Prince George, 7, and Princess Charlotte, 5, are heading back to school for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown was called on March 23. The Cambridge royals have spent lockdown at their country estate, Anmer Hall in Norfolk. William has previously opened up about the difficulties of home-schooling his children throughout the pandemic.
George and Charlotte returned to Thomas’ Battersea school along with millions of other children around the country on September 7.
Much like other schools, Thomas’ has put restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the virus, such as swimming lessons are being cancelled.
The school also now states all children must be dropped off at the gates, but this doesn’t apply to the royal children.
Due to security reasons, the Cambridges are still able to drive their children into the school grounds.
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Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl said to Vanity Fair the Cambridge’s are the only parents who are allowed to enter the school.
She added this year broke a tradition for the royal children, as no photos have been released of them heading into the new year.
Ms Nicholl added: “While Kensington Palace did not release any images of the children’s first day back, George who has moved into Year 3, and Charlotte who is in Year 1 are said to be thrilled to be back at school with their friends, even though some activities such as swimming have been suspended.”
It was also revealed by a source close to the Cambridge royals that Charlotte and George use Cambridge as their surnames, according to Vanity Fair.
William has also opened up about his experiences with the royal children in lockdown.
Talking with famous footballer Peter Crouch on his podcast, the Duke of Cambridge explained he found the experience “pretty testing”.
He added: “I’ve learned through homeschooling that my patience is a lot shorter than I thought it was, that’s probably been the biggest eye-opener for me, and that my wife has super patience.
“I have to admit I’m a bit embarrassed about my maths knowledge, I can’t do Year two math.”
Despite the challenges, the Cambridge’s’ saw lockdown as a “rare gift” because royal children are usually “unavoidably denied the privilege of prolonged time with their parents” according to a royal expert.
Victoria Arbiter, royal commentator, told Australian site 9Honey William and Kate’s children will likely be “the most well-adjusted generation the royals have ever known” because of their time with their parents.
She added: “For George, Charlotte and Louis a lifetime of duty eventually awaits, but thanks to the relative normality their childhood affords, their royal calling will feel less like a prison sentence and more one to be proud of.”
Ms Arbiter also said she believes William and Kate have “set a royal parenting precedent” with their modern parenting techniques.
