The choice left royal watchers feeling a little disappointed. In previous years, William and Katherine have often shared special moments from their children's first day of school with the public. Fans were looking forward to new pictures when the children returned to Lambrook School, but the lack of these playful images suggests a change in the couple's approach. The decision may also reflect Katherine's focus on her health as she navigates the next stage of her difficult journey.
The couple's choice to keep their back-to-school photos a secret shows their growing commitment to protecting their children's privacy, especially after the media frenzy that followed the release of their Mother's Day photos earlier this year. Catherine and William have become more cautious about sharing personal family experiences. They recognise the need to balance their royal responsibilities with allowing George, Charlotte and Louis to grow up away from the harsh spotlight. They often share back-to-school photos at important milestones, for example in 2022 they released heartwarming photos of all three children on their first day at Lambrook, which was also Louis' first day at school.
The children looked adorable in their uniforms, with George and Louis wearing crisp shirts and shorts and Charlotte in a gingham summer dress. The photos capture the family's mix of excitement and trepidation at the start of a new school year. Since moving to Adelaide Cottage two years ago, the Welsh family have embraced a quieter lifestyle than their time at Kensington Palace. The move to Windsor has given them more privacy and space to raise their children.
Lambrook School, where the children currently attend, offers an ideal environment for learning and development, set in 52 acres of beautiful countryside. The school is renowned for its holistic approach to education and has facilities such as a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool and dance studio. This year has brought both excitement and bittersweet emotions for the Welsh children: Louis is in his second year, Charlotte is in her fifth year and George is in his seventh year.
For George, this is one of his last years at Lambrook, as the school only runs until the age of 13, meaning he will soon have to make a decision about his future education. What makes the Welsh family’s schooling routine particularly appealing is that it is so normal, despite their royal status. Catherine, in particular, is noted for her direct involvement in her children’s education. At Thomas School in London, where George and Charlotte attended, she was often seen dropping her children off and picking them up like any other parent, aiming to give them a normal education.
Surprisingly, her presence at the school gates was often overlooked by other parents, who were more focused on a Victoria's Secret model who was also dropping her children off. This highlights Catherine's ability to blend into her children's lives without drawing attention, ensuring that they did not feel burdened by their royal duties. However, behind this seemingly normal life lies a more challenging reality. Having gone through a difficult process and reduced her public activities to prioritise her health and recovery, her courage has won the admiration of millions of people who have supported her journey with compassion and hope.