PICTURES: Princess Charlotte begins first day of school in Battersea

Princess Charlotte began her first day at school with a welcome handshake from staff.

The four-year-old follows in the footsteps of big brother Prince George, who has been attending Thomas's Battersea for the past two years.

Charlotte arrived with her family, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and George by car as other parents dropped off their children at school.

Kate missed George's first day at Thomas's Battersea in 2017 as she was suffering from severe morning sickness while pregnant with Prince Louis.

Head of the lower school Helen Haslem was waiting to greet her new pupil and shook hands with the princess, who will be known as Charlotte Cambridge to staff and schoolmates.