PRINCE Louis turns three today and Kate Middleton has released an adorable photo of her youngest son heading off to nursery.
The Cambridge tot is now a member of the £14k-a-year Willcocks nursery, where children take nature classes, practice poetry and learn how to cook.
Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest updates
Here’s what we know about the pint-sized royal’s new nursery…
Outstanding reputation
The nursery has an “outstanding” rating by Ofsted, thanks to the “staff’s meticulous planning skills in ensuring children’s individual learning needs are met”.
It has an all-female staff and is run by Lavinia Taylor, who has been headmistress since September 2009.
The nursery’s ethos is “for high standards, excellence and good manners” – which made it an obvious choice for Princess Charlotte, who also attended before starting school.
Big price tag
Of course it doesn’t come cheap to send your youngsters to the posh nursery.
The morning school, which is open for 32 youngsters for three hours-a-day for five weeks, costs £3,400 a term.
The afternoon school has fees of £2,250 per term and is less structured than the morning session – but provides a similar wide range of activities including art and music.
It is aimed at younger children, aged two to three years old, and is run three days-a-week.
Fees can cost up to £16,950 each year if your child goes for a full-day.
Pottery and painting classes
It appears that you get your money’s worth, based on the glowing Ofsted report.
It was said of Willcocks: “The organisation of the time that children attend is exceptional. As a result, no time is wasted and children enjoy a productive learning experience.”
Tatler called the nursery a “hidden gem” that “flies under the radar”.
The school offers pottery and poetry classes, and part of the induction includes a short “stay and play” session where pupils are asked to bring a toy or photo in to show from home.
Close to their palace home
Willcocks Nursery School is located just a stone’s throw away from the family’s home in Kensington Palace.
The school was founded in 1964 and has been at its current location near the Royal Albert Hall since 1984.
Kensington Palace released a statement alongside the photo of Louis starting nursery, saying: “The photograph was taken at Kensington Palace on Wednesday by The Duchess, shortly before Prince Louis left for his first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School.”
While the youngest two Cambridge kids have gone to Willcocks, Prince George attended the £33-a-day Westacre Montessori School Nursery in Norfolk, close to the family’s country pad, Anmer Hall.
We shared how Prince Louis grins in adorable pic as he marks his third birthday on £200 red balance bike.
Previously, one-year-old Prince Louis waved at the crowds as he makes first royal engagement at Trooping the Colour with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
