2017: The best celebrity and royal pictures of the year

The One Show presenter kicked off the year with the best news possible; she welcomed her first baby with husband Charlie Thomson in January. Alex announced her new arrival on the BBC via a phone call, describing motherhood as "a wonderful feeling" and saying that both she and Charlie were "in heaven". The couple later revealed that their baby boy is called Edward Alun Burrell Thomson, nicknamed Teddy.

Friday 20 January was a historic day in US politics. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President, taking over Barack Obama. His wife Melania dutifully held the bible while Donald took the oath; a gun salute was also fired while the crowd cheered. The President and First Lady were supported by their son Barron, Donald's four older children and his grandchildren.

The former Spice Girl became a mother for the second time on 21 January, when she gave birth to her son, and first child, with husband Christian Horner. "Montague George Hector Horner arrived this morning, a beautiful little brother for Bluebell and Olivia #amazing-day #grateful #monty," Geri wrote on Instagram, referencing her daughter and stepdaughter. The singer had chosen to name her son after her late friend, George Michael, who died the month before.

Former IT Girl Tara sadly passed away at home in February. The TV star, who was good friends with Prince Charles and the royal family, died from a perforated ulcer and peritonitis. A private funeral service was held at a country church in Hampshire. At the time, her sister Santa said in the eulogy: "I hope you're aware of all the lovely things people have written about you, and that you are touched, because you never believed you lit up a room or made people feel special, but you did. You really did. I hope that you are resting, because you found life hard and now it is done. My beloved sister, I don't think you realised that success is never about the big things, but about the small things, and that just being you was enough."

This year's Oscars ceremony will be primarily remembered for one thing – when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as the winner for Best Picture, instead of Moonlight. The two presenters had been handed the wrong envelope, setting off mass confusion inside the Kodak Theatre. "I want to tell you what happened," Warren explained after the mix-up was revealed. "I opened the envelope and it said 'Emma Stone, La La Land'. That's why I took such a long look at Faye and at you. I wasn't trying to be funny." Moonlight took home three awards on the night: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali and Best Adapted Screenplay. La La Land, meanwhile, won six awards in total, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.

Cheryl and Liam Payne welcomed their baby son, and announced the exciting news to the world in an Instagram post. Alongside a snap of 23-year-old Liam cradling their newborn, Cheryl wrote: "On Wednesday 22nd March Liam and I became parents to an incredibly beautiful, healthy baby boy, weighing 7lb 9 and looking like a dream. Although he still doesn't have a name he is already stealing hearts. We are all madly in love and overwhelmingly happy with our little arrival. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world. A day that now has a different meaning to me forever."

The Only Way is Essex star confirmed that she was expecting her first child with her ex-boyfriend, Arthur Collins, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder earlier that week. Speaking about Ferne's reported pregnancy, her spokesperson told HELLO!: "Ferne is grateful for the sympathetic way news of her pregnancy has been covered and people's support and obviously her first concern is for her child's health."

Rochelle and Marvin Humes welcomed their second baby girl, named Valentina Raine. Sharing a photo of Rochelle kissing the newborn after giving birth, Marvin wrote: "Couldn't be a happier or prouder man! What another incredible blessing! Today my beautiful wife gave birth to our second daughter Valentina Raine Humes… Alaia-Mai is over the moon that she has a baby sister! I'm overjoyed."

The UK was rocked by the Westminster Bridge terror attack in March, and people all around the world paid tribute in solidarity, using the hashtags '#WeAreNotAfraid' and '#WeStandTogether'. In a statement about the attack, the Queen said: "My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected by yesterday's awful violence. I know I speak for everyone in expressing my enduring thanks and admiration for the members of the Metropolitan Police Service and all who work so selflessly to help and protect others."

Ronan and Storm Keating welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Cooper. Ronan, 40, shared a gorgeous photo of his wife in hospital, cradling her new bundle of joy, and wrote: "Incredibly excited to announce the arrival. We're all bursting with love for the newest little member of our family! Feeling very blessed to be daddy to this little man and the luckiest man in the world to be husband to such a strong, loving and warm-hearted woman and add to my beautiful family."

Princess Charlotte celebrated her second birthday on 2 May, and to mark the special occasion Kensington Palace released a new picture of the youngest member of the royal family. "The Duke and Duchess are delighted to share a new photograph of Princess Charlotte to mark her second birthday tomorrow," the palace announced. "TRH would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages they have received & hope that everyone enjoys this photograph as much as they do." Dressed in a pretty yellow cardigan with a blue satin bow on her head, the young royal could be seen happily playing in a garden whilst gazing thoughtfully towards the camera. The photograph was taken in April by Duchess Kate at their home in Norfolk.

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' beautiful English country wedding is certainly one to remember! The couple married on 20 May in front of their closest friends and family – including the bride's sister Kate, Prince William, and their children, bridesmaid Princess Charlotte and Prince George, who acted as page boy. Also on the guest list was Prince Harry, and James' younger brother and best man, Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews. Pippa wore a floor-length Giles Deacon dress, with a long train and delicate veil, and had her brunette hair swept up into an elegant chignon. She was the picture-perfect romantic bride, smiling broadly as she walked up the path of St Mark's Church in Englefield, Berkshire. Following the ceremony, the new husband and wife jumped into the back of a waiting car, bound for the Middleton estate in Bucklebury, seven miles away.

American pop star Ariana Grande was joined by some of the world's biggest musicians at the One Love Manchester benefit concert in aid of the victims of the city's shocking terrorist attack on 22 May. The One Last Time singer was supported by friends and peers including Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Coldplay and Take That for the concert hosted at Emirates Old Trafford on Sunday evening, where all proceeds went towards the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. The star-studded show was a fitting and poignant tribute to the 22 fans who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack, along with those affected by the terror attack at London Bridge which happened a few days later.

George Clooney and his wife Amal became first-time parents on 6 June after welcoming their twins - Alexander and Ella. A representative for the Hollywood actor and his barrister wife confirmed the news in a statement to HELLO!, saying: "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days."

On 12 June, Binky Felstead and her boyfriend Josh 'JP' Patterson welcomed their first child - a baby girl. A spokesperson for the Made in Chelsea stars exclusively told HELLO! Online: "Baby was born earlier today. Mother and baby doing well." Taking to Instagram to share the happy news, Josh wrote alongside a tender black and white photo of him clutching the newborn's teeny hand: "IM A DADDY!" Binky and JP's little girl is the first Made in Chelsea baby.

Ant McPartlin of comedy duo Ant and Dec revealed he checked himself into rehab, receiving treatment for anxiety, depression and an addiction to prescription medication. The popular star spoke to The Sun on Sunday about his problems, after admitting his struggles to his wife Lisa and his Britain's Got Talent co-host Declan Donnelly. The paper reports that a combination of battling a painful knee injury, which saw Ant become addicted to painkiller Tramadol, and his and Lisa's battle to conceive, resulted in the presenter spiralling into depression. He said: "The first step is to admit to yourself you need help. I feel like I have let a lot of people down and for that I am truly sorry. I want to thank my wife, family and closest friends for helping me through this really difficult time."

Beyoncé nearly broke the internet in July when she shared the very first photo of her twins. Confirming the names of her newborn babies alongside a now-iconic Instagram photo, she wrote: "Sir Carter and Rumi 1 month today." It was the fourth most-liked Instagram post of 2017 receiving 10,271,791 likes; Beyoncé's post announcing her pregnancy earlier in the year broke the record for the most-liked Instagram post ever, receiving eight million likes in the first 24 hours.

Jodie Whittaker made history this summer when she was announced as Doctor Who's 13th Time Lord – the first woman to be given the role. The new Doctor's identity was revealed in a trailer broadcast at the end of the Wimbledon men's singles final. Jodie is set to succeed Peter Capaldi, who took over the role in 2013 and leaves in the forthcoming Christmas special.

Prince William and Duchess Kate were all smiles as they sat in the royal box at Wimbledon to watch the men’s singles final between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic. The couple were in the company of fellow royals Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Prince Albert of Monaco for the gripping match, which was eventually won by Swiss sportsman Roger – his record eight Wimbledon win.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte stole the show as they arrived with their parents in Warsaw for the start of a five-day visit to Poland and Germany. Little George initially seemed reluctant to leave the family's charter plane, but after a little coaxing, took his father Prince William's hand and made his way down the short flight of steps. Princess Charlotte, meanwhile, was carried in her mother's arms as the family were greeted by a receiving line in front of the world's media.

In an exclusive interview with the Sun, popular TV presenter Ant McPartlin spoke for the first time about his secret two-year battle with painkiller addiction and depression, following a two-month stint in rehab. The I'm A Celebrity host, 42, spoke candidly about how he had hidden his troubles from those close to him, admitting: "I was at the point where anything - prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs - I would take. And take them with alcohol, which is ridiculous. The doctors told me, 'You could have killed yourself'. "

Prince William and Prince Harry paid a visit to a London memorial garden dedicated to their mother on the eve of the 20th anniversary of her death. The White Garden at Kensington Palace was planted to mark 20 years since Princess Diana was killed in car crash in Paris. The brothers were joined for the garden tour by William's wife Kate, and the trio met with representatives from causes and charities supported by Diana, including the Royal Marsden and Great Ormond Street hospitals, the National Aids Trust and the Centrepoint youth homelessness charity.

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris shocked fans in August when they announced the end of their eight year marriage. The couple, parents to five-year-old son, confirmed the news in a joint statement, saying: "We are sad to announce we are legally separating. We tried hard for a long time and we're really disappointed. Our son has two parents who love him very much and for his sake we want to keep this situation as private as possible moving forward. We still love each other and will always cherish our time together."

In August came the sad news that Sir Bruce Forsyth had passed away at the age of 89. The star’s manager said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children. A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last eighteen months. With a twinkle in his eye, he responded 'I've been very, very busy... being ill!' Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.

"The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel. There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce's family is respected at this most difficult time."

It was a sad day on 25 September, when news broke that Coronation Street's Liz Dawn – who played Vera Duckworth for 34 years – had died at the age of 77. Liz's family confirmed their sad loss in a statement, which read: "We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn. Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her. She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing."

American icon and founder of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner, died at the age of 91. Playboy Enterprises, Inc. announced the sad news via a statement on 26 September, which read: "Hugh M. Hefner, the American icon who in 1953 introduced the world to Playboy magazine and built the company into one of the most recognizable American global brands in history, peacefully passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones."

It was an exciting start to the month when on 4 September, Kensington Palace announced that Kate and William are expecting their third child together – a sibling for their two young children, Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two. A statement revealed that, as with her previous two pregnancies, Kate was suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, meaning she was unable to carry out a prior royal engagement.

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian welcomed their daughter, Alexis Olympia, on 1 September, following her pregnancy announcement in April. The tennis player revealed the happy news on her Instagram account, writing: "Meet Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. You have to check out link in bio for her amazing journey. Also check out my IG stories." She later revealed that her daughter's initials are a nod to her win at the Australian Open, tweeting: "Fun fact my daughter's initials are AO as in the Aussie open she won with me."

On 7 September, Prince George arrived for his first day at primary school just days after the news broke of Kate's pregnancy. The young royal looked adorable kitted out in his school uniform as he arrived at the gate to meet his head of year at Thomas's Battersea. George was accompanied by his proud dad William, but Kate – suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum - was forced to stay at the family's home in Kensington Palace.

On 24 September, Prince Harry and now-fiancée Meghan Markle made their first official appearance together as a couple at the Invictus Games in Toronto. The pair arrived hand-in-hand to watch wheelchair tennis at Nathan Phillips Square. Their appearance sparked further speculation that an engagement announcement was imminent. It was no coincidence that the couple made their debut at the Games. Not only was Meghan able to show her support for a cause very close to her royal boyfriend's heart, but the event took place in Toronto, where Meghan lived while filming Suits.

Jeff Brazier and Kate Dwyer exclusively announced their engagement in HELLO! magazine, with the TV presenter revealing that he had got the approval of sons Bobby, 14, and Freddy, 13, before going down on one knee. He also shared the couple’s plans to get wed "somewhere hot" next summer, and said Bobby and Freddy would have key roles in the ceremony as the best men.

Following weeks of speculation that Louise and Jamie Redknapp had gone their separate ways, Louise finally confirmed the rumours to be true at the beginning of October. In an interview with Telegraph's Stella magazine, the 42-year-old revealed that the pair were now living apart, but that she still loves him and that they speak every day. The singer also added that it was Daisy Lowe who had given her the confidence boost to reclaim her identity and find time for herself.

It was 70 years to the day in 1947 that Her Royal highness married Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey. The happy couple celebrated this momentous occasion by releasing four stunning portrait photographs of the pair.

The Queen wore a cream dress by Angela Kelly, and she completed the look by adding one of her trademark brooches. The Duke looked suave in a smart three-piece suit.

They also had a special anniversary party at Windsor Castle, which was a huge celebration attended by over 100 guests, including Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince Harry.

The nation was overcome with happiness when Prince Harry announced his eagerly anticipated engagement to US Suits actress Meghan Markle. The couple had been dating for 16 months and will marry in May 2018. The brother of Prince William and the stunning American actress posed for an open air photocall in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace to a sea of waiting photographers.

The garden itself was a particularly poignant location, as it was a favourite of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. A beaming Ms Markle wore a bottle green dress by P.A.R.O.S.H and a white trench coach by Line the Label, and hand in hand with the Prince, briefly showed off her stunning diamond ring, which was designed by her new husband-to-be.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh said they were “delighted” for their grandson and wished them “every happiness.”

The 36- year-old tennis ace married Alexis Ohanian in a sumptuously lavish affair in New Orleans. The stunning bride wore a beautiful creation by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and had a celebrity-studded, 250 strong guest list, including pop royalty Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian and Kelly Rowland.

The wedding theme was built around classic love story Beauty and the Beast, and their first dance was to ‘Tale as old as Time’. The sister of Venus Williams wore a whopping $3.5 million worth of jewellery, and changed three times during the ceremony; she wore a feather trimmed dress and also a shorter style later on in the evening, both by Versace.

One of the highlights of the stunning display was an illuminated white carousel that appeared from behind a curtain for all the happy couple’s guests to enjoy!

A mere three days later, the couple carried out their very first joint engagement together on an official visit to Nottingham. The huge crowd in the city warmly welcomed the Prince's new fiancée with generous applause as the happy couple greeted the crowd. Members of the public had been waiting since 6AM to capture a glimpse of the affianced pair, and they were handed a variety of gifts including bouquets, flowers and even Haribo (Harry’s favourite confectionery). The former Suits actress showed the true extent of the 'Meghan effect' as her Wolford roll-neck, Joseph skirt, Kurt Geiger boots, Strathberry handbag and Mackage coat that she was wearing sold out almost instantly.

Loose Women TV presenter Andrea McLean released a stunning snapshot from her wedding to boyfriend of four years Nick Feeney, whom she had married the day before in December. The beautiful picture was in black-and-white, and the couple looked deliriously happy as they posed in the picture, with Andrea sporting a white lace dress and her trademark brown locks in a glamorous wavy style, and Nick looking particularly suave in a crisp black suit. Another memorable photograph of the wedding day also surfaced on her co-worker Saira Khan's social media, of all the Loose Women ladies smiling as they posed in the picture with Andrea.

On 21 December, Prince Harry and his stunning new fiancée Meghan Markle released the official photos marking their engagement. The romantic images show the deliriously happy couple in two intimate black and white portraita and a more formal picture of the affianced pair holding hands. The former Suits star looked radiant in the shots, choosing to wear a sheer, embellished Ralph & Russo dress, complete with a bombastic ruffled skirt. Harry looked typically swish in a navy suit. In the second shot, Meghan wore a cream Victoria Beckham cashmere knit, with the brother of Prince William in a long-line coat. The pictures were taken by fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski.