All class: Prince George aces 'stressful' first day at school

Prince George arrives for his first day of school at Thomas's school in Battersea, London. Photo / AP

The Duke of Cambridge has said Prince George enjoyed a happy first day at his £20,000-a-year ($36,000) school despite having to go on his first day without his mum.

Kate, 35, had hoped to join William on the school run but is suffering from severe morning sickness and was too ill to attend.

The Duke and Duchess are very pleased to share a photograph of The Duke and Prince George at Kensington Palace this morning. pic.twitter.com/MxcU0RqGvi

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 7, 2017

Speaking at a Kensington Palace reception for the England Under-20 football team today William said George had a "good day" at his "nice school", Thomas's Battersea, in southwest London.

When asked by England U20 head coach Paul Simpson if he'd had a "nice school day", the Duke replied: "Stressful day. Doing a school run. It was really nice actually. It went well.

"There was one other parent who had more of an issue with their children - so I was quite pleased I wasn't the one."

Britain's Prince William, left, accompanies Prince George and Helen Haslem - the head of the lower school on arrival for his first day of school at Thomas's school in Battersea, London. Photo / AP

George's new private school has insisted the future king will get "no special treatment" and he spent his first day meeting classmates and teachers, finding his peg, desk and the toilet, before games in the playground.

The 4-year-old looked very nervous as he arrived with his father Prince William - but did not appear upset his mother was not with them.

Britain's future king arrived in his new uniform, which included a blue official school jumper with red logo, blue Bermuda shorts and blue socks with laceless shoes and his name "George Cambridge" on his bag.