The Princess of Wales is gearing up for some family time with her youngsters but it won’t be without tis changes
Prince George is approaching 12 years old and heading off to secondary school next September (Image: Getty Images)
The autumn half-term break has arrived down in England – and it can only spell one thing for the Princess of Wales. Following several hectic weeks featuring a glamorous state visit, poignant trip to Southport, and a visit to Northern Ireland, Kate Middleton will undoubtedly be anticipating some precious family time with her youngsters.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have already begun their break from Lambrook School, with both Kate and Prince William typically stepping back from Royal duties during school holidays so the family of five can spend quality time together.
This year’s half-term break arrives at a pivotal moment for the household as William and Kate gear up for the hectic run-up to Christmas filled with Royal engagements and various projects, whilst simultaneously preparing for a major relocation from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge, another property on the Windsor estate.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively revealed to the Mirror that the brief autumn respite could not be more perfectly timed for the Wales clan.
She said: “They’ve come in for some criticism for the number of overseas holidays they’ve taken over the past year, so perhaps this half term will be one to spend at home,” reports the Mirror.
After a busy run of engagements, the Princess of Wales will be spending some time with her children as the autumn half-term school holiday starts(Image: Will Warr/Kensington Palace/PA Wire)
“Of course, by then, it’s possible that the family may have moved into their new house, Forest Lodge, which will seem like a holiday in itself. But that may still be some weeks off. So, if the renovations are still underway, I expect they’ll head up to Norfolk to enjoy the wide open skies and sea air.
“They seem to manage a fair bit of freedom in the countryside and on the beaches near Anmer Hall. And it must be so liberating for them to be able to leap over the sand dunes or walk the dogs, almost like any other family.”
Another major occasion, which is scheduled to overlap with the youngsters’ school break, is Halloween.
The family appear to be keen enthusiasts of the frightful festivities as back in 2019, Kate was caught browsing in their neighbourhood Sainsbury’s in King’s Lynn in Norfolk for children’s Halloween outfits and other goodies.
Several years on, Kate was observed accompanying her little ones trick-or-treating close to their Kensington Palace residence. This was disclosed by Jay Rutland, the spouse of F1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone, who resides near the London palace and allegedly had their door knocked on during the excursion.
The kids have already headed off on their break from their school Lambrook(Image: AP)
Jennie went on: “Catherine is so in tune with nature these days, and finds it so restorative, that I think she enjoys all the rituals that go with the passing seasons. And that goes for Halloween as well. It always seems like a celebration of the height of autumn, with winter just on the horizon.
“And these days young families make such a joyful fuss about Halloween: the masks, the lanterns, the pumpkins and all the paraphernalia that go to make a spooky party.”
But with eldest child Prince George now approaching 12 – and set to begin secondary education next September – donning costumes for Halloween may not remain appealing for much longer as he transitions into adolescence.
Jennie continued: “From what we recently learned about George – William divulged that his son was quite a different character behind doors to the rather serious, impeccably behaved boy we see in public – I should think he still enjoys some boisterous Halloween fun with his siblings.
“But life is obviously going to change for the family when George goes to his new school. He’ll probably start feeling a bit more independent and grown-up.”
Life is going to change for the family when George heads off to his new school(Image: Getty)
Following the holidays, the Royal Family will enter their characteristically hectic period as the weeks count down to Christmas.
Next month will undoubtedly see William and Kate joining the remainder of the Firm, observing Remembrance events that culminate at the customary solemn service at the Cenotaph in Central London to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
The run-up to the festive season will then feature the Diplomatic Corps reception before King Charles is anticipated to welcome his family members for the yearly Royal Family Christmas festivities at Sandringham.
And last month, it was confirmed Kate’s now traditional Christmas carol concert will take place at Westminster Abbey again this year.
Last year, a whole host of famous faces including Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter and Richard E Grant performed at the service, which was attended by the entire Wales family and other royals, including the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice, before being broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.
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However, despite their packed schedules for the coming months, Jennie suggests that Kate and William won’t be planning too far into the future.
She added: “For now, though, this half term will be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of school life and Royal duties before all the end-of-year events.”