Kate Middleton Was “Desperately Sad” to Miss Prince George’s First Day of School On Thursday. The world watched as an adorably-hesitant Prince George arrived to his first day of school at Thomas’s Batersea. Though the eight-year-old’s father, Prince William, did an excellent job flying solo for the pivotal event, we couldn’t help but feel the absence of mom, Kate Middleton.
In the past, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shared new photos of the children only when it marked a milestone, such as their first ever day of school, or the first day at a new school. But this fall, George, Charlotte, and Louis are all returning to schools they’ve previously attended.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte remain at Thomas’s Battersea, while Louis returns to Willcocks Nursery School. He began preschool at Willcocks in the spring shortly after his third birthday, an occasion which did warrant a new photo. A photo posted to the official Kensington Royal Twitter account was captioned, “Taken earlier this week by The Duchess before he left for his first day of nursery, The Duke and Duchess are pleased to share a new image of Prince Louis.”
For Charlotte’s first day at Thomas’s Battersea in September 2019, William and Kate shared a sweet video of the princess and her older brother. “Kate watched the news from home,” a source close to the royal couple told Us Weekly. “She was desperately sad that she couldn’t make it but she is on firm bed rest now until she feels better.”
Prince William and Prince George were greeted by Helen Haslem, head of the lower school, on George’s first day at Thomas’s Battersea. Although the Duchess of Cambridge has spoiled fans in the past with her impressive photography skills, it’s unlikely that she and Prince William will share new back-to-school photos of the young royals this year, as pointed out by People.
Understandably, watching their oldest child head off to school brought mixed feelings for the royal couple. “The first day of a child’s school is always a bittersweet day for a mother,” the insider added. “Both Kate and William are extremely proud of George and how well-behaved he was as he arrived, but it’s also a little frightening to see him grow up this fast!”
