For The Prince and Princess of Wales, 2024 has been a year filled with challenges and uncertainties. As Britain’s favorite royals, William and Catherine have long been under the media spotlight, with public fascination extending beyond their royal duties to their personal lives, often sparking speculation about their life behind palace doors.
After spending quality time with their children in Norfolk and Scotland this summer, Catherine is reportedly experiencing a mix of emotions. The Princess of Wales is facing a significant change this week, as Prince William made a surprising decision that reportedly moved Catherine to tears. This revelation comes at a time when Catherine is dealing with what many consider to be one of the greatest challenges of her life.
Like many parents across the UK, the couple is preparing their three children for their return to school this week. According to Lam Brook's School website, the new school term starts on Wednesday, September 4th. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will be back in their classrooms in Berkshire, starting Year 7, Year 5, and Year 2, respectively.
While Catherine has enjoyed spending time with her family, she will likely welcome the return to routine and the chance to rest when the children go back to school. As with many moms, Catherine is expected to have mixed feelings about the end of the school holidays. Entertaining three children day after day, especially while undergoing cancer treatment, hasn’t been easy. Despite this, Catherine and William have appeared wonderfully relaxed in recent images, suggesting they’ve enjoyed their time in Norfolk and Balmoral.
Returning to the early morning routine of school uniforms, packed bags, and homework will give Catherine a chance to rest quietly without feeling guilty for not being with the children. It will also allow her to focus on her behind-the-scenes work on campaigns and projects that are important to her.
Meanwhile, Kensington Palace has announced that Prince William will undertake a solo engagement on September 10th. Following his recent reunion with Prince Harry, the Prince of Wales will visit South Wales. His schedule includes a stop at Swiss Valley Community Primary School to meet pupils participating in a literature festival. He will also visit the Wales Air Ambulance to meet staff and crew, and spend time at Parky Scarlets, the home of the Scarlets Rugby Union team, to recognize the contributions of Wales' female players. He will meet the current Wales female international team, who recently qualified for the 2025 World Cup.
It remains unclear when Catherine will return to public life amid her ongoing cancer treatment. This year, she has made two major public appearances: at Trooping the Colour in June and at the Wimbledon men’s final in July.
During the children’s summer holidays, William and Catherine enjoyed family time, including two notable trips. They spent time at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, near the King’s Sandringham estate, and were spotted at Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild Festival near Hullam Hall, participating in a Nerf gun battle. The family of five also joined Charles and Camilla at Balmoral for the annual summer retreat. They were seen attending Sunday service at Cray Kirk Church over the August bank holiday weekend, with Catherine in a checked coat and feathered hat. Additionally, William attended the funeral of his late maternal uncle, Lord Robert Fellows, at St Mary’s Church in Swaffham, Norfolk, on August 28th, where he was briefly reunited with his brother, Prince Harry, who discreetly flew into the UK from California.
