George, Charlotte and Louis’ year in pictures

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are ensuring their children grow up mostly away from the public limelight.

But Prince George, Princess Charlotte and even Prince Louis have had a busy year, whether carrying out well-rehearsed roles in royal bridal parties – or, in Louis’ case, making his debut when he was just hours old.

Charlotte began the year by starting nursery, with William and Kate releasing photographs of the princess, taken by the duchess, on her first day.

In April, Louis was born and George and Charlotte visited their younger brother in hospital.

Royal Baby
Royal Baby

George, then four, looked a little apprehensive, but Charlotte showed she had perfected the royal wave, even turning to do so at one point as she led the way walking up the steps to the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s in Paddington.

Hours later, it was the turn of the as-yet-unnamed baby prince to make his first public appearance.

Royal Baby
Royal Baby
Royal Baby
Royal Baby

A few days later Charlotte celebrated her third birthday and William and Kate shared a photograph of their two youngest children to mark the occasion, with the princess gently kissing a sleeping Louis.

George and Charlotte were back in the spotlight just weeks later when Uncle Harry wed American former actress Meghan Markle in Windsor.

The third and fourth in line to throne were pageboy and bridesmaid.

Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding

George was dressed in a miniature version of the Blues and Royals frockcoat worn by Harry and the Duke of Cambridge, while Charlotte, in a Givenchy ivory silk dress, was spotted sticking her tongue out in the car.

Royal wedding
Royal wedding

The royals were out in force for Trooping the Colour in June – even Kate, who was on maternity leave.

Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour

But it all got a little bit too much for Charlotte at one point when she became tearful and was comforted by the duchess.

Trooping the Colour
Trooping the Colour

Kate was pictured enjoying a day out with George and Charlotte in June at the Beaufort polo club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

The princess skipped around, holding a pair of sunglasses, and entertained herself running up and down the grassy banks.

Charlotte at the polo
Charlotte at the polo

George, a fan of all things police-related, played with a toy gun.

Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy
Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy

The Cambridges were pictured together for the first time as a family of five when they attended Prince Louis’s christening at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, in July.

Prince Louis christening
Prince Louis christening

Charlotte was heard telling off photographers and declaring they were not allowed inside following the service.

George turned five at the end of July, and was photographed to mark the occasion, beaming as he leaned against a wall.

In October, it was the turn of the Queen’s granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, to walk up the aisle and George and Charlotte were again asked to be pageboy and bridesmaid.

Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding

Charlotte took a tumble as she made her way into St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, when she was blown over by the strong autumnal winds.

Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding

Inside, George and his second cousin, Savannah Phillips, got up to mischief in the church, with Savannah pretending to play a trumpet, delighting George, who later clamped his hand over his mouth when he realised they had been spotted.

Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding
Princess Eugenie wedding

The Cambridges joined the Sussexes for a family photo to mark the Prince of Wales’s milestone 70th birthday in November.

The Duchess of Cornwall sat with her arm around Charlotte, while George giggled as he perched on Charles’s lap, and Louis looked alert and content in Kate’s arms.

The Prince of Wales with his family in the garden of Clarence House.

The photo was taken by @ChrisJack_Getty to mark The Prince’s 70th birthday. pic.twitter.com/L7mnUY6nD7

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 13, 2018

Later the same month, Kate revealed as she met the public during a visit to Leicester University: “Louis’ getting bigger. I can’t believe he’s seven months now.

“He’s getting a big boy.”

She added of George and Charlotte: “They’re getting excited for Christmas time.

“They’ve started all their Christmas songs, and Christmas trees are going up.”

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