Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been exceptionally active in recent weeks, engaging in a series of high-profile royal duties, includingparticipating in wheelchair rugby (even with an injured finger), discussing mental health with university students, and even supporting England in the Rugby World Cup. However, it appears that we won't be seeing much of the princess for the next two weeks, all thanks to her three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
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Kate's most important role
According to The Mirror, the reason for this hiatus from her royal commitments is that the royal trio is currently enjoying their autumn half-term holidays from school. During school breaks, Kate typically reduces her engagements to a minimum to spend quality time with her children. These school holidays commenced on Friday, and the children have a generous two-week respite before returning to Lambrook School on Monday, October 30.
The highlight of this break is that Prince George, the future King of England, may utilize it for his studies. He is set to take exams in a few weeks, and Kate's commitment to support her son is evident by her absence from her husband Prince William's Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony in Singapore in November.
Kensington Palace officially confirmed Kate's non-attendance at the event and cited the reason. A senior source explained:
The Princess will not be attending. Prince George has exams that week, and the Princess wants to be at home to support him.
Prince George could follow in Prince William's footsteps
Prince George began his fall break in a special way by joining his father, Prince William, at the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals in France. The father-son duo, dressed in matching suits and red ties, took the spotlight as they supported the Welsh team in their match against Argentina, despite the team's loss. The family is also likely preparing for some Halloween fun, as indicated by past activities like pumpkin decorating and costume shopping.
Although the palace has remained silent on the exact nature of George's exams, preliminary entrance exams for Eton College, known as ISEBs, are known to take place during the first week of November, as per Marie Claire. Eton is the same prestigious school attended by his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry. George is currently a student at Lambrook School, where he is joined by his younger siblings, Charlotte and Louis.
According to PEOPLE, it's possible that Prince George will continue the royal tradition by attending Eton in three years, as he has been spotted visiting the school. Eton College holds a special place in the royal family's education history, as it's where Prince William became the first senior royal to enroll in 1995. In addition, Queen Elizabeth II's first cousins, Prince Edward, Prince Richard, and Prince Michael, have also attended the school.
Even though Kate's royal duties have temporarily slowed down, this decision aligns with the royal couple's approach to raising their children differently from previous generations of royals. The Wales family values quality family time during school breaks and often retreats to their country home in Norfolk, Anmer Hall, where they engage in outdoor activities together.
This focus on family time is a testament to Kate's upbringing, as she did not grow up in the aristocratic setting that typically separates children from their parents for most of the day. A source told PEOPLE:
Coming from a different background, she appreciates the importance of having family time. She wasn't brought up in that aristocratic setting where you see the children for a short time each day.
While Prince William and Princess Kate have been relatively out of the public eye this week, they are still actively fulfilling their royal duties behind the scenes. For instance, Prince William recently participated in a call with Canadian firefighters, commending their efforts in battling the country's worst wildfire season on record.
Read more:
⋙ Kate Middleton seen leaving Adelaide Cottage for the first time, how is she doing since surgery?
⋙ Kate Middleton: A month after surgery, the Princess goes on holiday with her children
⋙ Prince Harry: A body language expert claims to know how the royal really feels about Kate Middleton
Sources:
People: Prince George Visits Prince William's Alma Mater Eton College — Will He Follow in Dad's Footsteps?
The Mirror: Kate Middleton's taking break from royal duties - and it's all down to her kids
