The past two years have tested the strength of the royal family, both publicly and privately, but 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point.

With King Charles’ health improving, the Wales family settling into their forever home, and a new generation preparing for some milestones, the stage is set for a year that may quietly redefine the modern monarchy.
King Charles announced he will be scaling back his cancer treatment in the New Year (Credit: Cover Images)

Royal family in 2026

After a challenging 2024 and 2025 defined by cancer diagnoses, the new year brings cautious optimism for both King Charles and Princess Kate.

In a heartfelt pre-recorded message for Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer broadcast on December 12, King Charles shared that his “schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the new year”.

Calling it a “personal blessing,” the king said the milestone reflects “the remarkable advances that have been made in cancer care”. He added that he hoped his good news would inspire others facing similar battles.

King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honours list includes Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nanny

Buckingham Palace has declined to disclose the type of cancer Charles has. However, officials clarified that his choice to stay vague is deliberate,  meant to allow him to speak for “the whole cancer community”.

Meanwhile, Kate, who announced she was in remission earlier in 2025, has slowly returned to royal duties.

And as Prince William and Princess Kate turn the page on a difficult chapter, they’re also turning the key to a new home.

In autumn 2025, the couple and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, moved into Forest Lodge, a spacious eight-bedroom residence in Windsor Great Park.

The move signals a more permanent shift for the family. Royal historian Amanda Foreman told PEOPLE, “[They are] signalling a different kind of lifestyle. It’s very centered on their children.”

During a state visit in December, Princess Kate even mentioned her excitement over creating “mood boards” for redecorating after the holidays.

It seems 2026 will be full of decorating and enjoying their new home!
Prince George will be starting secondary school in September 2026 (Credit: Chryslene Caillaud/PsnewZ/ZUMA Press/Cover Images)

Prince George set for school milestone

Perhaps no royal faces a bigger personal shift in 2026 than Prince George. The future king turns 13 in July next year and begins secondary school in the September. The question of where he’ll attend has been hotly debated.

While some reports claimed that “all roads lead to Eton,” new speculation suggests that Marlborough College, Princess Kate’s alma mater, may be the surprise choice.

Choosing Marlborough would be symbolic. It would break away from traditional male-only institutions and align with William and Kate’s modernising vision of the monarchy. It could also pave the way for all three Wales children to eventually attend the same school.

Another milestone? Prince George may finally be getting a phone, but with limits. During a November visit to Brazil, Prince William admitted that the subject of phones had become a “tense issue” at home. He hinted George may receive a restricted-access device when he enters secondary school.
The Prince and Princess of Wales may be travelling overseas together (Credit: Cover Images)

2026 royal tours

2026 is expected to be a busy travel year for the royals.

During a recent visit to Balmoral, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed that “the royal family are always welcome in Australia”.

Many royal watchers believe this could be the year that William and Kate finally return Down Under, possibly with their children in tow. The couple’s last visit was back in 2014 with baby George.

Further afield, the 250th anniversary of US independence in July may also prompt a significant royal appearance.

In 1976, Queen Elizabeth II famously addressed the US in Philadelphia during America’s bicentennial celebrations. There is growing speculation that Prince William, and potentially his children, could attend commemorative events in 2026.

In addition, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, presents another opportunity for an appearance. England has already qualified.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are embracing a new chapter for their Archewell Foundation (Credit: Amy Katz/ZUMA Press/Cover Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell changes next year

Across the Atlantic, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are entering a new chapter of their own.

The couple ended 2025 by sharing their most intimate family photo yet, featuring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Weeks earlier, they brought their children to help prepare meals at a Los Angeles community kitchen.

Their foundation, formerly known as Archewell, has also been rebranded as Archewell Philanthropies.

“This next chapter allows Prince Harry and Meghan… to broaden their global philanthropic efforts as a family,” a spokesperson said in December.

And their ambitions aren’t just charitable. Meghan quietly returned to acting in 2025 with a cameo in the Amazon MGM film Close Personal Friends, playing herself alongside stars Brie Larson and Lily Collins.

In the entertainment world, the Sussexes have also extended their Netflix partnership. Their upcoming slate includes an adaptation of The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory, and the documentary Cookie Queens.

“We feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us… to create thoughtful content across genres,” Meghan said at the time.

It looks like 2026 is going to be another busy year for the royal family!