Royal children throughout Europe have been rejoicing in their first days at school just lately. This beloved milestone represents fresh starts and the unconditional love and support of their families. These real-life young royals journey through the lively streets of London, England, and the peaceful countryside of Denmark and Norway. Family members frequently accompany them, helping to shepherd these children through this important first step into a big world of education.
Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, experienced his first day at Thomas’s Battersea in southwest London in September 2017. On his first day, Prince William made a point of personally dropping off his son. Our young prince, as any royal should, is just beginning his educational adventure. Their final moments together as father and son, the photos showing a raw and emotional goodbye. What’s more, they artistically show the deep role that family plays in monumental moments.
In September 2019, Princess Charlotte followed in her elder brother’s footsteps, attending Thomas’s Battersea. When she started school on her first day, she greeted her teacher with a firm handshake — a reflection of her confidence, experience and enthusiasm. And once again, Prince William and Kate Middleton were in attendance. They ensured that their daughter was safe and supported when she began her education.
Prince Louis, the youngest of the Cambridge brood, began his first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire. This landmark occurred in September 2022. Kate Middleton, his mother, joined him on this momentous day. The family’s collective presence at these milestones underscores their commitment to being involved in their children’s education.
The royal rite of passage of beginning formal education goes further than just the British monarchy. Shortly thereafter, in 1991, Princess Beatrice started her education at Upton House Nursery School in Windsor. Photographs from that day show a young Beatrice, wide-eyed and clearly unsure of herself, as she stepped into this alien world. Her sister, Princess Eugenie, did the same, going to Upton House School for her first day in 1994. Their rich stories illuminate the specific themes of challenges and victories that come with navigating the academic world for the first time.
More than a half-a-world away, other young royals have begun their respective education journeys. Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway was enrolled in her local school, Janslokka Skole, starting in August 2010. Like most kids entering kindergarten for the first time, she was both thrilled and apprehensive at the prospect of this huge transition.
In Spain, Princess Leonor and her sister Infanta Sofia began their academic education in 2010. Their first day of school was at the Colegio Santa María de los Rosales. Their commitment to education represents a broader trend among royal families, who are increasingly adopting a contemporary mindset while upholding tradition.
The new Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands on her first day of school in 2007. She entered a dynamic space full of creativity, knowledge, and relationship-building. Beginning Princess Estelle of Sweden’s preschool journey in August 2014. She was simply overflowing with the awe and excitement for exploration that all great students possess at that age.
Prince Christian of Denmark had the special moment of beginning school, attending Tranegard School. Each royal child’s journey into education mirrors a different but equally deep story of expanding opportunity and blossoming potential that knows no national boundaries.
That first day of school feeling is one I think all families, everywhere, can relate to. For these young royals, it appears to function as a tonic, underscoring their universality in the face of elevated titles and selfish privilege. Prince Harry walking into Wetherby School in London with his mother, Diana, in 1989. Now, a new generation is making their own lasting memories as they step into classrooms for the first time.
