Kate Middleton was noticeably absent as Europe’s royal families gathered at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday to bid farewell to King Harald V. While Prince William traveled to Norway to represent the British royal family at the funeral, the Princess of Wales remained in the UK during an important week for their three children.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesHer decision coincided with a major family milestone. Prince George was beginning a new chapter at Eton College, while Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were returning to school. For William and Kate, the emotional back-to-school moment meant balancing royal duty with one of their longstanding priorities: being present for their children.
© Peter SummersPrince George’s First Day at Eton Kept Kate Middleton in the UK
The main reason for the family’s decision centered on one child in particular. On September 8, 13-year-old Prince George arrived at the prestigious Eton College to begin his secondary education. Both William and Kate wanted to be there as their eldest son settled into boarding school, where he will follow in the footsteps of his father and his uncle, Prince Harry.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesBeginning this term, the second in line to the throne will live in one of the school’s boarding houses rather than returning home to his parents each night. It marks his first major step toward greater independence.
George’s arrival at Eton wasn’t the only school commitment on the Princess of Wales’s calendar. At the same time, her two younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, returned to classes at Lambrook School on Wednesday.
© Kensington PalaceSince becoming parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales have followed an unwritten rule of putting their children first whenever royal duties allow. Being there for all three of their children on a day filled with major changes and back-to-school milestones ultimately took precedence over making the diplomatic trip to Oslo.
Prince William and Princess Anne Represented the Royal Family in Norway
Despite Kate’s absence, the British royal family was well represented at the Norwegian funeral, both officially and personally. Prince William attended on behalf of his father, King Charles III, but he didn’t travel to the Scandinavian capital alone.
© AFP via Getty ImagesPrincess Anne joined him, and her presence carried particular significance because she is the godmother of the new monarch, King Haakon. Their trip together also underscored the close historical ties that have connected the House of Windsor and Norway’s royal family for decades.
© Getty ImagesKate Middleton Continues to Prioritize Her Health and Family
Alongside this important family milestone is another consideration that continues to shape the Princess of Wales’s schedule: a cautious approach to her health.
© Getty ImagesSince gradually returning to public duties after completing her medical treatment, Kate has continued to increase her public engagements while prioritizing her health and family life.
