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.

George, alongside his siblings Princess Charlotte (9) and Prince Louis (6), began their education at Thomas’s Battersea in London before transferring to Lambrook in 2022 after the family’s move to Adelaide Cottage. All three currently attend Lambrook, a school that has provided a stable and supportive environment, particularly during challenging times like Kate’s recent health struggles.

Stability During Hard Times

Nicholl highlighted the importance of the school environment in helping the family maintain a sense of normalcy, even during difficult periods. For instance, when Kate was undergoing cancer treatment, George found solace in playing football with friends.

“That sense of normality, of keeping the family going during one of the hardest times they’ve ever faced, was vital,” Nicholl said. “The school provides the children with a stable infrastructure, a great support network, and allows them to enjoy a low-key, happy, albeit privileged childhood.”

Kate’s Recovery and Return to Duties

While navigating this decision, Kate is also preparing to resume her public duties following a year of health challenges. After undergoing abdominal surgery in January and subsequent cancer treatment, the princess has mostly stayed out of the public eye.

In September, Kate announced that she is now cancer-free. “I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Staying cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must take each day as it comes.”

Prince William has since provided a promising update, revealing that Kate is expected to take on a more active role within the royal family in 2025.

As the Princess of Wales balances her health recovery and decisions about her children’s futures, one thing remains certain: both Kate and William are committed to ensuring their family thrives in a supportive and nurturing environment.