2024: The year in review

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. – March The Princess of Wales announced she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, ending public speculation over her wellbeing – including conspiracy theories about her whereabouts – and saying in an emotional video message: “I am well and getting stronger every day.” Her announcement sparked an international outpouring of support, with Charles said to have been “proud” of his “beloved” daughter-in-law for her “courage” in speaking about her treatment. – May Mr Sunak called a general election for July 4, saying he would prove that only a Conservative government led by him will “deliver a secure future” for the UK while Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer told voters: “Together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page, we can start to rebuild Britain.” Milestones were reached in major public inquiries as the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry was published – with chairman Sir Brian Langstaff saying the contaminated blood disaster is “still happening” – and former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells apologising for “all that subpostmasters and their families have suffered” as she gave evidence to the Horizon IT Inquiry. – July Labour won the general election, with new Prime Minister Sir Keir telling the nation in his victory speech: “Today we start the next chapter, begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country.” The new Government was quickly forced to grapple with nationwide unrest after three little girls – six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine – were fatally stabbed in an attack at a Taylor Swift dance event in Southport, Merseyside. – September After months of health challenges for the royal family, Kate shared a positive update that she had finished chemotherapy and planned to return to royal duties, adding: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.” In the courts, former BBC new presenter Huw Edwards was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment suspended for two years after admitting accessing indecent images of children.