Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Embrace a New Chapter at Lambrook School

A new academic adventure began for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, marking a significant milestone for the Cambridge children as they started at Lambrook School in Berkshire. This momentous occasion, filled with both excitement and pride, saw the young royals make their highly anticipated entrance alongside their parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The move to Lambrook not only signified the commencement of a new school year but also represented a fresh start for the entire family, following their recent relocation to Adelaide Cottage within the picturesque Windsor Home Park.

The first day of school was captured in a series of heartwarming photographs, showcasing the unity and burgeoning personalities of the royal siblings. Britain’s Prince George, then aged nine, and his four-year-old younger brother, Prince Louis, were a charming picture of traditional British school attire. Both princes sported smart navy blue shorts, a classic component of many preparatory school uniforms, complemented by highly polished black shoes and matching socks. Their crisp white collared shirts with short sleeves completed the neat ensemble, exuding an air of readiness and formality for the big day. The images captured the rapidly growing princes holding hands, a tender gesture emphasizing their close bond as they navigated this new environment together. Seven-year-old Princess Charlotte, ever composed and elegant, wore a delightful blue day dress, its design harmonizing with her brothers’ uniform without being identical. Her hair was styled in a chic updo, adorned with stylish twists, adding a touch of sophistication to her youthful look. Guiding their children with proud smiles, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, radiated a sense of calm and excitement, clearly thrilled for their children’s new academic journey.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also dressed impeccably for the occasion, their outfits reflecting both professionalism and personal style. The ever-fashionable Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, chose an exquisite autumn-ready brown polka dot midi dress. This elegant selection underscored her reputation as a style icon, blending timeless patterns with a contemporary silhouette that was both graceful and appropriate for the family event. Her choice of simple yet sophisticated pumps ensured comfort while maintaining a polished demeanor. Kate’s relaxed and joyful interactions, laughing and conversing with her children and husband, conveyed the warmth and happiness of their family unit. Prince William, demonstrating subtle coordination with his children’s new school uniforms, wore a smart navy-blue suit. This classic choice not only befitted his royal status but also visually tied into the navy elements of his sons’ attire, creating a cohesive and distinguished family appearance. He completed his ensemble with stylish brown suede loafers, adding a touch of refined informality to his traditional suit. The collective image of the family projected a sense of unity, purpose, and excitement, setting an optimistic tone for the children’s immersion into their new educational environment.

A Royal Welcome and the “Settling In” Day at Lambrook

The royal children’s arrival was met with a warm and personal greeting from Lambrook School’s Headmaster, Jonathan Perry. This special welcome underscored the school’s ethos of fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for its new pupils. A particularly memorable moment, captured by photographers, showed Mr. Perry extending his hand to Princess Charlotte, who responded with a confident and polite handshake. Her proud parents and brothers looked on, clearly delighted by her poise and budding self-assurance. This day was specifically designated as a “settling in” afternoon, a well-established tradition in many British independent schools. The purpose of such an event is to help new students and their families familiarize themselves with the school grounds, meet key staff members, and interact with other new pupils in a relaxed, informal setting before the official start of classes. This thoughtful approach aims to alleviate any first-day nerves and ensure a smooth transition for all new starters, particularly important for high-profile students like the Cambridge children. For Prince William and Kate Middleton, witnessing their children’s positive engagement with the Headmaster and the school environment offered immense reassurance about their choice of Lambrook.

Adelaide Cottage: A New Home and Proximity to Queen Elizabeth II

The decision to enroll their children at Lambrook School was inextricably linked to a broader, significant family change: the relocation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children to Adelaide Cottage. The family reportedly moved to Adelaide Cottage, a charming residence situated within the private Home Park on the Windsor Estate. The primary motivation for this strategic move from their long-standing base at Kensington Palace in London was to be closer to the children’s beloved great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. At the time of the move and the school opening, Her Majesty was primarily residing at the nearby Windsor Castle, her cherished home. This relocation signified a desire by Prince William and Kate Middleton to foster a more private, family-focused life away from the relentless pace of the capital. It allowed them to prioritize their children’s upbringing in a more tranquil, rural environment, while crucially maintaining close proximity to the monarch. This decision underscored the deep value the couple placed on family bonds and ensuring their children had ample opportunity to spend precious time with their great-grandmother during her later years, an invaluable experience for the young royals that would soon become even more poignant.

Kensington Palace formally acknowledged the day’s proceedings, as reported by Newsweek. Their statement, issued on Wednesday, September 7, clearly outlined the itinerary: “Ahead of their first day at Lambrook School, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, accompanied by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, today attended a settling in afternoon for new pupils at the school.” The statement further elaborated on the long-standing tradition behind the event: “The settling in afternoon is an annual event held to welcome new starters and their families to Lambrook and takes place the day before the start of the new school term.” This meticulous planning and structured approach are characteristic of many top independent schools in the UK, ensuring that every new student, irrespective of their background, receives a smooth and positive introduction to their new educational home, fostering an immediate sense of belonging and community. Such dedication to pastoral care and student well-being was undoubtedly a key factor in the Cambridge family’s decision-making process.

Lambrook School: A Holistic Educational Environment for the Royal Children

For four-year-old Prince Louis, this significant day marked his very first foray into formal schooling, a momentous step in any child’s development. Unlike his older siblings, Louis was embarking on an entirely new chapter of structured learning and social interaction. Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in contrast, had previously attended Thomas’s Battersea School in London, a well-regarded co-educational preparatory school known for its emphasis on kindness and confidence. Their transition to Lambrook signifies a deliberate shift in their educational journey, aligning seamlessly with the family’s new residence in Windsor. Lambrook School distinguishes itself with its expansive 52-acre campus, offering a stark contrast to their previous urban school environment. The school is renowned for its commitment to a holistic education, meticulously designed to nurture well-rounded individuals by balancing academic rigor with extensive opportunities in sports, arts, and outdoor pursuits. Its impressive facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, a nine-hole golf course, a polo field, and even an orchard where pupils engage in beekeeping. This diverse range of activities and facilities likely played a crucial role in the Duke and Duchess’s decision, ensuring their children receive a broad and enriching educational experience. Furthermore, having all three children attend the same school simplifies family logistics and strengthens sibling bonds, a practical consideration for any busy parents, royal or otherwise.

The choice of Lambrook School also reflects a desire for a quintessentially British preparatory school experience, blending tradition with modern educational practices. The school’s values, which strongly advocate for kindness, respect, intellectual curiosity, and independence, resonate deeply with the principles Prince William and Kate Middleton consistently strive to instill in their children. This comprehensive educational philosophy aims to equip the royal children not only with a robust academic foundation but also with essential life skills, a profound appreciation for nature, and a strong sense of community responsibility. The emphasis on outdoor learning and practical skills, such as caring for livestock or growing vegetables, provides a grounded and enriching experience that complements their unique upbringing. This dedication to fostering confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals, despite the unique challenges of their royal status, underscores the parents’ commitment to their children’s long-term development.

The Broader Significance of the Windsor Move for the Royal Family

The move to Adelaide Cottage and the subsequent enrollment at Lambrook School represent more than just a change of address and education for the Cambridge family; it symbolizes a pivotal shift in their family life and public role. By establishing Windsor as their primary residence, Prince William and Kate are not only closer to Queen Elizabeth II—a decision that held profound significance given her advanced age at the time—but also cultivating a family home that offers enhanced privacy and a semblance of normalcy compared to the more public setting of Kensington Palace. This strategic decision enables them to enjoy a quieter, more countryside-oriented family life, shielding their children from some of the intense scrutiny of central London, while remaining conveniently accessible for their official royal duties. The close proximity to the late Queen in her final months was particularly poignant, facilitating precious moments of connection between great-grandmother and great-grandchildren, a legacy that will undoubtedly be cherished by the family for years to come.

This period also coincided with a sensitive time for the Royal Family, as concerns about Queen Elizabeth II’s health were increasingly prevalent. The family’s presence in Windsor, therefore, carried an added layer of personal importance, allowing them to offer emotional support and companionship to the monarch. For Prince William and Kate, it was a conscious effort to ensure their children developed a deep understanding of family, duty, and service, even as they navigated their formative years. The vivid images from Lambrook School encapsulate this delicate balance between personal family life and public royal responsibility, portraying a family united in a common purpose: to provide their children with the best possible start in life, firmly rooted in British tradition yet prepared for a modern future.