Duchess Catherine in 2020 – An Unconventional Year

2019 ended on a very high note for the Cambridge family. 2020 was going to be an extremely promising year for the Duchess of Cambridge. She had two major projects ready for the year to be launched. The previous year made it clear that The Duchess of Cambridge has made children and mental health a focus of her public role and it is going to be her legacy as a British Royal. She brought many artistic and creative features that can be used to improve children’s mental health and give kids a better start in life to the forefront. The Duchess of Cambridge made the early year’s intervention a matter of discussion in the UK. An issue that was not getting its fair share of the limelight and was impacting young children and indirectly the future of the whole nation. Being a young mother of three children, Catherine understood its importance and became its voice.

The Duchess of Cambridge birthday portrait
Kensington Palace

Just like every year, 2020 had its traditional start. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen at the Sunday Church Service at Sandringham Estate. Kensington Palace released a solo picture of The Duchess to mark her 38th birthday. Cambridge family spent the winter break at their country residence in Norfolk and Middleton house in Berkshire before coming back to London for the official start of the year. She attended private meetings with her Early year’s group.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Bradford
Bradford Council

And The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their first joint official appearance. The first engagement of the year was a joint visit to Bradford. The Royal couple visited several projects which support the community while bringing a spotlight to the vibrant culture and community of Bradford.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge host the UK-Africa summit reception at Buckingham Palace
PA

Next came a dazzling reception at Buckingham Palace. Prince William and Duchess Catherine hosted a reception for the UK-Africa summit. This was the first time couple held an event in Buckingham Palace on their own. We were hearing about a project launch since September 2018, and it came with a bang – ‘A landmark survey‘.  The Duchess of Cambridge toured around the country promoting the big survey that was an integral part of her Early year’s program.

The Duchess of Cambridge phogoraphed the holocaust Survivors
Kensington Palace

A talented photographer, The Duchess of Cambridge showed her skills once again by photographing the survivors of the Holocaust before joining Prince William at the  UK Holocaust Memorial Day event. The next day, The Duchess of Cambridge joined children for an Art workshop. The month ended with her visit to a nursery where we saw the glimpse of Mummy Catherine.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore cream and gold Alexander McQueen Gown to BAFTA 2020
Kensington Palace

February 2020 had a dazzling start. The Duchess of Cambridge made a dazzling yet absolutely elegant appearance at BAFTA. Then The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed towards Wales for a day away. A rare joint engagement happened in that month, William and Catherine joined Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla in Leicestershire.

The Duchess of Cambridge attended SportsAid event at London Stadium wearing Green zara culottes
Kensington Palace

The Duchess of Cambridge took her landmark survey to Scotland and Northern Ireland. February brought us something we all had been wishing for a long time. A long conversation from the Duchess. Catherine shared Intimate details in her First Podcast. Then Duchess looked elegant in Black and Sparkles for ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Performance. The busy month ended with a Sports Aid visit.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook their first Ireland tour in March 2020
Royal Family

March 2020 marked another historical milestone in the royal journey of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Prince William and Catherine undertook their first official visit to Ireland. Due to security concerns, the visit remained embargoed until the royal couple landed in Belfast. The 3 days tour was full of dazzling appearances, Casual moments, and lots of fun activities and style notes. Read all about the Royal Tour of Ireland here.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Commonwealth Service
Westminster Abbey

The Duchess came back from tour and joined the Royal family at the annual Commonwealth service. Next came a dazzling appearance at the Buckingham Palace for a Place2Be Gala night.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited London Abulance Service
Kensington Palace

And then the World came to a Stop – COVID-19 made its horrible appearance and stopped the life in its track. Almost every country in the world went into lockdown and nobody knew what will happen next. The Duchess of Cambridge undertook a joint visit with Prince William to the London Ambulance Service to see how bad the situation is and how they are coping with the situation. The Cambridge family retreated to their country residence Anmer Hall in Norfolk to practice social distancing. Before stepping back, Kensington Palace released a sweet tribute marking Mother’s Day and the details of Conversations The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had with their patronages.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge talked to the pupils of Casterton Primary Academy
Screenshot

Coronavirus changed the normal workings of life – Royals were not an exception. Working from Home was a new normal for millions of working people around the world. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge adapted this new normal in their stride and started working from home. April’s first engagement was a surprised Zoom call to school kids ahead of Easter Sunday. The engagement was a glimpse of what was to come in terms of Royal engagements.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince clapped for the NHS with Duke and Duchess of Cambridge -
Kensington Palace

Next, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined BBC Breakfast virtually for a conversation. The family marked Prince Louis’ 2nd birthday and we got beautiful pictures. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge remained NHS’ biggest supporters throughout the lockdown. William and Catherine celebrated their 09th wedding anniversary with their kids at home in Norfolk.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge relased new pictures of Princess Charlotte to mark her 5th birthday
Kensington Palace

May began with beautiful pictures of Princess Charlotte who turned 5. It also revealed how the family is trying to their bid during the hard time nation was going through. Next, The Duchess of Cambridge made a surprise call to the new parents and learned more about Maternal Mental health.

The Duchess of Cambridge launched a community project Hold Still
Kensington Palace

Then came a real artistic initiative from the artistic Duchess – Hold Still 2020. The project captures the vibes of the nation and built a time capsule that will tell a story of the lockdown for the years to come. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge marked VEDay with a call to War veterans. The Duchess of Cambridge joined the Royal family for International Nurses Day. She also joined William for a Zoom call to mark the first anniversary of ShoutUK – which remains a helping hand for many during the lockdown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge record Special Radio Message for Mental Health Awareness Week.

The Duchess of Cambridge's new picture to mark the Chelsea Flower Show
Kensington Palace

Catherine marked the first anniversary of her ‘Back to Nature’ Garden and 2020’s Virtual Chelsea Flower show with a throwback pic. May ended with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge playing Bingo in Zoom Call.

The Duchess of Cambridge spreading a little kindness
Screenshot

June 2020’s first engagement was a call to the first responders in Australia. The next engagement revealed a secret The Duke of Cambridge was keeping. Giving another glimpse of family life, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared Another Moment from Princess Charlotte’s Birthday to mark the end of the Volunteer Week. Then The Duchess of Cambridge Virtually Toured Clouds House before explaining how She hopes to Build a Lasting Illustration with Hold Still 2020. Next, The Duchess of Cambridge led a School Assembly ‘Spreading Little Kindness’.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared one more picture of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis playing with daddy Prince William on his birthday
Kensington Palace

Finally, we had our first public appearance since the last week of March when The Duchess visited a Garden in Norfolk. We received beautiful and candid shots of the Cambridge kids with Daddy William taken by Catherine to mark William’s 38th birthday. Lockdown actually showed a completely different side of the Cambridge family that we might not have ever been able to see. We heard Catherine a lot. We saw kids more than we hoped and in much more natural moments.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore Faithfull Marie-Louise floral-print crepe midi dress to visit the NOOK EACH in Norfolk
EACH

Then The Duchess of Cambridge Joined The Duchess of Cornwall for the Children’s Hospice Week Video Call before heading out to Planted Sunflowers at the NOOK in Norfolk. As Coronavirus forced the cancellation of the year’s biggest sports event – Wimbledon, The Duchess of Cambridge Narrated a Video for Wimbledon.

The Duchess of Cambridge talked about her kids at Tiny Happy People
Kensington Palace

July was already here and we were still holding inside. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Marked Canada Day with a Zoom Call to Surrey Hospital. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Celebrated the 72nd birthday of the NHS with a tea party in Norfolk. Duchess Catherine Joined Tennis Ace Andy Murray to Talk with Young Tennis Players before endorsing ‘Tiny Happy People’ – Another initiative to make children happy and healthy.

Prince George of Cambridge turned 7
Kensington Palace

Then Prince George of Cambridge Celebrated the Seventh Birthday. Someone is a big boy now. Sometimes it feels like yesterday when we heard the news of Catherine’s first pregnancy or saw her holding her first child outside the Lindo Wing. Time flies. The Royal Foundation Grants £1.8 Million to Support Front line Workers & Mental Health. Prince William took his family for a short vacation to his childhood vacation home in Cornwall.

The Duchess of Cambridge visited Baby Banks as another of her initiative kick started
Kensington Palace

Began in August, and we got another fantastic news. The Duchess of Cambridge Brought British Retailers Together to Support Baby Banks. The couple had another joint engagement this time out of Norfolk – it was their first time stepping out of the countryside after lockdown. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Visited Barry Island in Wales. Then The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Balmoral Castle with their three kids to spend some time with the Queen. William and Catherine were meeting the Queen after almost 4 months. August ended with The Duchess of Cambridge releasing a Shortlist of ‘Hold Still 2020 – A Portrait of the Nation.

The Duke and Duchess of cambridge made beigels at bakery shop in london
Kensington Palace

September brought us the first grand look of the year’s most artistic project – Hold Still 2020. The Duchess of Cambridge finally showcased the beautiful portraits capturing the story of the lockdown. Next, Catherine joined Prince William to visit a few of the organizations that worked hard during the pandemic.

The Duchess of Cambridge met with Parent-powered support group in london
Kensington Palace

The Duchess of Cambridge met with parents behind the Parent-powered support programmes. 2016 marked the 4th anniversary of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Second Canada tour. 2020 was a year full of lots of pictures and the presence of Cambridge kids. September did not go untouched. Kensington Palace released a beautiful picture of the Cambridge family meeting the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough. The month ended with new patronage. The Duchess of Cambridge became the joint President of the UK Scout Association.

October started with a call to the front-line workers in Australia. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge surprised us with a dose of cuteness. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis interviewed Sir David Attenborough. Next, The Duchess of Cambridge visited Derby University to learn about the mental health support programs during the pandemic.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held their first Palace audience in October 2020. They met with the President and First Lady of Ukraine. Kensington Palace released a short teaser of a power pack look. Turned out, The Duchess of Cambridge went all black and power for the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the year award. The Duchess of Cambridge marked the Baby Loss Awareness Week with a visit to Tommy’s. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with their Pakistani friends during a video call to mark the first anniversary of the 2019 Pakistan tour.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore red Alexander McQueen coat for Hold Still 2020 community exhibition
Kensington Palace

October was a busy month for the couple. Next, William joined Catherine at the community exhibition of her Hold Still 2020 portraits. The Cambridge family baked some poppy cupcakes for the Royal British Legion’s care home. The month ended with William and Catherine announcing the ‘Pride of Britain’ Awards.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore black Catherine Walker Coat and Philip Treacy Hat at 2020 Remembrance Day Service
Kensington Palace

November’s first public appearance came after Prince George and Princess Charlotte’s autumn break. The Duchess of Cambridge attended the annual Remembrance Sunday Service that was an extremely scaled-back event due to the COVID-19. The Duchess of Cambridge made a video call to the families of armed forces who lost their lives during the conflict.

Catherine thanked the artists behind the success of Hold Still 2020. Prince William joined his wife for a video call to the Future Men beneficiaries. Then it was time for the big reveal. At the beginning of the year, Catherine launched one of the biggest surveys related to the early lives ‘5 Big Question’. It was time to see the result.

The Duchess of Cambridge revealed the result of her '5Big Questions' survey
Kensington Palace

For one full week, We saw Catherine meeting with the team behind the survey, Talking about the survey, and participating in the first Early Year’s online forum. The Duchess of Cambridge gave a very passionate keynote speech at the online forum.

November ended with another first. The Duchess of Cambridge answered some questions asked by the social media users about her Early Year’s project. It was candid, personal, and very impressive. I hope to see something like this again in the future.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge finished Royal Train Tour
Pic 1 – Getty Images/Kensington Palace

December was a month of Gratitude. Kensington Palace announced the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a whirlwind Royal Train tour to meet and thank the people, communities, and organizations around the nation who worked hard during the pandemic and kept the country going. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed from London then made a stop in Edinburgh, Manchester, Bath, Berkshire. The Royal Train Tour ended with a grand family reunion. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined The Queen at the Windsor Castle along with Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princess Royal to thank the local frontline workers.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a special performance of The National Lottery’s Pantoland at The Palladium with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Kensington Palace

Prince George and Princess Charlotte finished their school term on December 12. Before moving to Norfolk for a quiet holiday period, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their children to the Panto. The Duchess of Cambridge sent best wishes to the America Cup team.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released a candid Christmas Card Family picture
Kensington Palace

And as expected the year ended with a cute family picture released ahead of Christmas.

2020 started with a bang but turned into one of the most challenging years of our lives. The Royal Family was no exception. Prince William and his father got infected with the novel COVID-19 virus and survived a difficult time. The Royal Family led the nation during the unconventional year using very modern and contemporary techniques while maintaining the Royal mystique and charisma. Throughout the year, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge remained the front face of the Royal Family when The Queen and Prince Charles were not able to take the front seat. Prince William and Duchess Catherine cheered the nation, NHS workers, Frontline fighters and kept the country’s spirit high with their true leadership and royal charms.

With lots of hopes and expectations, 2021 is believed to be the year where we would be able to fight the worldwide battle against COVID-19. While I am not holding my breath for magic, I am sure it will be a better year than 2020. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are working behind many of their projects that they started in 2020 and will move forward to their next milestone in 2021.

2021 is also marking many personal milestones in the life of this gorgeous royal couple. The year will mark their 10th wedding anniversary. William’s Grandfather, The Duke of Edinburgh, will turn 100 in 2021. Stay tuned for the next leg of this royal journey!

I wish all of you a very Happy New Year!

Duchess Catherine in 2021 – In the Shadows of Pandemic→

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