As thousands of children across the UK embark on their secondary school journeys, Prince George finds himself in a unique situation.
Celebrating his 11th birthday recently, he won’t be joining his peers in Year 7 this September.
Instead, he will continue his education at Lambergh School in Berkshire, where his younger siblings, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, are also enrolled.
This decision has sparked discussions and disagreements within the royal family regarding George’s future schooling.
Reports suggest that Princess Catherine is feeling heartbroken over a disagreement with Prince William about where their eldest son should attend secondary school.
The couple’s contrasting views have led to tensions, especially as they navigate the pressures of royal expectations and personal preferences.
William, following in the footsteps of his own education, is keen for George to attend Eton College, a prestigious institution known for its elite status.
Interestingly, Eton marks a departure from tradition for the royal family, which historically favored Scottish boarding schools.
While William champions the idea of Eton, Catherine is less enthusiastic.
Her concerns stem from her own negative experiences; she was bullied at her first boarding school and is understandably worried about George facing similar challenges.
Last year, George sat for his first major set of tests, a common requirement for entry into independent schools in the UK.
In June 2022, he was seen visiting Eton with his parents, further fueling speculation about his educational path.
Meanwhile, Catherine was spotted at Marlborough College, her own alma mater, leading many to wonder if George might follow her lead when he turns 13.
Catherine’s inclination to break away from tradition reflects her desire to shield George from potential hardships.
Her brother, James Middleton, recently weighed in on the matter, sharing his mixed feelings about Marlborough College.
He described it as focusing heavily on grades, which he found challenging during his time there.
Despite this, he acknowledged the school’s overall quality, expressing gratitude for his education.
Should George ultimately attend Eton, it raises questions about Princess Charlotte’s future schooling.
If she were to join her brothers at the boys’ boarding school, it would mean a significant shift in her life, potentially moving her away from family.
King Charles, however, remains steadfast in his traditional views, favoring Eton for George, which puts him at odds with Catherine’s more modern approach.
The landscape of Eton has evolved over the years.
Where once boys were kept on campus at all times, it’s now common for parents to visit and spend time with their children on weekends.
This shift aligns with Catherine’s vision of a more contemporary monarchy, one that embraces familial bonds and modern parenting practices.
The thought of sending George to a rigid, upper-crust institution feels counterproductive to her efforts to foster a relatable royal image.
Distance is another factor in the schooling debate.
If George attends Marlborough, it would involve longer commutes and less frequent family interactions.
The managing editor Melanie pointed out that while the royal family could utilize their fleet for travel, it wouldn’t be as simple as popping home for a casual tea.
This reality weighs heavily on Catherine, who fears losing precious moments with her son.
Another contender in the schooling discussion is Charterhouse School in Godalming, located just a 45-minute drive from Windsor.
However, the ongoing debate has caused significant strife within the Wales household.
The couple has reportedly spent countless hours deliberating over the decision, with Catherine often opposing the idea of sending George away, despite the weight of tradition.
Ultimately, it appears that Catherine may have conceded to William’s wishes regarding George’s education.
Nonetheless, the emotional toll on the family is palpable.
As a devoted mother, Catherine has been actively staying connected with her children, especially during her recent health challenges.
Her use of FaceTime to maintain contact while William cares for their kids reflects her commitment to being present in their lives, no matter the circumstances.
This period of transition for Prince George and the royal family highlights the complexities of balancing tradition with modern parenting.
As they navigate these decisions, one thing is clear: the future of the young prince’s education is not just a personal choice but a reflection of the evolving role of the monarchy in today’s society.
