The royal family has commenced the new school year with Prince George embarking on his journey at Eton College, an esteemed institution in the UK. Meanwhile, his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, resumed classes at Lambrook School, where they have been enrolled since 2022. The commencement of the fall term at Lambrook began on Wednesday, 9 September, marking an exciting time for the children.
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Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and her 8-year-old brother Prince Louis did not join Prince George for his inaugural day at Eton on the previous day. However, Prince William and Princess Kate were present to support their eldest son. Notable photographs captured the family sharing light-hearted moments, including a minor mishap with an umbrella, as they made their way to meet Eton’s headmaster, Simon Henderson.
Headmaster Henderson welcomed Prince George warmly, advising him to “enjoy” his time at the school. Official photos were later released, showcasing Prince George in his school uniform, a departure from the royal couple’s typical approach of reserving public photos for significant family milestones rather than day-to-day occurrences.
The couple has previously marked their children’s important educational milestones with selectively released images. Prince George’s first day of nursery in 2016, his transition to Thomas’s Battersea in 2017, and Princess Charlotte’s debut at the same school in 2019 all saw the family sharing special photographs. Notably, a charming photo was released to commemorate Prince Louis’s first day of preschool alongside his birthday in 2021.
Last year, the royal siblings featured in the only collective back-to-school photographs, celebrating their entry into Lambrook School. The images from September 2022 portrayed the children dressed in their matching uniforms, alongside Prince William and Princess Kate, on a preview day for new students, marking a new chapter for the family after their move to Windsor from London.
Lambrook School, nestled in 52 acres of Berkshire countryside, prides itself on blending exceptional teaching with traditional values. Its impressive facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, sports courts, and a performing arts studio, catering well to the athletic interests of the young royals. Students engage in diverse subjects ranging from English and maths to Greek and physical education, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning that encourages hands-on experiences.
The school aims to foster creativity and practical skills, offering classes in filmmaking, animation, and cookery. Additionally, a state-of-the-art design and technology building features modern art studios and science labs. Outdoor learning is a highlight of the Lambrook experience, where children, including Prince Louis, can enjoy activities such as building dens or collecting eggs — experiences that resonate particularly well with their environmentally-conscious mother, Kate Middleton, who has her own beekeeping pursuits at their family residence, Anmer Hall.
As Princess Charlotte approaches her transition to a new school at 13, it remains uncertain whether she will attend Eton alongside her brother. Given that Eton is an all-boys establishment, speculation suggests she might instead opt for Marlborough College, a co-educational institution that has also seen family connections, including Princess Eugenie.
Though the younger siblings were back in the classroom, Prince William was in Norway on the day of their return to school, representing King Charles at the funeral service for King Harald of Norway. The late monarch, who passed away at age 89, reigned for 35 years and was celebrated with a royal procession attended by members from various nations, including Princess Anne, who is closely linked to Norway’s new king.
As the new academic year unfolds, the royal family’s commitments and activities illustrate both the balance of tradition and modernity within their lives, coupled with the challenges of navigating educational choices within the royal framework. The family’s approach to schooling, blended with personal moments and public appearances, continues to capture the interest of the public and media alike.