Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are reportedly deliberating over the choice of secondary education for their eldest son, Prince George. As the 11-year-old future heir to the British throne, George has been visiting several prestigious schools alongside his parents as they weigh options for his education.
The royal couple has toured a range of institutions, including Eton College, where Prince William and Prince Harry were educated. It is believed that George visited the school before Easter, prompting speculation that he might follow in his father’s academic footsteps.
Conversely, the Princess of Wales has expressed interest in Marlborough College in Wiltshire, her own alma mater, where she recently toured with Prince George. This co-educational boarding school seems to be Kate’s favored option for her son.
Prince William, 42, reportedly supports Eton, known for its $82,000 tuition, as he thrived there. The institution has a longstanding tradition of educating royals, political figures, and the aristocracy, making it a notable choice.
Founded in 1440, Eton College boasts an impressive list of alumni, including 15 members of the British royal family and 21 former prime ministers. Situated near the Wales’ home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, it offers a convenient location for the young prince.
However, the experiences of William and his brother Harry at Eton differed. While William adapted well, Prince Harry described a more difficult experience in his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” noting academic struggles at the school.
Harry stated that Eton was “heaven for brilliant boys, it could thus only be purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy.” His academic challenges ultimately led him to forgo university in favor of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Princess of Wales, 43, seems to be considering other alternatives. Reports indicate that Kate has toured two elite private schools in North London – University College School in Hampstead and Highgate School, both offering prestigious education closer to London.
Highgate School, in particular, has drawn Kate’s attention due to its strong theater department, though its 30-mile distance from Windsor could be a logistical concern.
Kate’s interest in co-educational settings may stem from a desire for George and his siblings – Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six – to attend the same school. Currently, all three children are enrolled at Lambrook School in Berkshire, which educates students up to age 13.
Some royal commentators suggest that Kate’s considerations may be influenced by her own school experiences, including challenges with bullying.
Another potential compromise is Wellington College, located near Windsor. It offers both boarding and day options in a co-educational environment, potentially accommodating all three children.
The choice of school for Prince George is significant not only for his education but also as a reflection of the monarchy’s evolution. The decision could signal a balance between tradition, represented by Eton, and modernity, embodied by co-educational institutions.
Eton’s provost, Sir Nicholas Coleridge, has emphasized that the school’s admissions process remains stringent. “There is a rigorous admissions system here, run with integrity, and it is awkward when the prospective boy hasn’t caught the selector’s eye,” he wrote in the Spectator.
Prince George, who will turn 12 in July, has four terms left at Lambrook School, allowing time for the royal couple to decide. The chosen institution will play a crucial role in preparing George for his future responsibilities within the monarchy.
