COVID-19 has proven that the Royals are at the cutting edge of technology. In 2020, the British Royal Family communicated with the public almost exclusively via virtual channels: social media and video calls.
Now in 2021, they will probably have to reach the people of the UK online once again. Here you can find out the projects the Royals already have planned for the young year.
2021 for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
This year, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip have a lot to celebrate. Not only will the Duke of Edinburgh celebrate his incredible 100th birthday on June 10, but he and the Queen will also become great-grandparents again (twice): Both Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall are pregnant and expecting children in 2021.
For the most part, however, the Royals have to forego big celebrations this year. It's likely that Prince Philip's birthday will only be celebrated with family in attendance. But other events cannot take place due to the pandemic.
Royal garden parties, to which over 30,000 guests are invited annually, have already been canceled and the Queen will probably not be present at Royal Ascot this year either. Trooping the Colour, held in honour of the monarch's birthday, took place last year on a small scale and it's expected to go ahead once again in 2021.
Nor is the Queen hiding in Windsor Castle despite being in lockdown. She was seen participating in a few video calls in 2020, and we can expect to see the same again this year.
Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla in 2021
Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles also got creative in times of COVID-19. For example, Camilla uses social media to share her love of literature. In 2020, she published a reading list that she created for lockdown. For this year, she has planned a "Reading Room" on Instagram where she discuss books.
Prince Charles is known for being all business and, despite the pandemic, he still attended 253 appointments last year. As soon as travel becomes possible again, he should also continue his trips abroad and making state visits. But that is unlikely until summer.
Prince William and Duchess Kate's New Year?
This year, Prince William and Duchess Kate are nearing a big anniversary: on April 29, they'll celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
After facing criticism for their Royal Tour in December, the Duke and Duchess will possibly communicate more virtually this year. They already spoke in a video call this month with people fighting on the frontlines against the coronavirus. William conversed openly with the workers and even recalled his own traumatic experiences as an air ambulance pilot.
The Royal couple will also continue projects from last year. In 2021, William will again be presenting the Earthshot Prize, which honours organizations committed to protecting the environment. Kate will likely continue to work on her early childhood study.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan: Big plans in 2021
Even if Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have withdrawn from their Royal duties, they have a lot on the go. They recently signed contracts with Netflix to produce a range of content and Spotify, where they're hosting a podcast called Archewell Audio—where Elton John and other superstars have already been guests.
If it's possible again in 2021, Harry and Meghan will probably travel to England to visit the other Royals. Fans are dying for the chance to see the British Royal Family reunited, but even if it doesn't happen, there are still many exciting Royal projects to look forward to.