Royal Reflections - Key royal family moments that made the headlines in 2024

PA’s Court Correspondent Laura Elston looks back on what were the most significant royal stories to dominate the news agenda in 2024.

King diagnosed with cancer, Palace announces

The shock news that the King was being treated for a form of cancer came on February 5.

Behind the scenes, the royal team was given advance notice of the major announcement by Buckingham Palace, and prepared a full lead, enhanced with photos, ready to go for when the breaking news alert was issued at 6pm.

This was rapidly followed with panels on the timeline of the King’s health, Charles’s past health issues, a look at the impact on the Queen, worldwide reaction to the news, how the development would affect Charles’s duties as sovereign, the doctors caring for the King, and a Q&A on what was known about his diagnosis based on briefing from the Palace.

Sources close the Duke of Sussex meanwhile briefed the PA Royal team that Harry was preparing to fly to London to see his father in the coming days.

Princess of Wales announces she is being treated for cancer in emotional message

News that Kate was facing chemotherapy treatment for cancer was a further blow to the royal family in 2024.

The PA Royal team joined a media briefing with Kensington Palace ahead of the announcement, to hear the Princess’ video message in advance and join an in depth background briefing.

For the 6pm announcement, a full lead was ready immediately, alongside a full transcript of Kate’s words, and followed by panels on William, a profile of Kate, her health timeline, a ‘What we know so far’ Q&A, the impact on Kate’s work, reaction from charities, politicians and celebrities, all about the clinic treating the princess, the impact on her children, and a run down of royal family’s difficult year.

PA’s Health Correspondents were also on hand to take an in depth look at what chemotherapy treatment entails. 

Kate issues public apology as she takes blame for digitally altered photo

When Kate issued a Mother’s Day photo of herself and her children, the story was initially about the picture being the first released since her abdominal surgery in January.

But when it emerged the picture had been manipulated, the news took a turn, ending with the princess apologising publicly for digitally “editing” the family snapshot.

The PA Royal team kept ahead of the developments, filing a succession of leads, contacting a PR and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski to reflect on the matter, and including reaction from those both defending and criticising Kate.

William misses godfather’s memorial service due to personal matter

News that William was missing his godfather King Constantine of Greece’s memorial service in nearby Windsor at short notice was confirmed to PA’s Royal Correspondents half an hour before the service began.

Recognising the significance of the prince’s unusual absence, the PA Royal team issued a breaking news alert (snap), including a Kensington Palace’s briefing that his absence was due to a “personal matter”.

This was quickly followed by a lead, featuring  background on the service, where William was meant to be giving a reading, and on King Constantine’s bond with the royal family.

The news came just over three weeks before the Princess of Wales was confirmed as having cancer.

One of PA’s Royal Correspondents also had a position inside the grounds of Windsor Castle for the memorial service in St George’s Chapel, filing colour and details of the guests including British and foreign royals.

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