Health problems, scandals, conspiracy theories and financial questions have plagued the Royal Family this year, though there have been joyous moments too.
The Christmas card was released at 2pm today, three hours after it emerged Prince William and Kate would not attend the traditional Royal Family pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.
The festive season for the Royal Family has varied greatly over centuries. Read on below as MailOnline takes a look back at the tales of royal Christmases from days gone by.
An unlikely ally has come to Prince Andrew's aid amid the growing furore over an alleged Chinese spy who is said to have used the Prince to gain access to the upper echelons of British society
After speaking to his ex-wife, the Duchess of York, Andrew has decided not to join 70 members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace - much to the relief of the King.
The beleaguered Duke of York has agreed not to embarrass the King further and has voluntarily decided, along with his wife, Sarah, to give the annual celebrations in Norfolk a miss.
Today, as she celebrates her 30th birthday, Flora Vesterberg, granddaughter of Princess Alexandra, reflects on an impressive career as an art historian.
Meghan Markle looked far more like a celebrity than a royal last week as she attended a glitzy showbiz event in Beverly Hills in a strapless black gown with a front slit.