It's a daunting job planning a party for a Duchess - especially when her parents are in the events' business.

From a canoe to a calabash, weird and wonderful gifts to the Queen from Commonwealth countries will be going on display.

A luxurious Queenstown lodge has been booked for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to have a romantic royal escape.

Sorry girls, Prince Harry is officially off the market.

When Prince George takes part in his first official public engagement next month, he'll be oblivious to the planning that has gone into the milestone event.

Prime Minister John Key says Prince William's visit with his family to NZ will be "tremendous value for money" despite costing the taxpayer an estimated $1 million.

It is one of the most anticipated arrivals of the year - but Maori royalty have rejected an offer of a visit by Prince William because not enough time was given.

An Australian official has let slip that Prince George will travel Down Under with his parents William and Kate in April.

The royal put on a particularly awkward display when he indulged in a spot of knife dancing at the start of his three-day tour of the Middle East.

Britain's Prince Charles during the traditional Saudi dancing best known as 'Arda' during the Janadriya culture festival at Der'iya in Riyadh.

The world has a real chance this week to halt the soaring slaughter of African elephants.

Prince Charles has linked the flooding in England's Somerset Levels with climate change.

Prince William and his wife Kate are bound to have a great experience when they travel Down Under later this year, according to the Duchess of Cornwell.

Kate Middleton will undergo a regal makeover supported by the Queen ahead of her tour to NZ.

They had a brawl in the toilets of a trendy London eatery 11 years ago, but the bad blood between Kiwi-born actor Russell Crowe and New Zealand expat businessman Eric Watson.

Claire Robinson asks; "Why bad policy making? Because neither Cabinet nor the general public are capable of making the best decision for NZ on the design of the flag of the future."

She may be a professional rider and former Olympian, but sporty Zara Phillips has no intention of being a hands-off mother.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on the lookout for a nanny to look after baby George on their trip to New Zealand and Australia in April.

Pippa Middleton, sister of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, has revealed a love of rugby ... and especially the haka.

But a romantic birthday meal at home could be on the cards for Kate who was born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading on January 9, 1982.

Prince Harry's ginger beard might be on trend, but the Queen isn't happy with her grandson's growth.

From the birth of the future King to the announcement of a trip to our shores, we take a look back at the royal stories that you loved this year.

In her annual Christmas message Queen Elizabeth II calls upon people of faith to take time in the new year to pause for reflection and contemplation. She acknowledges the birth of a new child and the joy the occasion brings.

Prince William and wife Kate look set to break royal tradition when they visit NZ in April.

The Queen reflected on prominent events from the past year during her Christmas broadcast, from the 60th anniversary of her coronation to Prince George's birth.

Prince Harry has been praised by his brave band of wounded soldiers as they received a heroes' welcome after returning from a "crazy" South Pole adventure.

Finding space for all the Christmas guests is never easy – even in a mansion like the Queen’s estate at Sandringham.