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It marks an important day for the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family, as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are heading back to school following their autumn half-term holiday.
The three royal siblings have been enjoying a break from their studies since October 23, but the return to their usual routines carries particular significance for their eldest brother, Prince George.
The 13-year-old prince, who began his education at Eton College in Windsor in September, concluded his extended two-week holiday on Sunday, bringing his “long leave” from the prestigious boarding school to an end.
As George continues his education away from home, his return to Eton also means another temporary separation from his family. The young royal will have said goodbye to Prince William and Princess Kate at their Forest Lodge residence before heading back to school, where he is expected to spend approximately another month living away from his parents and younger siblings.
Princess Catherine has previously spoken openly about how much she “misses” her eldest son when he is away at boarding school, making his latest departure from home another potentially emotional moment for the family.
Meanwhile, Prince George’s younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, are also returning to their classrooms on Monday. Both children attend Lambrook School in Berkshire, although, unlike their older brother, they continue to live with their parents throughout the school term.
Fortunately, the Wales children may not have to wait too long before spending time together again. Eton College has scheduled a “B” weekend for November 21 and 22, giving students the opportunity to take optional leave and travel home once they have completed their Saturday commitments.
Another opportunity for a family reunion will arrive shortly afterward, with the school planning a “short leave” break between November 28 and 30. George will then have only a few more weeks of classes before Eton closes for the Christmas holidays in mid-December.
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Prince George Enjoys a Memorable Football Outing with Prince William
During his extended break from Eton, Prince George also enjoyed some special father-son time with Prince William, accompanying him to watch Aston Villa face Barcelona in an away fixture last week.
The young prince appeared noticeably more mature as he cheered on the team alongside his father. Dressed casually in an Adidas tracksuit featuring Aston Villa’s club badge, George joined William in the stands to follow the action on the pitch.
Unfortunately for Prince William and Prince George, the football match did not deliver the result they had hoped for. Aston Villa, the club William has passionately supported for many years, suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Barcelona in their UEFA Champions League encounter.
The royal father and son also attracted attention for their choice of transportation when travelling to Spain. Rather than opting for a private aircraft, William and George reportedly travelled on a regular commercial flight.
Video clips shared widely across social media appeared to show the pair aboard a British Airways plane, seated in the economy cabin instead of choosing the more luxurious first-class or business-class sections.
Prince William and Princess Catherine Attend Moving Remembrance Commemorations
It was also a particularly meaningful and emotional weekend for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who participated in the United Kingdom’s national Remembrance commemorations to honour those who lost their lives in military service.
On Saturday evening, William and Catherine attended the traditional Festival of Remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, joining other attendees for the annual tribute to members of the Armed Forces and their families.
For the solemn occasion, Princess Catherine selected an elegant Alessandra Rich dress, which she complemented with the Irish Guards regimental brooch and a pair of earrings that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
She completed her carefully chosen ensemble with a handmade remembrance poppy, a symbolic tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
On Sunday, Prince William and Princess Catherine joined King Charles III for a solemn national ceremony of remembrance, during which the monarch led a two-minute silence in tribute to those who lost their lives in wars and military conflicts.
For the occasion, the Prince of Wales wore his formal military uniform as a Lieutenant Colonel of the Household Cavalry, accompanied by a black cloak and ceremonial sword. After placing a commemorative wreath at the Cenotaph, William stood in tribute and delivered a military salute to honour the fallen.
Meanwhile, Princess Catherine, dressed in an elegant black ensemble appropriate for the sombre occasion, observed the proceedings from the central balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, overlooking the commemorative ceremony below.
However, Prince William and Princess Catherine attended the Remembrance Sunday ceremony without their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Their absence was particularly noticeable given that George had previously accompanied his family to the Festival of Remembrance in 2025.
The decision reflects the formal nature of the occasion, which is traditionally attended by senior working members of the Royal Family. William and Catherine are also understood to be taking a measured approach to their children’s public responsibilities, preferring to protect their privacy and limit their involvement in high-profile royal engagements until they are older.
