Princess Charlotte's official first day of school portrait

Your first day of school is always a nerve-wracking experience, but add the pressure of a swam of cameras and well-wishers following your every move, and you can understand why Princess Charlotte looked a little sheepish as she walked towards the gates of Thomas's Battersea on Thursday.

The four-year-old was seen clinging to her mum Kate Middelton's side as they walked hand-in-hand alongside Prince William and her older brother Prince George.

Dressed in her new uniform and looking tanned from her summer holidays, Charlotte waved to the waiting crowds and eventually stepped forward to greet a teacher with a handshake before being ushered in.

Her dad Prince William could be heard saying, “first day, she’s very excited”.

Official portrait

That excitement was clear to see when the royals shared an adorable portrait of Charlotte and George outside of Kensington Palace earlier that morning.

In it, a beaming Charlotte wraps her arm around her brother’s waist as he too smiles to the camera just before they left for their very first school run together.

It was just as special a moment for the Duchess of Cambridge as it was for the young princess, as Kate was unable to accompany George on his first day of school two years ago as she was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum while pregnant with Prince Louis.

Kate was dressed in a red and white carnation dress by Michael Kors for the occasion, and couldn't have looked more proud.

Charlotte’s new school

Elite London school Thomas's Battersea is thrilled to be welcoming Princess Charlotte into the fold, with headmaster Simon O’Malley, saying he was 'delighted' that the Duke and Duchess chose to send their second child to the school.

At AU$34,200 (£18,900) per year, it's not in everyone's price range, but the royals will receive a discount for every child they send to the school.

It teaches around 560 boys and girls between the ages of four and 13, and their curriculum is compiled of subjects including art, ballet, drama, French, Music and PE - all taught by specialist teachers.

According to the school’s website, children will have the opportunity to play and explore as well as to “have a go and persevere; be creative and solve problems; form good relationships; be safe, secure and happy”.

Helen Haslem, Head of Lower School, added: “The emphasis in the Lower School is on enjoyment and this is embedded in our broad curriculum and our most important school rule of 'Be Kind'.”

“Children quickly settle into the routines and expectations of the school where the atmosphere is noticeably happy, yet stimulating in nature. Our foremost aim is to ensure that every child feels safe, happy and confident at school.

“We help to create an environment in which children are eager to learn and to take an active part in own learning.”

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