Excited and full of energy, a smiling Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrived at the gates of Thomas’ Battersea, an upscale elementary school in London, to begin classes. “George is over the moon that Charlotte is attending his school,” a friend of the royals tells Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, on newsstands now. “Despite their different personalities, they are very close. George is extremely proud of Charlotte and loves to show her off.”

Like most parents, Duchess Kate (née Middleton) and Prince William have been very involved with getting the children ready for the academic year. “Kate doesn’t have any doubts about her daughter fitting in as she’s such an outgoing child,” says the friend.

Princess Charlotte's first day at school, Thomas's Battersea
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Charlotte, 4, won’t be in George’s classes, but her older brother, 6, has already paved the way for her. “Charlotte has met a lot of George’s friends,” says the pal. “He is such a protective older brother that Kate knows he’ll keep an eye on Charlotte.”

Both children enjoy school. “George is a curious child whose favorite subjects are geography, English and history,” says the friend. Charlotte is more drawn to the arts. This year, she’ll take math, reading, French, music and ballet classes. “She loves dancing and is already talking about wanting the lead in the school’s Christmas play,” says the friend.

With only Prince Louis, 16 months, underfoot, Kate has felt a little melancholy that time is flying by. “It really hit her how fast her kids are growing up when she ordered Charlotte’s new uniform,” the friend says. “She says it seems like only five minutes ago that they were babies!”

Princess Charlotte's first day at school, Thomas's Battersea
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Charlotte won’t have any problems making friends at her new school at all. “She has a strong personality and is the kind of little girl who knows what she wants and doesn’t let anything get in her way,” another insider told Closer Weekly in a separate interview. “Charlotte is outgoing and oozes confidence.”

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