Photographs have emerged of Kate Middleton leaving her home to pick up her three children from their first day of school as concerns deepen over the Queen's health. The Duchess of Cambridge was driving from her home in Windsor to collect them from Lambrook school when the pictures were taken.
The news follows growing concern about the 96-year-old Queen's health after a period where she has cancelled several official and private engagements. Whilst Prince William joined the rest of the senior royals in rushing to Balmoral, the Duchess of Cambridge didn't make the journey north because it was the children's first day at school.
In a statement Kensington Palace said: "The Duchess of Cambridge has remained in Windsor as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are on their first full day at their new school."
Read more: What happens if the Queen dies: The plans in Operation London Bridge for Queen Elizabeth's death
All four of the Queen's children along with Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle all are making the journey north to Balmoral. It was announced today that Her Majesty's doctors raised concerns over the monarch's health.
The initial statement said: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
On Thursday the private school welcomed the three Cambridge children, George, nine, Charlotte, seven and Louis, four, after the family recently moved out of London to Windsor. Headmaster of the prestigious school, Jonathan Perry, met the Cambridges at the entrance on Thursday, stepping forward to greet them.
The Duchess appeared to know Mr Perry and his wife well after the long process of choosing the right school, the Mirror reports. It's said she greeted him like an old friend, saying: "Nice to see you, Mr Perry!"
She remarked on the unexpectedly nice weather, and said it had been nice every time they had visited the school. The headmaster said: "Welcome to Lambrook. It's lovely to have you with us. We're very excited for the year ahead."
It marks the first time all three siblings have attended school together, with Louis starting his education in pre-prep and his older siblings joining the prep as new starters. The family have settled into their new home down the road at Adelaide Cottage ready for the start of the school year and to be closer to the Queen who now lives permanently at Windsor Castle.
According to a royal source, the Cambridge children were extremely excited to all be going to the same school for the first time, adding: “They're really excited about starting a new school together, and I think mum and dad are too.” However, what should have been an exciting day for the family has taken a sad turn with news of the Queen's health.
Her Majesty pulled out of a virtual Privy Council on Wednesday, a day after she appointed Liz Truss as PM at her home in the Scottish Highlands. However, whilst using a walking stick, during her meeting with the new PM the monarch seemed bright and in good spirits.
READ NEXT:
- Prince of Wales and Prince William travel to Balmoral after Queen falls ill
- BBC One pulls TV schedule as Queen's doctors say they are 'concerned for her health'
- Prince of Wales and Prince William travel to Balmoral
- Duchess of Cornwall likely to cancel engagements
Harry and Meghan change plans and travel to Scotland as fears grow for Queen
