Princess Charlotte’s first day of school

Princess Charlotte’s first day of school

It was a big day for the little royal. 

In the UK children start school at four years of age with their first year called “reception” – similar to grade prep in Australia where children often start as old as six.

Doubtless it was a long-awaited occasion for young Princess Charlotte – finally getting to accompany big brother Prince George, 6, to school.

Flanked by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carrying the cute duo's backpacks, the young royal walked alongside her brother, beaming and waving at photographers.

A south London school, St Thomas’s in Battersea has 560 students aged from four to 13.

Headmaster Simon O’Malley said the school emphasised key values such as “kindness, courtesy, confidence, humility and learning to be givers, not takers”.

The royal family was greeted upon arrival by head of the Lower School, Helen Haslem.

Doubtless the four year-old Princess will be reassured by her teacher being known to her – Lucy Lanigan-O’Keeffe, engaged to one of Prince William’s oldest friends, Thomas van Straubenzee, is Charlotte’s godfather.

Rumour has it Charlotte will be one of the teacher’s bridesmaids.

Attending school wasn’t the only new adaption for the young royal yesterday.  Following in her brother’s footsteps, the princess will adopt the last name “Cambridge” upon entering the school system.

This is in keeping with the tradition followed by Prince William and Prince Harry who during their school years were known as William and Harry Wales, derived from their father Prince Charles’ title.