2014: The Year of Harry

If Summer 2013 was The Summer of George, this year was definitely The Year of Harry. It was a big year for Prince Harry – his milestone 30th birthday, leaving active post in the army for a desk job, seeing his dream of the Invictus Games come to life and wooing the world with his overseas visits. Harry was on fire this year – and I’m not just talking about his red hair.

The end of the year always brings the pressure for a “best of” post, which is always a struggle when it comes to Prince Harry, we all know I could go on about this topic for a lifetime, but this year it is even more difficult than ever. Prince Harry really came into his own this year and proven (not that he really needed to, IMO), that he is an integral part of the royal family. In my eyes, he is without a doubt the most relatable member of the firm and that really shown through in 2014.

Even though I don’t think I could really pick the best moments of this year if someone threatened me that I couldn’t eat pizza for the rest of my life, I’m going to try. I’m going on feeling here… those small moments that resulted in an instantaneous smile.

Cuddling babies in Chile

Harry’s visit to South America this summer may not have garnered the most press coverage, but it was one of the best visits he has undertaken. A big part of that was his interaction with so many children. It was where my #HarryWithKids movement was born. The most adorable moment of all came when Clarence House released a photo of Harry cuddling a little girl who had just awoken from a nap. If that didn’t melt your heart, you must not have one. Emily Andrews, royal reporter for The Sun, was on the tour and explained it perfectly to KKHO a few months ago, saying “I think he’s just a real natural. That comes from innate personality. He bonds with them very quickly, even when he doesn’t share their language. He is a very relaxed guy which transmits to the kids and they immediately respond. He’s not afraid of making a fool of himself either, he’s not hung up about protocol or looking serious.”

Courtesy of Emily Andrews, The Sun, @byemilyandrews

 The Invictus Games

ICYMI: Prince Harry welcomed his first child this year. First name Invictus, middle name Games. After attending the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado, Harry returned home determined to bring the Olympic-style event for wounded veterans to Britain. After leaving his active posting with the army earlier this year, in September, just in time for his thirtieth birthday, Harry blew the world away with the Invictus Games. We always knew that Captain Wales was passionate about the armed forces and veterans, but the Invictus Games shown an entirely new light on that. I don’t think we have ever seen Harry more in his element. Just recently, Prince Charles said that “I’m incredibly proud of what my youngest son achieved at the Invictus Games. I hope he hears that.“

via @sperrypeoplemag

Private Visit to Lesotho

Just this month, while his brother and sister-in-law drew crowds in New York City, Prince Harry made a private visit to Lesotho for his charity, Sentebale. So, what was different about this visit from all the rest we’ve seen Harry take over the years? Harry got behind the camera, alongside Chris Jackson of Getty Images, to show the world his Lesotho. #HarryWithKids has reached an entirely new level. If it were actually possible for a human heart to melt, I would be donezo.

Swinging at the Olympic Park

Get your mind out of the Hazza gutter! Harry got on an actual swing, at a playground, for the unveiling of a new play area at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. I know this wouldn’t make most people’s top list for the year, but I die laughing at the sight of this. Classic Harry. Kid at heart. Its not often you see a guy in a suit climbing on a jungle gym.

Like I said, asking me to narrow down the year in Harry is just too monumental of a task, but I think the above really point to the man that Harry is, the man that the world got to see a little better this year. I can’t wait to see what 2015 brings for this kick-ass royal. (Please, a photo with Prince George, pretty, pretty please).

2013: Royal Year in Review

As the new year approaches, we are all undoubtedly looking back on the royal year that was, and once again, our beloved royal family did not disappoint! Before reviewing the top moments of 2013, let’s have a brief history lesson..

2010 – William and Kate announce their engagement

2011 – William and Kate get married

2012 – Diamond Jubilee, William and Kate announce pregnancy

2013 – William and Kate become parents

Bottom line: Thank you, William and Kate!

Not only was 2013 a massive year for our favorite family, but it was my favorite year to date – a dream come true, to be exact. Before I get into the royals’ best moments, I need  to thank ALL of the professional royal journalists for being so kind to me on their visit to the US with Prince Harry and for the relationships built since then, and of course – all of my followers. A special thanks to Max Foster for including me in a royal baby special on CNN and Kelly Lynch for sending me on tour with my favorite redhead. I can’t believe this year actually happened.

Okay, onto the stuff you all actually care about… five royal highlights from 2013! (If I didn’t cut myself off at five I would be writing for a week…)

The Summer of George

No, not THAT Summer of George… this one:

Via SIMON PERRY Twitter – @SPerryPeopleMag

It really does not get any better than the birth of HRH Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge. I don’t think much more needs to be said on the topic..

Prince Harry Visits The United States

 In May 2013, Prince Harry graced America with his presence… and we haven’t been the same since. Okay, at least I haven’t. Prince Harry toured the US, visiting Colorado, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. He played sitting volleyball with wounded warriors, he toured a New Jersey boardwalk, he played baseball with kids in Harlem, he beat Nacho Figueras in polo… he charmed the pants off this nation.

Prince Harry at the Jersey Shore

You might be thinking, “Kelly.. you just talked about Prince Harry in the US!” True as that may be, his visit to Jersey deserves a standout mention. It may have been the best morning ever waking up in my own room and driving less than 30 minutes to see my favorite royal. Harry’s desire to draw attention to the devastation we were still facing six months after Hurricane Sandy was extremely touching, and I am still grateful for that.

Prince William Sings with Job Bon Jovi

Seriously, the royal brothers with their Jersey love this year is just out of control. Just move here already! A few weeks ago Jon Bon Jovi attended the Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace alongside The Duke of Cambridge..and William broke out the dad dance moves to sing ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ with the rocker. If this were a bar in the Garden State, the ground would have been shaking.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Horse Winning The Royal Ascot Gold Cup

Her Majesty’s Horse, Estimate, won the Gold Cup at the Royal Ascot this June, marking the first time in the race’s 207 year history that a reigning monarch took home the top prize. The celebration that ensued by the royal party are worth a prize in and of itself.

Thanks for a great year, royal family!