As August draws to a close, the Prince and Princess of Wales have officially wrapped up their traditional late-summer holiday in the Scottish Highlands.
After spending time with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Balmoral Castle, William and Catherine returned south to Windsor, marking the end of family holiday time and the beginning of a major transition for their three children.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have returned home to Windsor. Getty
While royal breaks typically blend privacy and outdoor activities, this end-of-summer transition holds exceptional significance for the family.
As September approaches, the household is preparing not only for a standard school run, but for a major educational milestone for their eldest son.
Prince George starts high school
For the past several years, Prince George attended Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his younger siblings. However, this September marks his transition into secondary education as he begins his first term at Eton College.
By enrolling at Eton, George follows in the footsteps of both his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry.
Eton College is located just across the River Thames from Windsor Castle, making it remarkably close to the family’s primary home at Adelaide Cottage.
This proximity means George will be able to visit home easily during weekend breaks for family dinners and downtime after sports fixtures.
Given the immense global interest surrounding the future King’s arrival at the centuries-old boarding school, local preparations have included strict privacy measures around the campus grounds.
Prince George will begin his high school years at Eton College in September. Getty Images
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis continue at Lambrook School
While their big brother embarks on his secondary school journey, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are returning to Lambrook School in Berkshire.
Located near Ascot, the co-educational day and boarding school spans 52 acres of Berkshire countryside, providing a wide range of outdoor activities, sports, and creative arts that the young royals have thrived in over recent terms.
The new school year begins in the UK in September. Ben Montgomery/Getty Images
With high-profile students on the roster, Lambrook has adapted seamlessly, implementing discreet security measures to balance standard school life with the royal status of its pupils.
During the school term, Prince William, Catherine, and their children live primarily in Windsor, Berkshire.
The family resides at Forest Lodge, a private eight-bedroom Georgian mansion located on the grounds of Windsor Great Park.
Prior to moving to Forest Lodge, they lived nearby at Adelaide Cottage.
Forest Lodge is located just a 15-minute drive from Eton College, and 10-15 minutes from Lambrook School.
No comment on Harry and Meghan’s return
The Prince and Princess of Wales have maintained their silence following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return to the UK.
William and Kate have not publicly addressed Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK. Instagram/@meghan
Prince Harry, Meghan and their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have reportedly settled in Cotswolds region in England, where the children have been enrolled in school.
It isn’t known how long the Sussex family plans to stay in the UK.
Factors that may have fed into their decision to return include concerns over King Charles’ health and ongoing cancer battle, Prince Harry’s stated desire to mend fences with his family, and public events the Duke of Sussex plans to attend – including the WellChild Awards in London on September 5 and events leading up to the Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027.