2017 Year in Pictures

From red-carpet stars to our readers' favourite royals, we celebrate the famous faces who made this a year to remember!

January
2017 kicked off with a movement, a homegrown win at the Golden Globes and the untimely passing of a Hollywood legend.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Talk about girl power! More than one million people took to the streets the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration to march for women’s rights. Celebrities including Jessica Chastain and Chloë Grace Moretz took part. Said Jessica: “I feel so powerful.”
Photo: © Getty Images

A TV ICON GONE
After a long battle with type 1 diabetes, Mary Tyler Moore died at age 80, surrounded by loved ones. The news was met with an outpouring of support from fans who, thanks to the star’s eponymous sitcom, remembered her as TV’s first truly modern woman. “Will love her 4 ever,” wrote Oprah Winfrey.
Photo: © Getty Images

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
She may have struck the wrong note during her set during New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest, where sound problems marred her live performance, but Mariah Carey kept her spirits up. “Here’s to making more headlines in 2017,” she later wrote on Twitter.
Photo: © Getty Images

BRAD AND ANGELINA SPEAK OUT
Following the news of their divorce, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie released their first joint statement, vowing to keep court documents confidential “to preserve the privacy rights of their children and family.”
Photo: © Getty Images

CROWNING GLORY
Dressed in their finest, stars gathered to celebrate their peers at the 74th Golden Globe Awards. It was an especially exciting night for La La Land co-stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, who took home acting prizes, as did Claire Foy for playing the Queen in The Crown. “I’m having an out-of-body experience!” the actress told the audience.
Photo: © Getty Images

A ROYAL SALUTE
Famed photographer Lord Snowdon passed away at 86, leaving behind an astounding body of work including numerous portraits of the Royal Family. The Queen was said to be saddened by the loss of the world-renowned photographer (born Antony Armstrong-Jones), the only man Princess Margaret ever said “I do” to.
Photo: © Getty Images

TEARFUL SEND-OFF
Barack Obama delivered his final speech as U.S. president in his hometown of Chicago, wiping away tears as he thanked his “best friend” and wife Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha. “Of all that I’ve done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad,” he said.
Photo: © Getty Images

PARIS PRIDE
“I am very proud of him,” said a glowing Amal Clooney, elegantly showing off her baby bump at the César Awards in Paris, where her actor husband George was presented with an honourary César (France’s equivalent of an Oscar). “I am a happy man,” said the father-to-be. “I have a lot to be happy about.”
Photo: © Getty Images

TWIN JOY
The “Crazy in Love” singer surprised fans with a photo on Instagram, accompanied by the news that she and her husband, Jay Z, were expecting twins! “We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing,” said Beyoncé, who first became a mom (to daughter Blue Ivy) in 2012.
Photo: © Getty Images

SUPER BOWL SENSATION
Glittering through the air thanks to some suspension cables, Lady Gaga generated plenty of “Applause” with her show-stopping halftime act during Super Bowl LI (won by Tom Brady’s New England Patriots). “We’re here to make you feel good,” the singer told the crowd.
Photo: © Getty Images

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!
It was a win for Prince Harry when he competed against his brother and sister-in-law in a London relay race supporting their mental health campaign Heads Together. As they crossed the finish line, William turned to Kate and said, “You nearly beat me!”
Photo: © Getty Images

DATE NIGHT
Exuding their own movie-star glamour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a dramatic entrance at the 70th British Academy Film Awards (the BAFTAs). Kate turned heads in an off-the-shoulder black Alexander McQueen gown embellished with white flowers, while a dapper William wore a tux.
Photo: © Getty Images

LADIES OF OSCAR
Emma Stone won a Best Actress Oscar for La La Land. “This is insane,” the actress, then 28, beamed. “A surreal, inconceivable dream.” Viola Davis, 52, won the supporting statuette for Fences, telling her husband and daughter, “I am so glad you’re the foundation of my life.”
Photo: © Getty Images

March
Prince William and Kate made a splash in the City of Light while Celine Dion made her mark on the red carpet.

BEAUTY AND THE SONG
For Celine Dion, the Hollywood première of the live-action Beauty and the Beast film was bittersweet since her late husband and manager, René Angélil, wasn’t by her side. He was the one who had urged her to record the title track for the original 1991 film. The song won an Oscar.
Photo: © Getty Images

CHRISTOPHER REIGNS SUPREME
Veteran actor Christopher Plummer, 87, was thrilled to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Canadian Screen Awards: “I’ve spent almost 70 years making a fool of myself in this crazy, mad profession and I’ve had the time of my life ... The curtain has not yet fallen. It’s simply stuck.”
Photo: © Getty Images

BONJOUR, PARIS!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made an official trip to the City of Light to strengthen relations between the U.K. and France. Coincidentally, it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in car accident in Paris.
Photo: © Getty Images

April
Kensington Palace revealed a touching tribute to Princess Diana and Jennifer Lopez went public with a new romance.

WHAT’S A LITTLE OBE BETWEEN FRIENDS?
Victoria Beckham officially became part of Britain’s Establishment when her pal Prince William made her an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), for her charity and fashion work. She and husband David attended William and Kate’s wedding in 2011.
Photo: © Getty Images

J.LO MEETS HER MATCH
Just weeks after they started dating, Jennifer Lopez and retired baseball player Alex Rodriguez took their love to the streets in stylish co-ordinated outfits. Said A-Rod: “We’re having a great time. She’s an amazing girl and one of the smartest human beings I’ve ever met and an incredible mother.”
Photo: © Getty Images

HONOURING ENGLAND’S ROSE
Kensington Palace unveiled the poignant White Garden in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, on the 20th anniversary year of her death. Filled with white tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, it was inspired by Diana’s life and style.
Photo: © Getty Images

CAMBRIDGES ON AIR
In a surprise visit to BBC Radio 1 to promote their Heads Together mental-health initiative, Prince William admitted that he has texted in song requests, while Kate said she loves curry takeout! They also revealed they’re big fans of Homeland and Game of Thrones.
Photo: © Getty Images

May
It was a month of celebration for the Duchess of Cambridge as her sister tied the knot and daughter turned two.

KATE’S HAY DAY
The Duchess of Cambridge tugged on everyone’s heart strings while visiting with schoolchildren at a farm in Gloucestershire, where she stopped to feed an adorable little lamb. “She said she has lots of animals at home – a dog, a hamster and chickens,” said a 10-year-old student who Kate made the time to chat with.
Photo: © Getty Images

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLOTTE!
Prince William and Kate’s little princess turned two, and in a photo taken by her proud mum, Princess Charlotte looked picture-perfect as she posed in a yellow knitted cardigan. “The Duke and Duchess hope everyone enjoys this photograph as much as they do,” Kensington Palace tweeted.
Photo: © Getty Images

A NIGHT AT THE MET
Hollywood’s finest gathered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for its famed high-fashion gala, this year celebrating Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo. Drawing focus were the (now-split) pop power couple Selena Gomez and The Weeknd on their first red-carpet outing, the gorgeous Halle Berry, and Rihanna, who arrived in this eye-popping creation by the designer. “I love it!” she said.
Photo: © Getty Images

WEDDING OF THE YEAR
Looking radiant in an exquisite lace gown by British designer Giles Deacon, the Duchess of Cambridge’s little sister Pippa Middleton took centre stage as she said “I do” to her prince charming, financier James Matthews. The couple’s lavish country wedding took place at St. Mark’s church in Englefield and featured William and Kate’s children George and Charlotte as pageboy and bridesmaid.
Photo: © Getty Images

A COLOURFUL CELEBRATION
Kate and Princess Charlotte were in the pink as they joined the rest of the family at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s birthday parade, Trooping the Colour. It was a reflective day for Her Majesty. “Today is traditionally a day of celebration. This year, however, it is difficult to escape a very sombre national mood,” she said, referring to the Manchester attacks and Grenfell Tower fire.
Photo: © Getty Images

BANDING TOGETHER
The Queen visited a children’s hospital to meet with young victims of the terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. “It’s dreadful. Very wicked,” she said of the tragedy. A devastated Ariana organized a benefit concert, One Love Manchester, raising $17 million. Miley Cyrus was one of many stars who performed.
Photo: © Getty Images

THE BIG 5-0
Nicole Kidman celebrated her milestone 50th birthday with her loving husband, country superstar Keith Urban, and their two daughters by her side. “I never thought this would be one of my best years,” the actress said ahead of her big day.
Photo: © Getty Images

GREAT POLITICIANS, BETTER FRIENDS
Former U.S. President Barack Obama met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for a friendly dinner in Montreal, where a “wall of people” watched them as they feasted on oysters, asparagus and halibut at the seafood restaurant Liverpool House.
Photo: © Getty Images

BABY DADDY
Hello! celebrated with George and Amal Clooney as they welcomed twins on June 6. “Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine,” said the star’s rep. While the twins haven’t been seen in public, he has opened up about being a dad. “It was a horror film!” he joked of changing the infants’ diapers.
Photo: © Getty Images

A ROYAL REUNION
Justin Trudeau shared a moment with the Queen at her official residence in Scotland – decades after first meeting Her Majesty as a little boy when his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, was prime minister of Canada. Of this encounter, Justin said he and the 91-year-old monarch had a “warm and engaged conversation.”
Photo: © Getty Images

POMP AND PAGEANTRY
King Felipe VI and his wife, Queen Letizia, received a full ceremonial welcome when they arrived in London for a state visit, including a sumptuous state banquet at Buckingham Palace in their honour. Their visit marked the first by a Spanish monarch in more than 30 years!
Photo: © Getty Images

BABY BUZZ
Two-year-old Charlotte looked every inch the little princess on her second royal tour with her family, in Poland and Germany. Then mom Kate had everyone wondering if Charlotte might soon be a big sister after she jokingly remarked on a walkabout: “We will just have to have more babies!”
Photo: © Getty Images

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, George!
The palace released this oh-so-cute photo of a grinning, gap-toothed Prince George as he turned four. “He is such a happy boy,” said photographer Chris Jackson.
Photo: © Getty Images

A WELCOME RETURN TO CANADA
On their fourth Canadian tour as a couple, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrived at Parliament Hill for Canada’s 150th celebrations on July 1. “I began my first visit to this great country almost 50 years ago. I’ve never forgotten the warmth of the welcome,” said Charles.
Photo: © Getty Images

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker made TV history when she was picked as the first woman, to take over the Tardis on Doctor Who (in 2018). “It feels completely overwhelming,” she admitted.
Photo: © Getty Images

NEW HEIGHTS
Having represented Canada as an astronaut, logging more than 600 hours in space, Montreal native Julie Payette, now 54, said she was thrilled for the opportunity to represent the country “again, this time on Earth” – as the new Governor General of Canada.
Photo: © Getty Images

A TRIBUTE TO DIANA 1961-1997
On Aug. 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was tragically killed in a car crash in Paris. She was just 36 and left behind two grieving children – Prince William, 15, and Prince Harry, 12. Her sons, who are following in Diana’s humanitarian footsteps, spent the 20th anniversary together reminiscing. Hello!’s special collector’s edition honoured the beloved People’s Princess, with stories and photos highlighting her personal and global legacy.
Photo: © Getty Images

TOTAL ECLIPSE WITH THE STARS
On Aug. 21, skies darkened from Oregon to South Carolina in the first total solar eclipse visible from coast to coast across the U.S. in 99 years. Gwenyth Paltrow and son Moses, 11, were among those who donned protective sunglasses to take in the rare phenomenon.
Photo: © Getty Images

PHILIP HANGS UP HIS HAT
At 96, the Duke of Edinburgh finally decided it was time to put his feet up and enjoy his well-earned retirement. The Queen’s husband made his final official appearance on Aug. 2, tipping his bowler as he greeted Royal Marines in the palace courtyard during a downpour.
Photo: © Getty Images

BLAKE LIVELY ON GETTING OLDER: ‘BRING IT ON!’
She played a woman who doesn’t age past 29 in The Age of Adaline, but in real-life Blake Lively is 30 and proud of it! Ryan Reynolds’ wife spent her big birthday in Toronto with co-star Anna Kendrick on the set of A Simple Favor and then took to Instagram to thank her friends for the flowers and treats.
Photo: © Getty Images

REMEMBERING ELVIS, 40 YEARS ON
Fans of the King of rock ‘n’ roll cried, sang and scattered flowers and stuffed animals at Memphis’s Graceland on the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. His family led an emotional procession at the end of the annual Elvis Week. “We never thought he’d pass,” said his ex-wife, Priscilla.
Photo: © Getty Images

September
A month of firsts as Prince George started school while his uncle Prince Harry stepped out with Meghan Markle in Toronto.

SELF-MADE MAN
A new season of Dancing With the Stars kicked off, this time with Drew Scott of Property Brothers paired with pro Emma Slater. “I’m the most competitive person you’re ever going to meet,” the Canadian told Hello! ahead of the première.
Photo: © Getty Images

PRINCE GEORGE HEADS TO SCHOOL
Just days after his mom, the Duchess of Cambridge, revealed she was pregnant with her third child, first-born Prince George, 4, put on his uniform and best smile and set off with his dad, Prince William, to the first day of school at Thomas’s Battersea in London.
Photo: © Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO TOWN
Fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their favourite celebrities as some of Tinseltown’s biggest names walked the red carpet at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Among those signing autographs were First You Killed My Father director Angelina Jolie and Suburbicon director George Clooney, who got playful in an RCMP hat.
Photo: © Getty Images

A ROYAL LOVE STORY REVEALED
A few weeks after actress Meghan Markle admitted to Vanity Fair that she and Prince Harry were in love, the two made their first very public appearance at an Invictus Games wheelchair tennis match in Toronto. Their body language showed the world that they were indeed an item!
Photo: © Getty Images

DANCE PARTNER
Making her return to public life, Kate was in much better spirits following extreme morning sickness. She spent time with the cast of Paddington 2, including the lovable bear himself!
Photo: © Getty Images

GONE TOO SOON
Fans and famous friends mourned the deaths of American singer-songwriter Tom Petty at age 66 and Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie at 53. “Gord was my friend, but Gord was everyone’s friend,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Taylor Swift said Tom inspired her to learn guitar so that she could play “Free Fallin.” “He represented a kind of songwriting I idolized,” said Taylor.
Photo: © Getty Images

IN LOVE
In her first interview about her future fiancé, Meghan Markle, 36, says of her relationship with Prince Harry: ”We’re two people who are really happy and in love” and revealed she’s a romantic at heart. “I love a great love story.”
Photo: © Getty Images

CANADA’S SNOW QUEEN HEATS US UP
Football, snow, a dog sled and Shania Twain – it doesn’t get more Canadian than that! The Timmins, Ont.-born singer, 52, dazzled the crowd (including PM Justin Trudeau) at the 2017 Grey Cup in Ottawa in form-fitting red and matching fur, belting out her hits and adding some fire to the frigid outdoor stadium.
Photo: © Getty Images

FAREWELL TO A ‘DAYDREAMER’
David Cassidy, best known as the oldest son on 1970s musical sitcom The Partridge Family, died in a Florida hospital at the age of 67 while awaiting a liver transplant. The “I Think I Love You” singer was also battling dementia.
Photo: © Getty Images

HAPPY 70th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
On Nov. 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth, 21, married her “angel,” Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, 26. In Hello!’s 24-page tribute to their platinum anniversary, we looked back on their union in words and photos: from that very first sighting as teenagers to their wedding, ascent to the throne, travels and the growing family they cherish.
Photo: © Getty Images

THE ROYAL HAND-ME-DOWNS
The Duchess of Cambridge donned the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara – her late mother-in-law’s favourite – for a palace reception. Created in 1914 for Queen Mary, it was a wedding gift from the Queen to Princess Diana and is now one of Kate’s favourites, too.
Photo: © Getty Images

PICTURE OF HAPPINESS
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released two beautiful official engagement photos on Dec 21. The snaps, which were taken by Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House in Windsor, show the loved-up couple holding hands in one photo, while in another Meghan has her hand resting on Harry's cheek as he smiles at her. Meghan looked stunning in two looks – a Victoria Beckham sweater and a sheer Ralph & Russo gown.
Photo: © Alexi Lubomirski/Getty Images