With their summer vacation now concluded, Prince William and Princess Catherine are turning their focus to a busy schedule of royal engagements and public appearances. On Wednesday, their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—began their first day at their new school, Lambrook School, a prestigious fee-paying institution near Windsor. The children were accompanied by their parents for a settling-in afternoon at the school.
According to a statement from Kensington Palace, Princess Catherine remarked in Windsor as her children started their first full day at their new school on Thursday. The palace shared that Prince William and Catherine walked into the school with their children, where they were greeted by Headmaster Jonathan Perry. Perry welcomed them warmly, expressing excitement for the year ahead. William acknowledged that the children had many questions.
However, parents of pupils at Lambrook School are facing a 20% increase in school fees due to new VAT rules set to take effect at the end of the school year. As a result, the annual school fees for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will soon rise to £79,372. This will be the final term at the current fee rate before the increase starts on January 1st, pushing the cost to approximately £80,000 per year for all three children.
Prince Louis, who turned six earlier this year, is currently in reception year, with a fee of £6,000 per term. With the 20% VAT increase, the family will pay an additional £1,000 per term, raising the annual total from £16,000 to £20,000. Princess Charlotte is in the lower school, with a fee of £8,000 per term. The VAT increase will raise her annual fees from £24,000 to £29,000. Prince George, now aged 11, is in the upper school bracket, with a term fee of £9,900. His annual fees will increase from £26,000 to £31,000.
The government has also tightened regulations to prevent parents from avoiding the extra tax by paying fees in advance. The new tax rules will apply to all payments for the January term made from July 29, 2024, onward.
Princess Catherine, who dedicates much of her royal work to mental health and young children, noted last year that Prince Louis’s class at Lambrook was provided with a feelings wheel to help them understand their emotions. She praised the initiative, highlighting how it helps young children articulate their feelings through color-coded pictures.
As the family resumes their royal duties, their commitment to balancing family life with public responsibilities continues to be commendable. Their time at Balmoral has provided crucial rest and togetherness, especially significant this year due to Catherine's ongoing battle with cancer. The retreat at Balmoral allowed the family to enjoy the expansive grounds and peaceful surroundings, offering a valuable opportunity for relaxation and bonding during a challenging time.
With the summer break officially over and their return to Windsor, the world will continue to watch and admire the royal family as they navigate their roles and uphold the traditions and values of the British monarchy. Their dedication to both family and service remains a testament to their commitment, leaving us with anticipation for what lies ahead for this beloved royal family.
