So far, this year has been one of the most challenging that Prince William and Princess Kate have faced during their marriage, with the Princess of Wales stepping back from her royal duties as she has undergone cancer treatment. William has had to balance taking care of his family with his royal work, with his father King Charles also having to pause "public-facing duties" for a time to focus on his own cancer treatment.
With both their mother and grandfather facing serious health challenges, the three Wales children - Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six years old - have been shielded from the public eye for the most part. Kate appealed for privacy for her young family when she announced her health difficulties in an emotional video message back in March, as the family tried to get back to normal behind closed doors.
With the three royal youngsters returning to school for the new academic year - the same as children across the country - Kate is facing a "huge transition", an expert has claimed, and it's one to which many parents can likely relate. As reported in Hello magazine, education expert Laura Whitwood - Head of Junior School at St Dunstan's College - explains that the beginning of the new school year can be a difficult transitional time for parents, just as much as their children. After getting used to spending lots of time together in the summer holidays - and without the strict routine that comes with the school week, parents like Kate can face a "huge transition" when their kids head back to the classroom, Whitwood claims.
"It should not be underestimated what a huge transition the new school year is for children, but often it feels much more significant for parents," the expert explained, adding that the combination of organising children for the new term alongside the pangs caused by the upcoming separation can be a lot to manage.
"The shift in routines, having to organise yourselves a week in advance, preparing uniforms, lunches, pencil cases, remembering where to be and when, key dates… The list can feel endless," said the expert. "It also marks a time where your entire focus is family time and whatever age your child is, the end of the fun summer days can feel sad".
All three of Kate and William's children attend Lambrook School together, which caters to pupils up to the age of 13 and is only a few minutes away from their Windsor home of Adelaide Cottage. Whilst Kate might be facing a transitional period, the Wales family have enjoyed two special summer holidays together this year - beginning with a visit to their Norfolk home of Anmer Hall, and later going to Balmoral Castle where they spent time with King Charles.
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