have predictions for 2025, I’ll stress that nothing is set in stone!
A New Normal
Although the Princess of Wales resumed some public engagements at the end of 2024, there is no indication that she will return to her previous “normal” schedule of frequent outings. After a particularly challenging year, sources say she is continuing to focus on her recovery. As she has shared, part of this recovery includes following medical advice and engaging in activities that bring her joy.
Spending quality time with her three young children and being involved in their school life are central to this focus. As a result, I don’t expect Catherine to undertake numerous engagements each week as she has in the past.
Two key factors are at play here. First, Catherine must prioritize her health so she can continue to support her family, similar to putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others in a flight emergency. Second, she and William are aware that their relatively normal family life is fleeting. Eventually, the responsibilities of being King and Queen will change their lives forever, so they’re eager to enjoy these precious moments while their children are still young.
As for the King and Queen, despite the monarch’s ongoing cancer treatment and Camilla’s own health challenges in late 2024, they have remained steady in carrying out their duties. I expect them to continue focusing on their passions and key responsibilities, with time away from the public to accommodate Charles’s treatment.
Overseas Travel
Overseas trips were limited in 2024 due to health concerns, but following a successful—if demanding—visit to Australia and Samoa, Palace sources are optimistic about the monarch’s travel plans for 2025. Charles and Camilla are expected to visit Italy in the spring, a trip that was initially planned for the Prince and Princess of Wales but had to be canceled due to Catherine’s illness.
Charles is also reportedly considering a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation by Allied forces on January 27. Meanwhile, Prince William may make some short overseas trips, and Catherine could join him on a foreign visit later in the year.
Father and son may both attend the COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, this November. William is expected to play an active role in the conference, which will coincide with his fifth annual Earthshot Prize ceremony. The King, who has addressed several COP summits, may also attend.
Prince William Steps Up
Prince William’s planned attendance at COP30, following in his father’s footsteps, further solidifies his growing role as a global statesman. I expect this to be a major theme in 2025, as he takes on more responsibility representing the UK abroad as Prince of Wales.
Much like Charles before him, William will continue to build and strengthen relationships with world leaders. His recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump is a prime example of how he is already honing his skills as a diplomatic figure for the UK. Last year, he stood alongside 25 world leaders at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, demonstrating his comfort in the international spotlight.
Major Anniversaries
A key milestone in 2025 will be the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The royal family is expected to play a central role in this significant occasion. Then, on August 15, there will be commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, marking the end of the war in the Far East. This will be the final major milestone for surviving veterans to participate in, much like the D-Day anniversary in 2024.
A more joyful milestone will take place on April 9, when King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. While their journey to love hasn’t been without its challenges, the past two decades have shown just how well-suited they are and the happiness they’ve found in each other.
