All the defining photos of the British royal family in 2024

2024 has been a year full of unforeseen challenges for the British royal family.

?In January, both King Charles and the Princess of Wales were admitted to hospital for medical procedures ¨C and in both cases, cancer was found to be present.

They respectively shared their cancer diagnoses with the public, with the news coming as a huge shock.?

With the monarch and Kate out of action as they began treatment ¨C with both returning later in the year ¨C the "slimmed-down monarchy" Charles planned for his reign unexpectedly came into action.?

Other members of The Firm stepped up to fulfil their duties, including Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. However, Charles and Catherine made a return to the public eye in the latter half of the year.

2024 has also seen a return to the royal fold for Sarah, Duchess of York ¨C who also revealed her second cancer diagnosis at the start of the year ¨C and two overseas tours for Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as an Australian tour for the King and Queen.

Keep reading to see the key images of the royals so far this year.?

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King Charles took an unexpected approach to his 2024 Christmas Day message, recording it outside of royals walls for the first time in 14 years.

Speaking from the ?Fitzrovia Chapel in central London ¨C which once served as the chapel of the Middlesex Hospital ¨C the monarch took a moment to personally thank the medical professionals who have helped him and his family this year.

"[I am] thinking especially of the many thousands ?of professionals and volunteers here in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth who, with their skills and out of the goodness of their heart, care for others, often at some cost to themselves," he said.?

"From a personal point of view, I offer special heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who this year have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness and have helped provide the strength, care, and comfort we have needed.

"I am deeply grateful too to all those who have offered us their own kind words of sympathy and encouragement."

King Charles, Catherine, the Princess of Wales and Sarah, Duchess of York have all undergone treatment for cancer in 2024.?

It's (royal) Christmas!

The royals united in Sandringham, undertaking their traditional walk to ?St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate for the Christmas morning service.

The Prince and Princess of Wales were a popular sight, as always, joined by their three children.?

P?eter Phillips arrived alongside sister Zara Tindall, with his youngest daughter Isla at his side.

Isla was in 'doting older cousin' mode, staying close to little Lena Tindall.

Mia Tindall and Princess Charlotte were thick as thieves, just like they were last Christmas.

Zara and Mike Tindall looked festive in their plum and navy ensembles.

Here's Lena arriving with mum Zara.

K?ate rugged up in a green coat and matching hat, adding a tartan scarf.

Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte also incorporated tartan into their outfits to match Mum ¨C the boys wore tartan ties, and Charlotte wore a tartan coat.

Princess Charlotte also had a bow tied into her hair.

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal arrivals.

Queen Camilla also wore green, accessorising with a glittering brooch.

Princess Anne went for a very festive red coat and scarf.

Savannah Phillips is suddenly looking all grown up!

Peter Phillips' eldest daughter will turn 14 on December 29.?

Princess Charlotte seemed overjoyed to spend the day with her relatives.

Lady Louise Windsor was the picture of elegance in a white beret and pink coat.

Princess Beatrice was the only member of the York family to join the festivities.

She attended church with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and stepson 'Wolfie'.?

Beatrice and Edoardo's daughter Sienna is yet to attend the royal Christmas walk, given her young age.?

B?eatrice is expecting her second child in the first half of 2025.

P?rince Harry and Meghan's 2024 Christmas card offered their fans a rare treat: a glimpse at their two children.

It's been years since we've seen photos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, so the inclusion of a photo ¨C in which the children are seen from the back ¨C was a welcome surprise.

But zooming in, it became clear there was another special surprise in store...?