The first day of school is a big occasion in every child's life and it normally comes with tears and tantrums.Even for parents, the experience can be difficult and nerve-racking.But the young members of the Scandinavian and Belgian royal families arrived for their first day of school with big grins.Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark's son, the second-in-line to the throne, Christian was all enthusiasm ahead of the big day.
“I’m looking forward to it!,” the five-year-old told reporters outside Amalienborg Palace. He'll be the first member of the clan to attend a public school, his father and uncle, Prince Joachim attended private colleges.As do his cousins, Nikolai, 12, and Felix, nine, Joachim's children with his ex-wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg (below right). Like any mum, Mary had mixed emotions, admitting: “(I'm) frightened and at the time it was something I was looking forward to so much.”
It was also a special occasion for Mary's Norwegian counterpart Mette-Marit when her son with Crown Prince Haakon, Sverre Magnus, had his first day (above left).His elder sister Ingrid attends the same school and Marius, Mette-Marit's boy, from a previous relationship was also a pupil.Queen Sonja, known for playing an active role in her grandchildren's life, didn't want to miss the big event and also escorted the five-year-old to meet his new friends.Meanwhile, in Belgium, the future king and queen, beamed with happiness as they took their brood to begin classes.
Crown Prince Philippe and his wife Mathilde were accompanying their four, color-coordinated children to Sint Jan Berghmans College.Gabriel, Emmanuel, Elisabeth and Eleonore each carried their own rucksacks and politely shook hands with their teachers.