William and Kate shocked after teacher at kids' school is arrested on child exploitation offences

Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly distressed at news that a teacher at Prince George and Princess Charlotte's former school has pled guilty to child exploitation offences.

Matthew Smith was Deputy Head of Pastoral at Thomas' Battersea School – where the eldest Wales children attended until earlier this year when they moved to Lambrook School near Ascot. In the wake of Smith entering his guilty plea, the school told parents in an email that he had been terminated with immediate effect.

Smith's charges (more on that later) notably do not relate to children at the prestigious school, and he only joined the establishment in September – by which time both the Prince and Princess had left.

The former Deputy Head pled guilty to distributing indecent images of children, and inciting the sexual exploitation of children. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date at Southwark Crown Court.

"I do not for a minute underestimate the shocking and deeply concerning nature of this news. Our focus right now is on our pupils, parents and colleagues," school principals Tobyn Thomas and Ben Thomas told parents in a statement, according to MailOnline.

"We will need to work together to respond to children's questions in an age-appropriate way," they said. "If you are unsure of what to say to your child, and would like further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact any of the following members of our leadership team."

The school accommodates boys and girls between four and 13, and fees are set at £5,868 per term at age four and increase to £6,628 from the age of seven. Every day starts with a handshake and students are expected to be "unfailingly courteous and polite".

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