Royals off-duty: The best candid moments of 2017

While we love seeing the royals carrying out their official duties with grace and elegance, nothing beats catching them in rare candid moments. From Prince George's first day of school to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's love parade to the Queen's gift from a special little friend, we've rounded up the best royal candid photographs of the year. <p>Photo: Getty Images
Ready, set, go! Prince William and Kate couldn't keep up with Prince Harry as the royal trio hit the track during a training day for the London Marathon. While the friendly race was held in support of their organization, Heads Together, something tells us Prince Harry didn't let his win go unrecognized back at Kensington Palace. <p>Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince Charles had a case of the giggles while visiting Italy's Sant Ambrosia Market on April 3. The royal and his wife, Camilla, dropped by the market to learn about the Slow Food movement, a grassroots initiative that supports local agriculture and food vendors. <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Queen made a rather large new friend during a visit to the Whipsnade Zoo in April. The monarch officially opened the zoo's new Elephant Care Centre and carried out feeding duties for a hungry seven-year-old elephant named Donna. <p>Photo: © David Rose/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen was delighted to receive a blooming bouquet of flowers from a young fan at Windsor Castle on April 25. <p>Photo: © Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge and her adorable daughter Princess Charlotte shared a sweet moment during Trooping of the Colour festivities on June 17. Equally as cute were their matching dresses as they watched the show from the balcony at Buckingham Palace! <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince George gave his litter sister Princess Charlotte a hand with her bridesmaid duties at their aunt Pippa's wedding in May. <p>Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage
Royal jet-setters Prince George and Princess Charlotte had prime window seats on the royal jet during their parents' visit to Poland in July. <p>Photo: © Samir Hussein/WireImage
A shy Princess Charlotte hid her face with a small bouquet of flowers while arriving at the Berlin Tegel Airport on July 19. <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The Great Royal Bake Off! Prince William and Kate tried to master the art of making pretzels during their official visit to Germany on July 20. <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Pool/Getty Images
A nervous Prince George greeted his new teacher on his first day of classes at Thomas's Battersea lower school. <p>Photo: © RICHARD POHLE/AFP/Getty Images
Prince George could hardly contain his excitement as he explored a helicopter at Hamburg airport on July 21. The little royal loves planes and helicopters, just like his dad Prince William and uncle Prince Harry. <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Two months before announcing their engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first official, and PDA-filled, appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto. <p>Photo: © Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
Arguably one of the cutest moments of 2017 was when a little girl was spotted stealing popcorn from an unaware Prince Harry during the Invictus Games! <p>Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage
The Duchess of Cambridge isn't one to turn down an invitation to dance! Paddington Bear twirled the expectant royal around the platform at Paddington Station in October. <p>Photo: © Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images
The Queen enjoyed a candid moment with one of her favourite animals on Oct 19. Her Royal Highness, who has a well-known love for horses, admired the steeds at a parade in Hyde Park. <p>Photo: © Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Prince Charles got up close and personal with a very flexible orangutan while visiting a rehabilitation centre for the animals in Malaysia. <p>Photo: Chris Jackson/Pool/Getty Images
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