Regular people like us only have a few things in common with the royal family, but we do share one thing — the fact that summer eventually ends and the first day of school comes around. Even Kate Middleton and Prince William's kids have to head back to the classroom in the fall, and fortunately, we are often treated to some pretty adorable photos when they do.
But Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis aren't the only royal kids we've seen go back to school. Though it used to be royal tradition to be tutored at home, Queen Elizabeth's kids broke that streak. We've seen Prince Charles head off to school, and of course, all of the milestones in William and Prince Harry's educational careers, too — not to mention watching Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice grow up through the years as well.
Get into the back-to-school spirit with these throwback photos of the royals heading to class (usually wearing very adorable — and very British — uniforms).
Prince Charles at the Gordonstoun School
Though Queen Elizabeth was homeschooled, all of that changed with her own children, who would leave their homes to go to private schools, including her firstborn, Prince Charles. Here he is in 1962, attending his first day at the Gordonstoun School in Scotland. His father, Prince Philip (not shown in this image), accompanied him there for the occasion.
Prince William's First Day of Nursery School
William attended Mrs. Mynors' Nursery School starting in 1985, and this photo from his very first day is too cute. It's easy to see the bond that he and mom Princess Diana had from the get-go because he looks like he wants to stay with her and not start school. And how adorable is that outfit he's wearing? So '80s!
Prince Harry's First Day of Nursery School
It wasn't long until William wasn't the only one going to school! Two years later, brother Harry got to be the one to celebrate his first day of school at Mrs. Mynors'. Back in 1987, the Duke of Sussex was so tiny, but he did look ready to be a big kid like Will.
Supporting Harry
Here's the whole family supporting Harry on his first day — so sweet! Both he and William look more than happy to wave at the onlookers who must have gathered to cheer him on. We love how thrilled Diana looks to be present for this milestone in her youngest son's life.
Moving On Up
For Charles and Diana's kids, 1987 was a big year. Not only did Harry start nursery school, but William got to enroll at Wetherby School in London — and that meant wearing this totally adorable uniform. Here, he and his mom are meeting the headmistress for the first time.
William & Harry, Together Again
Just a couple of years later, both William and Harry were Wetherby boys. They looked too cute in their matching uniforms, and we can't get over that grin on Harry's face — he must have really loved being able to go to the same school as his brother!
Ready To Learn
A photographer snapped this picture of Harry and William smiling on the steps of their school on Harry's first day, as Diana looked on proudly at her sons. There's always that pang in our chests when we leave our kids behind at school, but she must have been comforted knowing they had each other in the same building.
Starting Spring Term
Fast forward less than a year into the future, and it's easy to see exactly how quickly kids grow. Here, Harry and William are back at Wetherby for the first day of spring term in 1990, and they both look like they've shot up at least a couple of inches. Whoa!
A Big Day for William
Here, the whole family gathered in 1995 for William's first day at Eton, an elite boarding school near Windsor Castle where William attended when he got a bit older. Fortunately, it doesn't seem like he was nervous at all to stay away from home! (And to be fair, his grandmother the Queen was just a few miles away when she was in residence at Windsor.)
Harry's First Day at Eton
If you've been following the pattern here, it probably won't surprise you at all to find out that as Harry became old enough, he too went to study at Eton. Here he is in 1998, wearing a coat with tails, known as a morning suit, which was traditional for students on their first day at school there (and looking way happier about it than many teenage boys would).
William's First Day of College
Ah, yes, William's teen heartthrob phase — we remember it well! Here, Prince Charles is bringing his oldest son to college at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Little did William know at the time that this is where he would meet his future wife. George, Charlotte, and Louis wouldn't exist if this first day of school never happened!
Princess Eugenie's First Day of School
Taking it back to 1992, we can see Sarah Ferguson taking tiny Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice to school. It was Eugenie's first day ever at the Upton House School in Windsor, and judging by that huge grin on her face, she couldn't have been more excited. Beatrice, on the other hand …
Princess Beatrice at St. George's
Beatrice looked a bit happier years later when she got some hugs from her mom on her first day at St. George's in Ascot. Another adorable uniform for her in 2000, and such a sweet moment shared with Sarah, Duchess of York. This must have been a fun morning for them.
Then, Eugenie's Turn
In September 2001, both Sarah and ex-husband Prince Andrew were on hand to take youngest daughter Eugenie to her first day of school at St. George's, just like Beatrice. She looked too cute in her uniform, and of course, her parents seemed to be very proud as usual.
Prince George's First Day of Nursery School
This definitely has to be one of our favorite pictures of George ever! Snapped by Kate in 2016, this photo shows George arriving at his first day of nursery school at Westacre Montessori School in Norfolk — and of course, he was all ready to go with his tiny backpack. So cute!
George's Excitement
This is another photo that William and Kate decided to share publicly of George's first day at nursery school — just look how excited he is to see the mural on the wall outside. It must have been so much fun for him to make new friends.
Charlotte's First Day
When it was Charlotte's turn to start nursery school, Kate once again put her photography skills to work. Charlotte looked so prim and proper on her first day at Willcocks Nursery School, especially in her matching coat and shoes. And those tights!
A Boy & His Dad
After George graduated from nursery school, it was time for him to start at Thomas' Battersea. And when he did, his dad was there to help him get off on the right foot. George's uniform made him look so dapper — even if he did seem a bit reluctant.
Joined by Charlotte
In 2019, it was Charlotte's turn to join big brother George at Thomas' Battersea, where the siblings have been attending school ever since. They both looked a bit apprehensive as their parents brought them in on the first day, but they did wave to onlookers as they arrived.
Prince Louis, Official Big Kid
Louis is the most recent royal to start his education. In 2021, he started nursery school himself — he already looks so grown up! Kate snapped this picture of him on his bike before heading off to school. He was so excited. Look at that grin!
