13 Sweet Photos of Little Royals Overcoming Their First-Day-of-School Jitters

By Melanie Aman Updated: September 11, 2018

Deal of the Day

Save 40% on Physician’s Choice Menopause Probiotic Supplement for Women With Subscription! View Deal

A lot of fuss is made about the perks of being a British royal, but those perks don’t include not having to go to school. Even the royal children need to get an education, which means their parents sometimes have to handle school drop-offs — just like the rest of us.

It’s sweet to see old photos of Queen Elizabeth or Princess Diana accompanying their little ones to school because it’s a reminder of how much each one loved her family. Just because they’re royalty doesn’t mean the things they want for their children are that much different from our own wishes. In the end, we all just want our kids to learn in a safe environment, one that fosters their curiosity and encourages them to pursue the things that interest them.

Though there were no photos of Prince George and Princess Charlotte‘s first day of school in 2018, we found plenty of photos of the rest of the royal family starting school that are equally adorable! (And don’t worry, we’ll most likely see the Cambridge kids at Princess Eugenie’s upcoming wedding.) Take a trip down memory lane and see not only Prince William and Prince Harry’s first days of school, but also their teeny-tiny matching uniforms.

Princess Charlotte First Day Of Nursery School

Getty Images
Share this:
Princess Charlotte's First Day of Nursery School

The Duchess of Cambridge snapped a quick shot of her daughter all dressed up and ready for her first day at nursery school. In January 2018, Princess Charlotte started at Willcocks Nursery School in London. We can't think of a sweeter first-day-of-school outfit than the red-and-pink-themed ensemble Princess Charlotte is wearing. But the best accessory is her bright smile; she looks like she can't wait for her big day!
Prince George First Day Of School

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince George's First Day of School

Prince George looked all grown up on his first day of school in September 2017. With his smart button-up and sweater, crisp navy shorts, and pint-sized loafers, Prince George looked as though he didn't need his parents' help anymore — until he got to school, that is. Though Prince George was all smiles as he posed with his father, Prince William, the royal tot looked apprehensive as he shook hands with the head of the lower school at Thomas's Battersea.
Prince George First Day Of Nursery School

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince George's First Day of Nursery School

Back in January 2016 when his father was stationed in Norfolk, Prince George attended his first day of school at Westacre Montessori. Kate Middleton perfectly captured her son's angelic chubby cheeks and light blond curls in a photo she took of Prince George wearing an adorable blue backpack and navy jacket.
Prince William Nursery School

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince William's First Day of Nursery School

In September 1985, Prince Charles and Princess Diana accompanied their son, Prince William, to Minors Nursery School (formerly known as Mrs. Mynors Nursery School) in Notting Hill. The tot looked especially precious in a striped sweater, red shorts, and matching crimson shoes. Minors' mission is to "provide an excellent foundation on which every child can build their future education within a caring, secure and stimulating environment where they feel valued and happy."
Prince William Wetherby

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince William's First Day of School

Prince William's first day of school at Wetherby provided us with a lot of adorable snaps of the future king looking oh-so-precious in his school uniform. There's just something about kids' clothes — especially tiny hats — that make us instantly go "Awww!" The prince was all smiles on the big day, so we'd bet he was pretty excited to get into the classroom and meet the rest of his fellow students.
Prince Harry Nursery School

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince Harry's First Day of Nursery School

On his first day of nursery school in 1987, Prince Harry was accompanied by his mother, Princess Diana, and his older brother, Prince William. Prince Harry also attended Mrs. Mynors Nursery School and wore a matching ensemble, this time in blue. (Side note: Who else forgot that Prince Harry was blond as a child? We can't imagine him with anything other than his fiery red locks, but we think blond suits him, too!)
Prince William Prince Harry Wetherby

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince Harry's First Day of School

Prince Harry again followed in his brother's footsteps by attending Wetherby School in 1989. We can't think of a cuter sibling duo than the princes dressed in identical school uniforms. Both brothers look ecstatic for their first day of school, and we suspect that has something to do with their strong sibling bond. Starting a new school can be scary, but with your brother by your side, you've got nothing to worry about!
Princess Beatrice School

Getty Images
Share this:
Princess Beatrice's First Day of School

Prince William and Prince Harry are remembered for being exceptionally photogenic kids, but Fergie's two daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, were cutie pies, too! On her daughter Beatrice's first day of school in 1991, Fergie accompanied the blond tot to Upton House School. These days, Princess Beatrice is known for her striking red hair — just like her mom — so it's equally surprising to see she how light her locks were when she was younger.
Princess Eugenie School

Getty Images
Share this:
Princess Eugenie's First Day of School

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie certainly give their cousins, Prince William and Prince Harry, a run for their money when it comes to the title of "Cutest Royal Siblings." Fergie pulls double duty, escorting both a very excited Princess Eugenie and an apprehensive Princess Beatrice to Upton House School. Perhaps Princess Beatrice is bummed by the sad realization that she has to go to school for the next 15 years.
Prince Charles School Hill

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince Charles' First Day of School

Prince Charles and his siblings were the first generation of royal children to not be homeschooled. In 1957, Prince Charles made history by attending Hill House School, though he transferred very shortly after. The Queen's oldest child then attended Cheam from the ages of eight to 13 before again changing schools. Despite objections from the queen mother, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip sent their son to Gordonstoun, a public school in Scotland. Prince Charles also became the first royal to take school exams.
Princess Anne School

Getty Images
Share this:
Princess Anne's First Day of School

Princess Anne was tutored at home until the age of 13. In 1963, she was sent to Benenden School, a boarding school in the southern United Kingdom. She graduated in 1968 after taking and passing her exams.
Prince Andrew Nursery

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince Andrew's First Day of School

Like the rest of Queen Elizabeth's children, Prince Andrew was taught by a governess before he attended school. He's pictured here in 1968 shaking hands with the headmaster of Heatherdown Preparatory School. In the background, you can see his mother, Queen Elizabeth, smiling brightly. In 1973, Prince Andrew followed his brother Charles to Gordonstoun.
Prince Edward School

Getty Images
Share this:
Prince Edward's First Day of School

Queen Elizabeth's youngest child also attended Gordonstoun. When he left in 1984, Prince Edward signed up for two terms at Wanganui Collegiate School in Wanganui, New Zealand. He graduated from Jesus College, Cambridge in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.