For the British royals, 2018 will undoubtedly go down as one of their biggest years yet.
What with a new royal baby, two big royal weddings, a milestone birthday and a not-so-little pregnancy announcement, it’s hard to believe so much could happen in one year.
But much like the generations of monarchies before them, the renowned family has taken it all in their stride, and the thousands of images capturing their countless engagements are case in point.
It’s been a whirlwind year for the British royals, and the pictures prove it. (Image: Getty)
One rather prominent photographer who was there to see it all was Chris Jackson of Getty Images.
Chris, who has worked as a royal photographer with Getty for 13 years has build a strong relationship with the royal family, even being entrusted to capture the official images of Charles and his family for his 70th birthday celebrations.
Speaking to The Australian Women’s Weekly earlier this year, Jackson said when all is said and done, the royals are just like the rest of us.
“At the end of the day they are a family. What I like to try and capture in my images are the relationships between the family members,” he said.
But that’s not to say the things he’s seen and experienced with the royals are anything less than extraordinary.
“We’ve had some big years in the past, like the Jubilee year, but [2018] is another huge year,” he explained.
And as we reflect on the past 12 months gone by, Chris has pin pointed to INSIDER all the royal occurrences that really stood out to him.
Take it from the royal professional himself – the following images are the very best moments straight from the House of Windsor. Sit back and pour yourself a cuppa, because there’s no denying this was one helluva year.
This striking image of the Queen on Remembrance Sunday in November was particularly poignant for Chris. Queen Elizabeth, dressed in the traditional mourning colour of black, was captured having a quiet moment during the sombre occasion. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
2018 was filled with momentous events for Prince Harry and Meghan, and their mammoth 16-day royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga was case in point.
Chris was there to capture it all, and this candid image of the newly married royals in New Zealand playing a game of “welly wanging” was a definite highlight. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
The tour in October also coincided with the Invictus Games, which were founded by Prince Harry himself for injured or sick armed service personnel and veterans. While in Sydney, the Prince delivered a rousing speech to the audience.
Jackson discussed this striking image with INSIDER: “I really love the way this photo is framed with the Sydney Opera House in the background and a beam of light shining directly on Harry… I’ve always shot the Invictus Games behind the scenes, and it’s this kind of unique perspective that really gives you those different angles.” (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
During the Invictus Games, Meghan and Harry set sail on Sydney Harbour, where Chris captured a special moment where the pair cheered on competitors. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
The newly minted Duke and Duchess of Sussex also visited Bondi Beach while on their royal tour of Australia. The visit included a discussion with OneWave, a local surfing community group which works to raise awareness for mental health and well-being in a fun and engaging way.
It was clear the royals were feeling good vibes themselves during the event as they shared a number of warm exchanges. Jackson reflected on the moment: “It captures the deep affection these two obviously have for one another.” (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Travelling to Sussex in early October, Harry and Meghan visited a youth centre where Chris captured this gorgeous candid moment. Harry is seen cheering while Meghan bursts into laughter. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan greet crowds in Sussex
It wouldn’t be a royal photo album without a classic balcony shot! In July, Chris captured the royals celebrating the centenary of the Royal Air Force. This picture captures the royals in a relaxed light – we’d love to know what Kate’s laughing at! (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
In July, the Queen was also paid a visit by none other than America’s 45th president, Donald Trump. Chris’s photos document the engagement that sparked outrage across Britain – however it was paramount for Britain’s Monarch to remain impartial. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
In a rare royal moment, Chris captured a sweet kiss between the newly wedded Harry and Meghan as they attended a polo match in July – this image will no doubt be shared for years to come! (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan kiss at the polo
Proving he’s a pro at snapping sweet moments between couples, another of Jackson’s favourite images of the year was this loving look between Charles and Camilla, who were attending the opening of Strand Hall in Builth Wells, Wales in July. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
They wouldn’t be royals without their string of A-list pals – and this candid moment of Camilla and remowned British actress Dame Judi Dench was a real treat for Chris to capture in July. The pair ate ice creams together as they visited Queen Victoria’s private beach in East Cowes England. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Ever the young-soul, Prince Harry ran amok with school children as he visited Maseru, Lesotho in June shortly after his royal wedding. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
In her first post-wedding appearance in May, Meghan stood with Charles and Camilla as they attended the Prince of Wales’ 70th Birthday Patronage. The three royals were captured having a good old chuckle together, making it clear the new Duchess had already hit it off with her in-laws. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
And Chris couldn’t forget the wedding of the year – Meghan and Harry’s royal wedding in May was a sight to behold. This image, captured moments after the pair had formally become husband and wife, laments the beginning of a new chapter as they began married life. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
During a visit to Greece in May, Charles was captured taking part in a traditional dance, and it was clear he was enjoying himself!
Jackson told INSIDER that Charles is never afraid to embrace difference cultures: “Some of my favorite images that I capture are the ones that show a side of the royal family that you don’t always get to see.” (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
This image of a triumphant Prince William playing wheelchair basketball in March is a beautiful reflection of the special moments that come with the royals’ numerous public engagements. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Prince William has a go at wheelchair basketball in London
In a moment the world had been waiting for, Duchess Catherine and Prince William welcomed their third child, Prince Louis in April. As Kate stepped out just hours after giving birth, Chris captured this stunning moment between the new mother and son.
Chris said of the special occurence: “This image really speaks for itself, the love between a mother and her son… As somebody with a child on the way, this image really stirs up a lot of emotions in me.” (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
Shortly before the royal wedding, Chris captured the soon-to-be Duchess of Sussex sharing a sweet moment with a young girl at the Commonwealth Day service in March.
The moment was a poignant one for Chris, who has watched Markle’s evolution into a royal unfold before his very eyes: “I’ve loved capturing these moments and seeing her grow into the role of the Duchess of Sussex throughout this year,” he said. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
William and Kate’s royal tour of Sweden and Norway in January and February, was filled with candid moments, and Chris was there to capture it all. Pregnant Kate’s attempt at bandy, a sport combining elements of hockey and football, made for some golden content for Chris as he snapped away. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
This stunning image of pregnant Kate being escorted to a state dinner in Oslo, Norway during the same tour was also a highlight. The Duchesses elegant Alexander McQueen gown was a personal favourite of Chris’s.
When it comes to royal fashion, Chris said there was never a dull moment: “It’s always great to capture the different styles of all the royals and see the interest it generates around the world,” he said. (Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
In January, the newly engaged couple visited Cardiff, Wales. Being one of Meghan’s first public walkabouts with the royals, Jackson was impressed with her manner and poise as she met fans.
“So many people look up to Meghan and idolize her, and she makes time to speak and listen to as many of these people as she can,” Jackson said.
(Image: Chris Jackson / Getty Images)
