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Belgian royal children head back for first day of school

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It's time to go back to school for most children and teenagers, and Belgium's young royals are no exception.

King Philippe, who is father to Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore, looked the proud father as he accompanied his young brood on their first day of school.

The reigning monarch of Belgium helped ease his children's nerves as he held their hands and huddled them close together for group photos before the waiting cameramen. 

© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Elisabeth, 11, Prince Gabriel, 10, and Princess Eléonore, 5, looked ready for their first day back, with school bags in tow and slightly excited, apprehensive expressions on their faces.

For the elder children, starting a new school year after the summer holidays is routine, but the adorable Princess Eléonore looked slightly more nervous, biting her lip and sucking her thumb. She seemed to be following her sister's fashion sense with bright pastel-coloured trousers and a smart, long-sleeved shirt.

© Photo: Getty Images

Seven-year-old Prince Emmanuel, meanwhile, attends a different school and was accompanied by the children's mother Queen Mathilde on his first day.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who were crowned in July of this year following the abdication of Albert II, have recently come back from a family holiday with their children on the French Island of Yeu.

The Belgian royal family played and cycled around during their official photoshoot, against the backdrop of a picturesque blue sea and sky.