15 stories that defined 2015

Caitlyn Jenner unveiled The world had been waiting for, who we then knew as, Bruce Jenner to make an announcement, and although there had been speculation of a transition, when it was confirmed on a Diane Sawyer special nobody could have guessed the outpouring of support shown for the former Olympian. And then came Caitlyn’s stunning debut cover of Vanity Fair and of course, her powerful speech at the ESPYs.

The arrival of the most perfect Princess We’re not sure about Prince William and Duchess Catherine, but here at Woman’s Day HQ we can safely say waiting for the couple’s second child was exhausting but totally worth it. Hands down, welcoming Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge on May 2nd into the world was one of the most special moments of 2015.

The sneakiest nuptials of the year Finally, after heartbreak and whole lot of frogs, Jennifer Aniston married her Prince Charming. Jen and Justin Theroux’s surprise wedding in August at their Bel-Air mansion was the feel good story of the year.

Gone too soon When Bobbi Kristina Brown died in July following a six month stint in hospital it quickly became one of the most tragic stories of year. Her death, at just 22, was eerily reminiscent of her mum, Whitney Houston’s demise three years earlier.

The wildlife warrior grows up Our girl did good! Week after week Bindi Irwin inspired, entertained and showed the US exactly what she’s made of on Dancing with the Stars. We were thrilled when she took home the top prize, but we certainly weren’t surprised.

Mick’s miraculous brush with death Seeing Mick Fanning narrowly escape what would have been a fatal shark attack in July on live TV was a spine-chilling moment. But it was his Aussie larrikin sense of humour and incredible athletic achievements that won us over. More recently though his family’s heartbreak has shown just how impressive and resilient of man he is.

Australia’s strongest survivor gets engaged Without a doubt Turia Pitt is one of the nation’s most inspiring people and when she became engaged to Michael Hoskin in July, the man who supported her after she was caught in a devastating fire in 2011, the entire country beamed with pride. They became the most perfect example of enduring love.

Charlie Sheen reveals he is HIV positive It seemed the actor’s excessive lifestyle finally got the better of him after he announced he had been diagnosed with HIV. The 50-year-old made the admission on the US Today Show in November. ” It’s a hard three letters to absorb. It’s a turning point in one’s life,” he said at the time.

Galloping into the history books In November, Michelle Payne became the first ever female winner of the Melbourne Cup. Although we reckon she’s an incredible woman, Australia also couldn’t help falling in love with her biggest supporter and brother Stevie too.

Happiness after heartbreak After having her very public split with Blake Garvey last year on The Bachelor, Sam Frost finally got her happily ever after with Sasha Mielczarek on The Bachelorette. “I finally found the one I’ve been searching my whole life for.. Sasha Dean, I love you so much,” the radio host said at the time.

The couple we still can’t quite believe are dating Unlikely duo Mariah Carey and James Packer made their debut in June while on holiday in Capri and ever since they’ve been serving up all kinds of couple goals.

Back from the brink After Lamar Odom was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel back in October, his life hung in the balance. As he makes a slow recovery Khloe Kardashian has stood by him the entire time.

Heartbreak reigned supreme It was a tough year for love in Hollywood. You’d be forgiven if your belief in true romance was a little shaken after big names like Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy decided to call it quits. Among those signing divorce papers were Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale and Jen Garner and Ben Affleck.

Hello Adele, we missed you! Her new album was released on November 25 and already 2015 was Adele’s year. Not only has she never looked better but after four years away from the spotlight the mum-of-one is at her best – we can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store for this unstoppable songstress.

Sandra Bullock adopts She’s the entire world’s collective girl next door, and when wrong is done to her, like her devastating 2010 divorce, we all feel it. So when she announced earlier this month that she adopted her second child, Laila, we couldn’t stop smiling and neither can she!