2016 royal news can best be illustrated by the following GIF...

Gosh it has been a long time since I updated this blog. So much so that I even forgot my login information.

Anyhoo...

Yes I have been neglectful of my royal blog. I am currently a full-time student and well, for whatever crazy reason, have decided to focus on my studies. Good grades? What's up with that?

With a short Christmas break between semesters, I have decided to end 2016 with a blog post. Although I have been focusing on my studies, I still find the time to check twitter to keep up to date with what is going on in the royal world. 2016 did not disappoint as it has been filled with a variety of stories that can best be illustrated by the following GIF. Good heavens, it hurts just to look at it.


via GIPHY

In no particular order:

Why does Kate wear plasters on her fingers - Have we finally run out of topics that we need to write an article about this? Honestly, it is amazing that plasters (otherwise known as Bandaids) haven't sold out yet. That people have not written articles detailing different plaster styles and how Kate has made them cool in some way. How wearing them humanizes her and we can relate to her more because she bleeds just like us! Who would have thought?

William and Kate are lazy - One of several types of articles that rears its head throughout the year. Emboldened by numbers it is a favorite topic on twitter for royal watchers to discuss ad nauseam and come to no particular resolution other than to agree to disagree.

I personally feel that William and Kate did increase their royal duties, taking on high profile visits to India, Bhutan and Canada. Even if people disagree with the numbers. In any rate, Kate must be doing something right because she has upped her fashion game and her wardrobe was more expensive this year.

Prince Harry's year was notable for his work with the Invictus games, tour of the Caribbean and promoting HIV awareness in South Africa. He even found time to make Rhianna pregnant despite confirming his relationship with actress Meghan Markle and *gasp* daring to ask for people to respect her privacy. Engagement speculation inevitably ensued. According to this article, they could be engaged before 2017. With one day left in 2016 anything is possible. Can Harry and Meghan survive this onslaught of media attention? We will find out in 2017 or, if Harry is follows William's example, 2026.

Not to be outdone, Prince Andrew released a statement setting the record straight about his daughters, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and reported family rifts. According to various royal commentators, he just made things worse when should have just left 'well enough alone.' Geez, can't a father defend his daughters? Apparently not!

As many royal watchers know, 2016 has ended on a sad note. Zara Phillips suffered a miscarriage. The Queen reminded us of her mortality and age by handing off some duties to Charles and giving up a handful of her charities. Most worrisome for the media and public the Queen and Prince Philip are both suffering from colds. Cue the obituary articles.

2017 looks to be a year of the media chasing royal ambulances, potential future wives away, pregnancy rumours, more significant milestones and endless twitter discussions about William and Kate's lackluster workload.

Barring any major royal tragedy, I predict we will begin 2018 on the same note.

© Marilyn Braun 2016

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