Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, is facing a significant decision regarding her eldest son, Prince George, as he prepares to transition from his current prep school, Lambrook. The choice of his next school has sparked a debate between Kate and her husband, Prince William, with differing preferences for their 11-year-old son’s education.

A Difference in Preferences

Prince William hopes George will follow in his footsteps by attending Eton, the prestigious all-boys boarding school with deep ties to the royal family. However, sources suggest that Kate favors a co-educational environment like Marlborough College in Wiltshire, the school she attended from 1996 to 2000.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl explained to The Mirror that Kate’s preference stems from her own positive experiences at Marlborough, where she attended alongside her siblings, Pippa and James. “Kate’s preference is for George to be at a co-educational school, so he can be with his siblings,” Nicholl shared, adding that William has equally fond memories of Eton.

Despite George reportedly being enthusiastic about Eton, Kate is said to feel “heartbroken” at the idea, viewing the school as too “stuffy” for him.

Breaking Traditions?

Nicholl also raised the possibility that the couple may take a completely unexpected route, breaking away from royal traditions. “There’s always the possibility of traditions being changed,” she said. “William and Harry didn’t follow in their father’s footsteps by going to Gordonstoun, and George could break the Eton mould by going somewhere else.”

Ultimately, Nicholl emphasized that the decision would be made jointly by William and Kate with George’s best interests at heart.

A History of Boarding Schools in the Royal Family

Boarding schools have long been a tradition within the royal family. King Charles III attended Cheam School in Berkshire at the age of eight, making him the first heir to the throne to attend a “civilian” school. Later, William and Harry both attended Ludgrove School before moving on to Eton.