It’s that time of year again — back to school! And for royal watchers, September brings with it a beloved tradition: the release of first-day-of-school photos featuring the younger members of the British royal family. From Princess Charlotte’s confident wave on her first day at Thomas’s Battersea to Prince William’s shy smile outside Wetherby School nearly four decades ago, these images offer a rare glimpse into the childhoods of the future king and his family.
While it’s not an annual tradition for the royals to share back-to-school photos with the public, major milestones — like a first day at a new school — are often marked with a public portrait or photo call. This year, as Prince George prepares for a major transition to Eton College, we look back at the best royal family first day of school photos through the generations.
Princess Charlotte’s School Moments
Princess Charlotte has grown up in front of the cameras, and her first day of school in September 2019 was no exception. At just four years old, the young princess arrived at Thomas’s Battersea in London, holding tightly to her mother’s hand. She was accompanied by her older brother, Prince George, and her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Initially shy, Charlotte hid behind her mother before delivering her signature wave to the waiting photographers.
Prince William, ever the doting father, told the head of lower school, Helen Haslem, “First day — very excited.” In a sweet detail, Charlotte personalized her school look with a sequined unicorn keychain on her backpack. Her first day marked a special moment for the family; when George started at the same school two years prior, Kate was unable to join him due to severe morning sickness during her pregnancy with Prince Louis.
Prince George’s School Years
Prince George’s first day of school in September 2017 was a historic moment. The young prince, then four, arrived at Thomas’s Battersea in London, looking adorable in his navy and red uniform. Unlike his sister’s arrival two years later, George was accompanied only by his father, as his mother was ill. He looked a bit nervous but shyly greeted the head of the lower school. Fast forward to 2026, and Prince George is preparing for a major milestone: starting at Eton College.
The 13-year-old prince is set to follow in his father’s footsteps at the prestigious boarding school. His first day at Eton is expected to be vastly different from his father’s nearly 30 years prior, with far less media spectacle thanks to the efforts of his parents to protect his privacy. New “no photography” signs have even been erected around the school ahead of his arrival.
Prince Louis’ School Moments
Prince Louis may be the youngest of the Wales children, but his first day of school in September 2022 captured the hearts of royal watchers worldwide. At just four years old, Louis started reception at Lambrook School in Berkshire, joining his older siblings, George and Charlotte. The photos of the family walking together to the school, greeted by headmaster Jonathan Perry, resonated because they depicted a universal family moment — the first day at a new school.
What made the moment particularly memorable was the sense of sibling support, with all three children photographed together, presenting a picture of a family going through a period of transition.
Prince William’s First Days of School
Prince William’s school days are well-documented. In 1987, a young Prince William began his education at London’s Wetherby School. Photos show him all smiles, wearing a striped sweater and carrying a small leather backpack. According to his former royal protection officer, Ken Wharfe, William was not initially happy about the photographers and told his mother, Princess Diana, “I don’t like ‘tographers’.”
After Wetherby, William and his brother Harry attended Ludgrove School before William began at Eton College in September 1995. On his first day at Eton, William was accompanied by his parents, then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and his younger brother, Prince Harry. A wall of photographers and journalists were lined up to capture the moment, a stark contrast to the more private approach his son George will likely experience.
Prince Harry’s School Years
Prince Harry’s first day at Wetherby School in 1989 was a family affair. Princess Diana looked on proudly as Prince William stood by his younger brother, offering a hand of support. It was a moment of sibling bonding that would become a defining image of their childhood. Harry confidently waved to the cameras, a stark contrast to his brother’s initial shyness. Just like his elder brother, Harry also attended Mrs. Mynor’s Nursery School before moving on to Wetherby. Years later, Harry also followed William to Eton College, where he was accompanied by his parents and brother.
Princess Diana and Her Children’s School Years
Princess Diana was a constant presence at her sons’ school milestones. From William and Harry’s first days at Wetherby to their later years at Eton, Diana was often seen proudly by their side. The iconic images of Diana with her sons on their first day of school are a testament to her hands-on approach to motherhood.
She was known to have warned William about the photographers before his first day, preparing him for the public life that awaited him. Her presence at these events added a layer of warmth and relatability to the royal family’s public image.
King Charles’ School Days
Even the current King has a first-day-of-school photo. In 1962, a young Prince Charles shook hands with headmaster Robert Chew on his first day at Gordonstoun School in Scotland. The image is a reminder that even future kings experience the nerves and excitement of starting a new school.
Royal Children and Privacy
While the royal family shares photos of milestone school days, they are increasingly mindful of privacy. Prince William and Kate Middleton have been praised for their efforts to give their children a more normal upbringing, balancing public duty with a focus on family.
This includes keeping their children out of the public eye as much as possible, only sharing carefully curated images for special occasions. The photos of George, Charlotte, and Louis on their first days of school are a way for the family to connect with the public while still maintaining control over their children’s images.
FAQ
What school does Princess Charlotte attend?
Princess Charlotte currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, alongside her brothers Prince George and Prince Louis. The family moved to Windsor in 2022, and the children enrolled as day students at the private school.
What was Princess Charlotte’s first day of school like?
Princess Charlotte’s first day at Thomas’s Battersea in September 2019 was a significant moment. She was accompanied by her parents and her older brother, Prince George. She was initially shy but soon delivered her signature wave.
Where did Prince William go to school?
Prince William attended various schools, including Mrs. Mynor’s Nursery School, Wetherby School, Ludgrove School, and Eton College.
Where did Prince George go to school?
Prince George started his education at Thomas’s Battersea in London. In 2022, he moved to Lambrook School with his siblings, and he is set to start at Eton College in September 2026.
Where does Prince Louis go to school?
Prince Louis attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, joining his siblings.
Are there photos of the Royal Family’s first days of school?
Yes, photos of royal children on their first days of school are often released to the public. These include images of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince William, Prince Harry, and even King Charles.
Did Prince William and Prince Harry attend the same schools?
Yes, Prince William and Prince Harry both attended Wetherby School, Ludgrove School, and Eton College.
How has royal education changed over the generations?
Royal education has evolved significantly. While Prince Charles was educated at Gordonstoun, a school known for its rigorous outdoor activities, Prince William and Harry attended more traditional public schools like Eton. The current generation, Prince George, Charlotte, and Louis, have attended co-ed schools like Thomas’s Battersea and Lambrook, reflecting a more modern approach.