With summer vacation officially behind them, Prince William and Princess Catherine are gearing up for a whirlwind of royal engagements and public appearances.
Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, embarked on a new chapter as they started their first day at Lambrook School, an esteemed private institution located near Windsor.
Accompanied by their parents, the young royals participated in a settling-in afternoon at their new school, as confirmed by Kensington Palace.
On Thursday, as the children prepared for their inaugural full day, Princess Catherine shared her enthusiasm for this new adventure in Windsor.
The family was warmly welcomed by the headmaster, Jonathan Perry, who greeted them with a friendly handshake and expressed his excitement for the year ahead.
“Welcome to Lambrook!” he said, setting a positive tone for the children’s transition.
Prince William echoed this sentiment, expressing that the kids had plenty of questions about their new environment.
However, alongside the excitement comes a significant financial consideration; reports indicate that parents at Lambrook will soon face a 20 percent hike in school fees due to new VAT regulations.
This increase means that the annual tuition for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis is projected to soar to £79,387.2.
As it stands, this term marks the last time their fees will be locked in at the current rate, with adjustments set to take effect on January 1st, pushing the total to a staggering £80,000 per year for all three children.
At just six years old, Prince Louis is currently enrolled in reception year, where the fee stands at £6,000 per term.
With the impending VAT increase, his costs will rise by £1,000 per term, culminating in a total of £20,000 for the academic year.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte, who is in lower school, faces a similar fate, with her fees jumping from £24,000 to £29,000 annually.
Prince George, now 11, is in the upper school bracket, which carries a fee of £9,000 per term.
His annual expenses will consequently increase from £26,000 to £31,000.
The government has also tightened regulations to prevent parents from dodging the extra tax by prepaying fees, ensuring that the new VAT applies to all payments made from the upcoming January term.
Princess Catherine, who dedicates much of her royal duties to mental health and child welfare, previously highlighted an innovative tool used in Prince Louis’s class—a “feelings wheel.”
This resource helps young children articulate their emotions through colors and images, fostering important conversations about feelings among five- and six-year-olds.
As the Wales family juggles their parental roles with royal responsibilities, they set a remarkable example of balancing both worlds.
The public continues to watch with admiration as they navigate their duties while nurturing their family life, embodying the values and traditions of the British monarchy.
The end of summer also marks the family’s return from Balmoral, a retreat that provided much-needed rest and togetherness.
This year, their time away held particular significance due to Catherine’s ongoing health challenges, adding an emotional layer to their summer escape.
During their stay at Balmoral, the family took full advantage of the serene surroundings, allowing for relaxation and bonding.
Such moments are vital for maintaining morale, especially during challenging times like Catherine’s treatment.
As they step back into their royal roles, the Wales family does so with renewed focus and commitment, leaving us eager to see what the future holds for this beloved royal household.