Annus: Horribilis

Even early in 2026, some institutions, like university endowments, are looking back at 2025 as a "parade of horribles" featuring funding cuts and investigations. 4. How to Survive Your Own "Horrible Year"

A massive fire severely damaged Windsor Castle, prompting the Queen to comment that "1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure". 3. Modern "Anni Horribiles" Annus Horribilis

But what makes a year feel "horrible"? Is it personal tragedy, global unrest, or just a relentless stream of minor mishaps? As we often look back on tumultuous times—whether it’s the Royal Family in 1992, the tumultuous 2016 in retrospect, or the ongoing challenges of our modern era—understanding how to endure, process, and eventually move past a disastrous 12-month stretch is crucial. Even early in 2026, some institutions, like university

To truly understand the term, we must look at 1992, the year Queen Elizabeth II used it to describe her life. It was a year that saw: As we often look back on tumultuous times—whether

Three of her children—Anne, Charles, and Andrew—saw their marriages fall apart.

Anni horribiles are temporary. The goal is to reach the other side with your health, your sanity, and a renewed sense of purpose.