The first day at nursery. A momentous day for most mothers (and yes, their children too). It is a rite of passage, and as such, is often marked with a mini photoshoot. You know the one, kids in uniform, snapped outside their front door, smiling happily.
This is what happens for kids all around the country. And so it totally makes sense for it to happen for Royal kids too...
Today, Kensington Palace announced the release of two unbelievably adorable photographs of Princess Charlotte, taken on the morning of her first day at nursery.
Snapped by her mother Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge – who is a keen photographer and has been behind the lens for a number official portraits taken of her children for public release – Charlotte was captured standing on some steps, dressed in a very stylish red coat by Amaia Kids, with red shoes and a pink scarf.
Carrying a Cath Kidston pink backpack, so had her hair done up in a half ponytail, tied with a red ribbon, to complete her red/pink-themed outfit.
Looking lovingly at her mother down the lens, she smiles sweetly in both pictures... really they are just incredibly cute.
Commenting on the release of the photos, Kensington Palace wrote on Instagram:
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share two photographs of Princess Charlotte at Kensington Palace this morning.
'The images were taken by The Duchess shortly before Princess Charlotte left for her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School.'
The two-year-old princess follows in the footsteps of her brother, Prince George, who first went to nursery when he was also two years old in 2016. And we can imagine it will very much be a similar story with the third child of the Cambridges, who is due in April later this year.
But of course whether it will be a prince or a princess on those nursery steps next time round very much remains to be seen!
MORE! See How Meghan Markle Likes To Entertain...
Meghan Markle entertaining - Grazia
1 of 7Trim with a twist
Meghan says: Traditionally garland or magnolia branches are used to adorn a stairwell banister or mantle. Take this concept and trim the outline of a mirror or beautiful piece of artwork that is centrally located in your entry hallway or living room.
2 of 7Simple 'scapes
**Meghan says: **When creating a table-scape, keep it simple and crisp with an all white tablecloth, runner and napkins. Accent with gilded plates and napkin rings and use a stylish set of cutlery. All white flowers placed in the low vases are the perfect centerpiece.
3 of 7Fake fancy
**Meghan says: **Purchase silver serving trays, platters, nut bowls from flea markets or Etsy to add formality to hors d'ouevres passing.
4 of 7Repurpose bar essentials for the tabletop
Meghan says: Use mint julep cups or Moscow mule mugs as low vases instead of drinking mugs. Fill with savory herbs or all white florals.
5 of 7Serve a festive cocktail
Meghan's recipe: Almond Milk Spiced Holiday Cocktail*4 cups unsweetened almond milk (you can make your own by blending raw almonds with milk and straining it)*1 tsp of cinnamon + 1 tsp cardamom + 1tsp of powdered ginger*1/2 tsp of clove*6-8 dried dates soaked in water*your favorite bourbon*cinnamon sticks for garnishBlend all ingredients (except the alcohol) in a powerful blender and then move to a small saucepan. Heat at a low temperature until heated and then add 4 -6oz into the pot depending on your friends' palates. Pour each drink and garnish with a cinnamon stick. If you prefer this drink cold, then omit the heating and shake it hard in a cocktail shaker and serve in champagne glasses with a cinnamon/sugar rim on the glass. Super pretty and equally delicious!
6 of 7Friends buffet
Meghan says: Holidays with your friends allows you to break the family traditions and avoid Aunt Julie's fruit cake! Have each of your friends bring a dish or cook together in the kitchen. If you do not have a proper set-up, use your dining room table or kitchen counter as a buffet.
7 of 7Put a twist on Christmas dinner side dishes
**Meghan says: **If you're like me, you end up buying way too much of everything for holiday meals. So whether you have leftover sweet potatoes or simply want to revamp the classic holiday side, these maple glazed potato wedges are crave-worthy. With the slight kick from cayenne and the brightness of the added lemon, they will be a crowd favorite.*two medium sweet potatoes*2 tbsp of olive oil*juice of half a lemon*1 tbsp of maple syrup*1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper*himalayan sea salt*handful of pepitasSlice the potatoes into wedges a coat with the mixture of oil, lemon juice and maple. Toss and then coat with the sprinkle of cayenne and salt to your liking. Lay onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for a half hour at 425 farenheit for 30 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, toss the potatoes and add the handful of pepitas for crunch and texture. They will be beautiful, browned and crisp and read to devour.