There is a familiar face among the thousands of excited four-year-olds starting school this week - Prince George, who begins his formal education today at Thomas’s school in Battersea, south London.
Pictures released by Kensington Palace show the young royal accompanied by his father, the Duke of Cambridge, as he arrived at the school this morning. In one photo, George is seen shyly shaking hands with the head of the school's lower forms.
Absent from the scene was George’s mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, currently laid low by a bout of severe morning sickness relating to her recently-announced third pregnancy.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Like the 20 other pupils in his class, George “has his own desk and peg with his name on”, says the BBC. The school's head, Ben Thomas, has said that the young royal - who will be known to his new friends as George Cambridge -would be treated no differently from the other pupils at the £18,000-a-year private day school.
Thomas's school's curriculum includes “understanding the world” and “expressive arts and design”, The Guardian reports, suggesting George can expect a very different education to that of royals past. Prince Charles once called his Highland boarding school “Colditz in kilts”, while Princess Margaret bitterly resented what she saw as her substandard education.
Take a look at the gallery above for a journey through the history of the Windsors’ education.
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashionIn the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Crossword: September 13, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Sudoku medium: September 13, 2025The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
-
Prince charming: Harry’s tea with King sparks royal reconciliation rumoursTalking Point Are the royals – and the UK public – ready to welcome the Duke of Sussex back in?
-
Forest Lodge: William and Kate's new home breaks with royal traditionIn the Spotlight Wales' said to hope move to 'forever home' in Windsor Great Park will 'leave unhappy memories behind'
-
King Charles and Prince Harry: peace in our time?Talking Point Leaked images of a secret meeting between royal aides suggest a dialogue is beginning to open up
-
King Charles and the Sovereign Grant: how UK taxpayers fund the monarchyThe Explainer Royals received £86.3m from government last year – and they are in line for a 50% increase
-
Is Prince Harry owed protection?Talking Point The Duke of Sussex claims he has been singled out for 'unjustified and inferior treatment' over decision to withdraw round-the-clock security
-
The Sentebale row: a blow for Prince HarryTalking Point Duke of Sussex made 'devastating' decision to stand down as Aids charity's patron, following 'power struggle' between its trustees and new chair
-
The princess and the PR: Meghan Markle's image problemTalking Point A tough week for the Sussexes has seen a familiar tale of vitriol and invective thrown the way of the actor-cum-duchess
-
Is the royal family a security risk?Today's big question A Chinese spy's access to Prince Andrew has raised questions about Chinese influence in the UK
