Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have officially started a new school year. On September 3, the three children of Prince William and Kate Middleton returned to Lambrook School, a term that is expected to be their last year all together at the same school.
While the family has kept a notably low profile over the summer, reports suggest the months ahead will bring significant change. Despite the transition on the horizon, Prince William is said to be focused on one priority above all else: giving his children the most stable, private childhood possible—something he’s often described as not having himself.
A Quiet Summer, Mostly Away From the Spotlight
The Wales children have spent much of the summer out of public view with their parents.
What has been reported or observed publicly includes:
- Time at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, the family’s country home, where they are widely believed to spend a large portion of their school breaks.
- Prince George and Princess Charlotte attending Wimbledon’s finals in July alongside William and Kate.
- Prince Louis, 7, appearing more selectively, with one of his most recent sightings at a late-August church service in Crathie, Scotland, near Balmoral.
- Louis also joining the family for Trooping the Colour in July, where he again drew attention for his animated reactions—something that has become typical during his public appearances.
The “Last Year Together” at Lambrook
This school year is being framed as a milestone because it is expected to be the final year all three children attend the same school.
Key points being discussed:
- Prince George is expected to begin a major transition next year, with reports suggesting he is “tipped” to attend Eton College in the following academic year.
- That shift would naturally change the family’s day-to-day rhythm, routines, and logistics—especially alongside a planned move.
How Much Does George Know About His Future?
How fully Prince George understands his future role remains unclear. However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has suggested that William and Kate are delaying deeper explanations about official roles for as long as possible, keeping their focus on normal childhood experiences.
Bond’s central point: William and Kate want to protect their children from being defined too early by birth order and titles.
William’s Reported Mission: Preventing “Boxes” for His Children
According to Bond, the Prince of Wales is determined to avoid repeating dynamics that have historically shaped royal family life.
What that reportedly looks like in practice:
- Prioritizing stability and privacy, rather than constant visibility.
- Keeping the children’s lives structured around family routines, school, and home life.
- Avoiding a family culture where one child is perceived as the “heir” and the others as secondary—an issue frequently raised in conversations about Prince Harry’s “spare” description of his own experience.
Bond described William as focused on building “a stable and private family life—the kind he never had when he was growing up,” and characterized his approach as “royalty with a small ‘r.’”
Leaving Adelaide Cottage: Why the Family Is Reportedly Moving
The Wales family relocated to Adelaide Cottage in August 2022. Now, after what has been described as a difficult period—especially considering Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis and treatment—they are reportedly preparing to move again.
A commonly reported rationale for the move includes:
- A desire for a fresh start after a challenging time.
- More space and flexibility, with reports describing the next home as an eight-bedroom property, compared with Adelaide Cottage’s smaller footprint.
- Maintaining their preference for privacy even within royal grounds.
Forest Lodge: A “Forever Home” on the Windsor Estate
Bond has said the family’s next property—described as Forest Lodge, located on the Windsor grounds—fits with William’s longer-term plan to keep the family “firmly rooted.”
What is being reported about the move:
- The family sees Forest Lodge as a potential long-term base.
- It is being framed by some as a home that could continue to serve them in the future, even as William and Kate’s roles evolve.
- No live-in staff is expected, mirroring their approach at Adelaide Cottage, to preserve a more private household environment.
- Renovations may be required, and it has been reported the couple would fund necessary updates themselves.
What This Means for the Next Chapter
Between George’s likely schooling transition and the family’s anticipated relocation, the coming months represent a major inflection point for the Waleses.
The themes shaping this next phase appear consistent:
- Protect the children’s privacy
- Create stability through a permanent home base
- Reduce the sense of hierarchy inside the family
- Keep public life and duty separate from the children’s day-to-day upbringing as much as possible