Field trips were easily the best part of school—whether it was a museum visit or a day at an amusement park, nothing beat the excitement of escaping the classroom. But let’s be real, none of my school trips ever included a surprise royal guest.

Kate, the Princess of Wales, went back to school Tuesday, joining a group of young students on a field trip. The 43-year-old princess, a mother of three herself, surprised visitors outside the National Portrait Gallery in London when she stepped off a bus with a group of 4 and 5-year-old students from All Souls CE Primary School.

The Princess of Wales was reportedly “animated” and “nurturing” with the little ones during Tuesday’s National Portrait Gallery outing.

Britain's Princess Kate accompanied a group of pupils on a school trip to London's National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday (February 4). US says will levy tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China on Feb. 1

The Princess of Wales introduced a new phase in her early years campaign at the National Portrait Gallery in London

Kate Middleton made an official visit to the National Portrait Gallery today and arrived in a different kind of style. Instead of the usual convoy of royal vehicles, the Princess instead emerged from a bus alongside school children as they excitedly made their way to view a new project in the gallery.

WPA Pool/Getty Images Princes Kate Middleton held hands with young children during a royal visit to London's National Portrait Gallery on Tuesday, February 4. Kate, 43, was "like one of the moms" as she boarded a school bus,