Prince George will start school at a Norfolk nursery in the New Year

Prince George, who starts nursery next month.

Royal aides said the two-year-old Prince would be joining the Westacre Montessori School at East Walton, near King's Lynn, before the end of January.

In a brief statement today, the nursery said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming George to our nursery where he will get the same special experience as all of our children.'

The school, in the village of East Walton, near Gayton, is situated at the end of a private track and is rated as 'good' by Ofsted.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge hope its secluded location will enable George to enjoy his first days at school away from the spotlight.

Westacre Montessori School near King's Lynn. Picture: Kensington Palace/PA Wire

Montessori schools have no grades or tests, and children of different ages are taught together and encouraged to work at their own pace.

A touching family photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children has also been released by the Royal couple today.

It shows William and Kate with Prince George and Princess Charlotte in Kensington Palace's garden.

The royal couple are understood to be hugely appreciative of all the warm messages they have received about their family this year and are very much looking forward to their first Christmas as a family of four.

In the image they are crouching down and Kate balances her daughter on her knee while her son stands next to her - and all four smile for the photographer.

The picture was taken in late October by photographer Chris Jelf who said: 'I thoroughly enjoyed photographing a very lovely family, although you have to be sharp as you don't have long when there are two young children involved.

'I hope everyone enjoys this photo and I am honoured that the Duke and Duchess have decided to share it with the public.'