Princess Kate could be faced with a return of "mum guilt" as the Royal Family breaks up their summer gathering at Balmoral and her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, return to Lambrook School.
This academic year, beginning September 3, will also be the last before Prince George begins his secondary education in 2026.
Both Prince William and Kate are known to take a very active role in their children’s schooling, regularly attending sporting events and personally ferrying them to and from school.
However, the ending of their family holiday and Kate's return to royal duties, which grow with her increasing seniority within the family, means she will inevitably have to spend less time with her children.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis have began their new term at Lambrook School
|GETTY
Adding to her workload, the Waleses are preparing to leave behind Adelaide Cottage for their "forever home" at Forest Lodge – which is also undergoing major renovations.
Kate has previously spoken candidly about feeling so-called "mum guilt" when she is unable to give more time to the three young royals.
"Anyone who doesn’t as a mother is actually lying," Kate admitted when speaking on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast in 2020.
She explained this could be particularly difficult when she was unable to do the school run, remembering George and Charlotte pleading: "Mummy, how could you possibly not be dropping us off at school this morning?"
Princess Kate may be once again face 'mum guilt' as she is not able to spend as much time with her children as she has enjoyed over the summer
|GETTY
"It’s a constant challenge," she added.
The Princess of Wales could be facing a similar challenge as she manages the children starting term this week.
It could be expected to become even more difficult to coordinate the school run with royal responsibilities as the children become split between different institutions with George's move to secondary school only a year away.
However, Kate assured that her feelings were buoyed by the support of her family who could pitch in.
Kate and William are known to be responsible for the school run but increasing royal duties have made this harder
|GETTY
"The more people you have around your children who are safe and loving and caring, the better," she said.
Kate added that support came as a "real weight" off her shoulders with the recognition that it was not "totally (her) responsibility to do everything".
"You know we all have good days, bad days - and you can dilute that with others who aren't on that particular day struggling," the Princess added.
In September 2026, Prince George will leave behind Lambrook School and continue his education elsewhere.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince George is expected to make the jump to Eton next year
|GETTY
Eton College is expected to be his next destination, continuing a family tradition established by his father and uncle.
Prince William attended the prestigious institution from 1995 to 2000, boarding there for five years.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will continue their education at Lambrook for several more years.
Charlotte has multiple academic years remaining before she moves to secondary school, whilst Louis has only recently begun his preparatory school experience.