If you thought the royal calendar might ease gently into the new year, think again.
Between diplomatic handshakes in the Middle East, impromptu rugby applause, gala gowns with very long trains and the ever-present background hum of royal opinion, the House of Windsor has been busy.
This is one of those weeks where the headlines are all pointed at the Yorks, but scratch the surface and there’s plenty going on future-king energy, unscripted moments, a few raised eyebrows and the comforting reminder that not every royal prefers a tiara to a beanie.
Kettle on – let’s get into it!
Prince William is currently in Saudi Arabia on an official three-day visit that’s shaping up to be one of his most strategically significant tours to date. Arriving in Riyadh, the Prince of Wales has been meeting senior Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with discussions spanning climate initiatives, sustainability, trade and cultural collaboration. This is not a fly-in, wave-and-leave visit. William’s itinerary includes engagements with young entrepreneurs and briefings on the kingdom’s long-term Vision 2030 reform programme.
For royal watchers, this tour feels important not because of spectacle, but because of substance. It’s the kind of diplomatic work that positions William not just as a senior royal, but as a credible international representative, the sort of role that signals how his future reign may look.
If there were a prize for consistency, Princess Anne would collect it with minimal fuss and move on to the next job.
This week she was spotted at a Six Nations rugby match, where her face appeared on the big screen and the crowd erupted in applause. Her reaction – amused, slightly surprised and completely unfussed was peak Anne. No fuss, just a smile, a quick laugh and straight back to watching the rugby.
Not long after, she was back to business, visiting production lines in Lancashire and speaking directly with workers about local industry. It’s this steady, no-nonsense approach that continues to set Anne apart. She doesn’t chase headlines, but they seem to follow her anyway.
Across the Atlantic, Meghan Markle made a solo appearance at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in Los Angeles, an event focused on supporting Black-owned businesses and honouring Tina Knowles.
Meghan leaned into classic, old-Hollywood glamour in a strapless oyster/ivory column gown by Harbison Studio, finished with a black-piped sweetheart neckline. The look was given extra drama with a black velvet-and-silk shawl that trailed behind her like an extended train, while her jewellery did the heavy lifting: vintage onyx-and-diamond drop earrings and a coordinating statement ring. Hair swept back into a chignon, minimal styling, maximum effect.
It was a very intentional look for a night celebrating Black designers, and it was also a reminder of what Meghan does exceptionally well: she may no longer be a working royal, but she still understands the power of a carefully chosen outfit and a well-timed public appearance.
When it comes to off-script commentary from within the extended royal circle, Mike Tindall has popped up in the headlines once again this time thanks to a mix of sport, social crossover and one carefully chosen word.
Tindall was in California for the Super Bowl, soaking up the atmosphere and sharing glimpses of the day with fans. The former England rugby international, now well-versed in life on both sides of the royal fence, appeared relaxed and very much in his element at the biggest sporting event of the year.
Beyond the stadium, Tindall’s movements continue to underline how blurred some royal lines have become. He and Zara Tindall have recently been seen socialising with close friends of Prince Harry and Meghan, including shared appearances at equestrian events, reinforcing that personal relationships often persist even when public roles diverge.
It was against this backdrop that Tindall was asked about Harry and rather than offering commentary, criticism or spin, he summed it up with a single word: “sad.” A blunt assessment from someone close enough to understand the family dynamics, but far enough removed to speak plainly.
The Prince Andrew situation continues to sit uncomfortably in the background of royal life, but this week brought clearer signals from the top about how the monarchy intends to handle it.
King Charles has confirmed he is prepared to assist authorities should any formal investigation require cooperation, a notable shift from the historic palace instinct to say as little as possible. While the King has not commented on Andrew personally, the willingness to engage with investigative processes marks a more transparent stance than in previous years.
At the same time, Prince William and Catherine issued a statement acknowledging they are “deeply concerned” by the ongoing revelations and reiterating that their thoughts are with the victims. It was carefully worded, but significant nonetheless the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly addressed the issue in their own voices.
What’s striking is the timing. As William carries out international duties on behalf of the Crown, the Palace appears determined to draw a visible distinction between the working monarchy and Andrew’s position as a non-working royal. There has been no suggestion of a return to public duties, no softening of status, and no attempt to blur that line.
For an institution often accused of silence, this week’s approach felt more deliberate: acknowledge, cooperate where required, and keep moving forward.
Amid a busy start to the year, William and Catherine carved out time for a family ski break in the French Alps, returning to Courchevel, a resort they have quietly favoured for years.
The couple were joined by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, with the children reportedly enrolled in ski school during the stay. Sightings described William and Kate as relaxed and dressed for practicality rather than polish think beanies, ski jackets and goggles very much in place while keeping a deliberately low profile among other families on the slopes.
What made the trip notable was how normal it was. No official engagements, no staged photographs, just school-holiday energy and time together before William’s overseas commitments and Catherine’s public diary ramp back up. For a family whose every move is scrutinised, the images that emerged suggested an effort to prioritise routine and stability for their children.
It was a reminder that behind the titles and tours, the Waleses continue to present themselves as a family first, one that values time together away from cameras, even if it never stays entirely out of view.
From diplomatic duties abroad to snow-covered school holidays, from carefully worded palace statements to a rugby bloke summing things up in a single word, this week offered a snapshot of a royal family pulled in very different directions. Some moments were strategic, some unscripted, and some revealing in their own way. As ever, the titles remain, the traditions hold, and the personalities do most of the talking. Same family, shifting dynamics and plenty more to watch.
See you next week with who knows what kind of scandal!