Princess Catherine and Prince William are at a critical crossroads in their eldest son Prince George’s life, facing an extraordinary decision about his education. This pivotal moment could potentially reshape royal norms and influence the future of the monarchy.
In the world of royalty, where tradition meets expectation, even the most picture-perfect families must wrestle with difficult decisions. The latest story making headlines centers on the Princess of Wales, who is grappling with a deeply personal struggle over her son’s educational journey.
At 11 years old, Prince George, along with his younger siblings Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6), has enjoyed a stable and happy childhood. In 2022, the family moved to Adelaide Cottage, which allowed the children to transition to Lambrook, a prestigious independent preparatory school in Berkshire. Royal expert Katie Nicholl describes Lambrook as a sanctuary for the young royals, especially during challenging times. The children's sense of stability has been a cornerstone of their lives, even as Princess Catherine faced her own health battles. While she was in the hospital, George was seen playing football with his friends, a testament to the support system at Lambrook that allowed the children to enjoy a grounded, albeit privileged, upbringing.
However, with Lambrook being a preparatory school, the question of what comes next for Prince George—the future King—looms large. The decision about his next step in education is not only personal but also laden with tradition, expectation, and evolving family dynamics.
Reports indicate that Prince William and Princess Catherine have chosen Eton College, William’s prestigious alma mater, for Prince George when he reaches his teenage years. However, this decision has not been without emotional turmoil. Catherine, who initially opposed the idea, has been deeply conflicted. Her concerns are rooted in her personal experiences and a desire to modernize the royal family’s approach to parenting.
Alongside Prince George, the royal couple reportedly visited Eton College’s Windsor campus in June, signaling the start of what could be a defining chapter in the young prince’s life. This move would mark a break from royal tradition, as previous generations, including King Charles III, attended Gordonstoun in Scotland. Princes William and Harry followed a similar educational path, starting at Ludgrove School in Berkshire before transitioning to Eton. William holds Eton in high regard, cherishing his formative years at the elite institution, which has a legacy of educating aristocrats and royals.
On the other hand, Prince George is reportedly enthusiastic about attending Eton, but Catherine has reservations. She perceives the atmosphere of the school as overly rigid and formal. While Prince William strongly favors Eton, Catherine has different views. She had hoped George might follow in her footsteps and attend Marlborough College, a co-educational school in Wiltshire, where she studied from 1996 to 2000.
However, insiders reveal that the journey to this decision was far from smooth. Catherine, who experienced bullying during her own time at a boarding school, was initially opposed to sending George to such a traditional institution. She has long disagreed with William about the prospect of sending George away to school. One royal source shared that Catherine feels this decision contradicts their efforts to modernize the monarchy and provide their children with a more grounded upbringing.
Despite her initial misgivings, Catherine reportedly softened her stance when she saw how much George admired his father and aspired to follow in his footsteps. The decision, however, is not solely about tradition. Both William and Catherine have shown a willingness to break from royal conventions when it comes to what they believe is best for their children. For Catherine, this decision represents a bittersweet compromise. While she remains supportive of George’s aspirations, the painful memories of her own boarding school experience linger, making this a deeply emotional choice for her.
