Prince William and Kate Middleton have departed Balmoral Castle alongside their three children, returning to Windsor ahead of a demanding autumn schedule marked by a major educational transition for the family, according to reports from HELLO! magazine.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, traveled from the Scottish Highlands via commercial flight earlier in the week, as reported by HELLO!. Their departure follows a traditional summer holiday at the royal estate, which included attending a Sunday church service at Crathie Kirk on August 23 alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward, and Lady Louise.
Prince George Prepares for Eton College
The family’s return to Windsor precedes a significant milestone for 13-year-old Prince George, who begins his first year as a boarding student at Eton College in September. Kensington Palace confirmed on June 16 that the future king would attend the all-boys institution, following in the footsteps of his father.
“Eton was a much-needed haven for William,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told People following the announcement. “It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.” A source close to the family added to the publication that “George has always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
While Prince George transitions to life at Eton, his younger siblings—11-year-old Princess Charlotte and 8-year-old Prince Louis—will resume their studies at Lambrook School.
Concurrent Royal Movements in the UK
The Wales family’s exit from Scotland coincided with broader family developments. Prince William and Princess Kate arrived in Scotland on August 20 amid reports that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were relocating their family to the United Kingdom for an extended period.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in the U.K. on August 26, traveling privately from California to Birmingham with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. According to coverage from People, the Sussex family intends to establish a private U.K. home base, with Archie and Lilibet slated to begin local schooling in September.
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