The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's only daughter, Princess Charlotte, could be in for a huge change come June. The five-year-old may be the first member of her family – and the first royal – to leave lockdown! Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement on Sunday to aim to reopen schools next month, Charlotte would be allowed to return to Thomas's Battersea, but without big brother Prince George.
WATCH: Princess Charlotte arrives at Thomas's Battersea for her first day of school
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Boris revealed that steps to reopen schools would include sending reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils back first. As Charlotte is currently in Year 1, she would be permitted to return. However, George is currently in Year 2 so his return-to-school date has yet to be revealed by government plans.
Addressing the nation over the weekend of his proposed plans, Boris said: "On step two – at the earliest by June 1 – after half term – we believe we may be in a position to begin the phased reopening of shops and to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, beginning with reception, Year 1 and Year 6. Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays. And we will shortly be setting out detailed guidance on how to make it work in schools and shops and on transport."
Princess Charlotte may go back to school without big brother Prince George
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But Kate and William could decide to continue home-schooling Charlotte as the family are currently staying at their Norfolk home, Amner Hall. Should they chose not to return to London, they will face no punishment for keeping her at home if they feel that is where she would be safer from infection. "The short answer is, no they won’t," Boris' official spokesman said when asked if parents would face fines for keeping their children home. "While we will not penalise parents for keeping children at home once they are eligible to return to school, we will strongly encourage them to do so."
Charlotte and George have both been keeping up with their studies whilst they isolate with Kate, William and Prince Louis in the countryside. Last week, Kate revealed that the pair had been set a challenge by their teachers to learn Dame Vera Lynn's famous wartime anthem We'll Meet Again in time for VE Day.
Princess Charlotte may not return to school if William and Kate don't want her to
During a call with Second World War veterans at an East Sussex care home as part of VE Day celebrations, Kate revealed exactly what George and Charlotte have been learning at school. She said: "The school has set all the children a challenge and they're currently trying to learn the lyrics to the song We'll Meet Again... so it's been really lovely having that playing every day."
The song has likely taken on a special meaning for George too, as Kate also shared that he is currently learning about WWII. The Duchess added: "George is just starting to learn about the Second World War. He would be really honoured to come and speak to you, so maybe another time George could have a quick chat with you to hear all your stories as well."
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