Prince George is already boarding at school as William drops the biggest hint

Prince William has given his most definitive indication yet that his eldest son, Prince George, is already preparing for life at boarding school.

Speaking to Heart Breakfast from the Isles of Scilly on Friday, the future King was invited by the show to send an on-air message to his children, who were listening during their school run.

"Charlotte and Louis, because George was boarding last night, Charlotte and Louis if you're listening, make sure you're on time please, make sure you're not fighting over who listens to what, this morning," William said.

When host Amanda Holden asked whether the family's school run was as chaotic as most people's, the Prince replied: "It can be it depends if there is a guitar lesson or a music lesson, you have to get the guitar in the car, no we aren't taking the car, are we boarding, are we not, are we seeing friends, or are we not. All of that going on in the morning."

George expected to start senior school in September

Prince George, who turns 13 in July, is expected to begin senior school this September. Like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather before him, he is widely anticipated to attend one of the United Kingdom's elite boarding institutions.

Kensington Palace is expected to announce the choice of senior school later this summer, with Eton and Marlborough currently considered the frontrunners.

In preparation for that transition, the Prince and Princess of Wales appear to already be giving George experience of boarding life through the Westfield boarding house at his current school, Lambrook, in Berkshire. The school offers both weekly and flexible boarding arrangements.

Lambrook's website states: "We have a thriving boarding community where pupils board anything from five nights a week to one night every so often." It adds that boarding "offers a great opportunity to prepare pupils for their future schools, where 95% of our pupils go on to board.

The experience and independence gained at this slightly younger age is an extremely positive and helpful stepping stone for all that awaits them at their future schools and beyond."

The 'Andrew problem' shows no sign of going away

Elsewhere, Thames Valley Police has confirmed that its investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is continuing, with officers now looking into possible sex crimes as part of their wider enquiry.

He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and released under investigation in February. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations against him.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Right said: "Our misconduct in public office investigation is continuing. Misconduct in public office is a crime that can take different forms, making this a complex investigation.

"Our team of very experienced detectives are working meticulously through a significant amount of information that has come in from the public and other sources. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into all reasonable lines of enquiry, wherever they may lead."

He added: "We encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us through the normal non-urgent contact channels, such as the Thames Valley Police online portal.

"I understand the high level of interest in this work, but please be patient as we continue to actively progress our investigation. We will provide further updates to the public and media when appropriate."

Buckingham Palace has stated it cannot comment due to the risk of prejudicing any potential future criminal proceedings, though royal sources indicate this position is distinct from outright declining to comment.

The King has already taken steps to distance the institution from his younger brother, formally removing his Prince title and the Dukedom of York last October.

Royal sources confirmed at the time that His Majesty acted in response to Andrew's serious lack of judgment, despite the latter maintaining his innocence. The investigation is expected to continue for some months, regardless of its outcome.

King Charles's chocolate cake moment in Northern Ireland

On Thursday, King Charles visited County Down in Northern Ireland, stopping in Newtownards at an organisation that transforms surplus food into nutritious meals for those in need.

The King appeared to relish joining the head chef at the volunteer-led Warehouse centre as she prepared a gluten-free chocolate cake, enthusiastically stirring the mixture and joking that it had a "good smell" as he brought the whisk to his nose.

The King made a private donation to the Warehouse and met members of the local community alongside Queen Camilla.