As summer vacation comes to a close, Prince William and Princess Catherine are preparing to dive into a busy schedule of royal engagements and public appearances.

With their return to Windsor, the focus now shifts to their children’s new academic chapter and the adjustments that come with it.

On Wednesday, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis marked their first day at their new school, Lambrook School, a prestigious fee-paying institution located near Windsor.

Accompanied by their parents, the young royals enjoyed a settling-in afternoon before officially beginning their first full day of school on Thursday.

According to a statement from Kensington Palace, the family was warmly welcomed by the school’s headmaster, Jonathan Perry. “Welcome to Lambrook,” Perry greeted them, shaking each of their hands. “We’re very excited for the year ahead,” he added. Prince William echoed the sentiment, noting that the children had many questions about their new environment.

The transition to Lambrook School comes with its own set of changes, not least of which are the upcoming increases in school fees. The introduction of new VAT rules at the end of the school year will result in a 20% rise in fees for all pupils. This adjustment means that the annual fees for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are set to increase significantly.

Currently, Prince Louis, who recently turned six and is in Reception Year, faces a fee of £6,000 per term. With the VAT increase, this will rise to £7,200 per term, totaling £20,000 for the year. Princess Charlotte, in Lower School, will see her termly fees rise from £8,000 to £9,600, bringing her annual fees from £24,000 to £29,000. Meanwhile, Prince George, now aged 11 and in Upper School, will experience a fee increase from £26,000 to £31,000 per term, with the annual total reaching £93,000.

The government has implemented measures to prevent parents from evading the tax increase by prepaying fees. All payments made from July 29, 2024, for the January term onward will be subject to the new VAT rules.

Despite the financial adjustments, the royal family remains committed to supporting their children’s well-being. Princess Catherine, who has been a dedicated advocate for mental health and early childhood education, praised Lambrook’s innovative approach to emotional learning. Last year, she noted that Prince Louis’s class was introduced to a “feelings wheel,” a tool designed to help young children understand and express their emotions.

The family’s summer retreat at Balmoral, which has been a crucial period of rest and togetherness, has provided a valuable opportunity for relaxation and family bonding. This year, the retreat held additional personal significance due to Catherine’s ongoing battle with cancer. The serene surroundings of Balmoral offered a necessary respite for the family, aiding in maintaining morale and strength during Catherine’s treatment.

As Prince William and Princess Catherine resume their royal duties with a renewed focus and commitment, the world watches with anticipation. Their dedication to balancing family life with public responsibilities exemplifies their unwavering commitment to the traditions and values of the British monarchy.

With summer officially behind them and a new school year underway, the royal family is poised to continue their public service while embracing the personal milestones and challenges that lie ahead.