Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, the children of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are beginning a new chapter in their lives as they return to Lambrook School for the 2024–2025 academic year. This marks an important stage for the family, as it will be the last year all three siblings attend the same school before Prince George moves on to secondary education.
Beyond academics, the Prince and Princess of Wales are widely recognized for their efforts to provide their children with a stable, nurturing, and relatively private upbringing — one that differs significantly from the experiences Prince William had during his own childhood.
A New School Year at Lambrook
Lambrook School, located near Windsor, has been home to all three Wales children since 2022. The co-educational prep school emphasizes academics, extracurriculars, and outdoor learning. Reports confirm that George, Charlotte, and Louis are thriving in their environment, which offers them opportunities for growth in both studies and social development.
According to the BBC and other reputable outlets, this will likely be Prince George’s final year at Lambrook before he transitions to secondary school. Following royal tradition, Eton College — where both Prince William and Prince Harry studied — is considered a probable next step, though the family has not made any official announcements.
Family Summers and Public Engagements
During summer 2024, the Wales family balanced private family time with carefully chosen public appearances. Prince George and Princess Charlotte attended the Wimbledon finals with their parents in July, a tradition for the royal family that introduces the younger generation to one of Britain’s most beloved sporting events.
Prince Louis, who turned six earlier this year, participated in Trooping the Colour in June alongside his siblings, delighting the public with his characteristic energy. Later in August, the family joined other members of the royal family at a church service in Scotland near Balmoral Castle, continuing their tradition of spending part of the summer in Scotland.
These appearances are consistent with the couple’s approach: offering their children opportunities to take part in royal traditions while maintaining long stretches of time away from cameras in the countryside.
A Parenting Philosophy Shaped by Experience
Prince William has often spoken about the importance of family life and his desire to protect his children from unnecessary pressures. Unlike his own childhood, which was marked by the challenges of growing up in the public eye following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, William is committed to providing his children with as much privacy and stability as possible.
Catherine has also emphasized the importance of early childhood development through her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. She has highlighted how creating a secure and nurturing environment is critical for children’s long-term well-being. This professional focus complements the couple’s parenting philosophy at home.
Moving from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge
In August 2022, the family relocated from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. The move was motivated by their desire to give their children more privacy and the chance to grow up away from the intense pace of central London.
In mid-2024, multiple reliable outlets including the BBC reported that the Wales family is preparing to move again, this time to Forest Lodge, another property on the Windsor grounds. The eight-bedroom home will provide additional space compared to Adelaide Cottage’s four bedrooms.
Importantly, Prince William and Princess Catherine are maintaining their preference not to have live-in staff, ensuring the family home environment feels private and focused on their children’s daily routines. According to the same BBC coverage, the couple will cover renovation costs themselves.
Balancing Tradition and Normalcy
While the Wales children are heirs to one of the most historic institutions in the world, their parents are committed to balancing royal responsibilities with experiences that mirror those of non-royal families.
For instance, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis participate in school activities, sports, and family outings that align with what many other children in the UK experience. At the same time, they take part in important royal traditions such as official celebrations, church services, and national ceremonies.
This balance allows the children to develop a strong sense of normalcy while gradually preparing for their future roles within the monarchy.
Preparing for the Future
Prince George, second in line to the throne after his father, will eventually inherit significant royal responsibilities. However, the family has taken care not to burden him too early with the weight of expectation. Catherine and William have shared in past interviews that they prefer to let their children enjoy childhood before gradually introducing them to the details of their roles.
This approach reflects lessons learned from past generations of royals, when heirs and their siblings were sometimes defined too strictly by their positions in the line of succession. Instead, William and Catherine are working to give their children the opportunity to develop their identities and interests in a supportive environment.
The Impact of Kate’s Health Journey
In 2024, Catherine publicly shared that she had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. According to statements released through official royal channels, the family has prioritized protecting the children’s privacy during this time while maintaining as much stability as possible in their daily lives.
The move to Forest Lodge, as reported by BBC News, is partly seen as an opportunity to create a fresh start for the family during a challenging period. This further demonstrates William and Catherine’s commitment to shielding their children from unnecessary pressures and ensuring their well-being remains the top priority.
A Vision for the Next Generation
By focusing on privacy, stability, and meaningful family time, Prince William and Princess Catherine are shaping a vision of modern royal parenting. Their philosophy reflects both tradition and innovation: preserving the dignity of the monarchy while ensuring their children experience the joys of a grounded childhood.
This approach may influence how future generations of royals are raised, setting a new precedent for balancing public service with personal well-being.
Conclusion
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are growing up with a childhood designed to be as stable and private as possible — a deliberate choice by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. From their education at Lambrook School to family time spent in Windsor and Norfolk, their upbringing reflects a balance of normal family life and carefully managed public duty.
The family’s upcoming move to Forest Lodge marks another step in creating a lasting home where the children can thrive. With their focus on well-being, education, and privacy, William and Catherine are ensuring that their children enjoy a nurturing environment that prepares them not only for their roles as members of the royal family but also for life as individuals.
As the Wales children continue to grow, their parents’ commitment to prioritizing childhood experiences over constant public exposure may well become a defining feature of the next chapter in the history of the British royal family.