Prince George is heading back to the Wales family home today, marking the end of his first half-term at Eton College. His mother, the Princess of Wales, has spoken openly about how much she has missed her eldest son during his initial weeks at the prestigious boarding school.
A Heartfelt Admission in Hoveton
On Thursday, during a surprise visit to a charity shop in Hoveton, near Norwich, run by East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each), of which she is a patron, Catherine admitted she has missed the 11-year-old prince. While chatting with local residents in the shop's cafe area, the future Queen's face lit up as she spoke about George's impending return for half-term, which officially begins this Monday, November 26.
Friends Denise Ashton, 68, and Essie Landsborough, 75, were enjoying a sit-down in the cafe when the Princess strolled over for a warm chat. Recalling the sweet exchange, Ms Ashton revealed: "She said she's looking forward to George coming home – she's missed him."
Plans for the Break
With Eton's "long leave" providing just over a week of family time, it seems the Waleses might already have exciting plans in the works to celebrate the reunion. Ms Ashton added: "They may be going somewhere [during the break]." Throughout her stroll around the Hoveton shop, a beaming Kate repeatedly mentioned the approaching half-term holiday, clearly counting down the hours until her eldest son's return.
Championing a Close Cause
But the Princess was also there to champion a cause incredibly close to her heart. Praising the Each charity shop, she told bargain-hunting shoppers: "You never know what you're going to find – that's what's so nice. It feels a bit more like a treasure hunt." Earlier in the day, the royal proved she isn't afraid to get stuck in, donning a hard hat and a high-visibility jacket to tour a construction site at The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich.
During the engaging visit, Kate learned all about the ambitious plans for a brand-new hydrotherapy pool and a dedicated wellbeing and therapies suite, which will provide vital support at the Each centre. As the weekend approaches, royal fans will be thrilled to know that the Princess's focus has joyfully shifted back to her family, as she gets ready to wrap her arms around Prince George once again.
