Being part of one of the world’s most renowned families comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Take Prince George, for instance.
At just 11 years old, he finds himself second in line to the British throne, a position that carries immense responsibility.
Despite this weighty future, his parents, Prince William and Catherine, have made a conscious decision to shield him from the realities of royal life, aiming instead for a childhood that feels as normal as possible.
While the royal family enjoys a life in the public eye, they face many of the same issues that ordinary families do.
Recently, one of those pressing concerns has revolved around George’s education.
As the Waleses navigate the complexities of their children’s futures, the choice of school for their eldest son has become a topic of intrigue.
This decision is particularly fascinating given Catherine’s commitment to advocating for better opportunities for children and reducing inequality.
The school George attends will be telling about the values held by William and Catherine.
They have consistently expressed a desire to provide their children with a grounded upbringing.
But would this philosophy align with sending George to a prestigious boarding school like Eton?
It’s a question that lingers, especially considering the royal family’s history and traditions.
In May 2023, George was honored to serve as a page of honor during King Charles‘s coronation.
At just nine years old, this was a significant moment for him.
However, he requested a change to an age-old royal tradition regarding the attire worn by the pages.
Concerned about potential teasing at Lambrook School, where he studies alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, he asked to wear trousers instead of the traditional white knee breeches and tights.
The king granted this request, showcasing a modern approach to royal duties.
It seems that the Waleses are contemplating their options carefully.
There’s speculation that all three children may attend school together or none at all.
Many hope they choose to keep their children close during these formative years, nurturing them through adolescence, just as they have done in their early childhood.
Reflecting on his own experiences, King Charles likely aims to avoid sending his children to a school like Gordonstoun, which he found challenging.
Instead, William attended Eton College in London, where he had a different experience.
The former headmistress of Eton, Susan Cameron, noted that Catherine felt unsettled during her time there, which could be attributed to her sensitive nature.
Catherine’s struggles at Eton were not uncommon.
School can be a tough environment, especially for girls, who often establish a pecking order that can lead to teasing and rivalry.
Cameron observed that while teasing is a part of growing up, it can be particularly harsh among girls.
Those perceived as attractive may inadvertently become targets, leaving others feeling vulnerable.
Ultimately, Catherine left Eton and moved to Marlborough College, which charged £12,000 per year.
This change proved beneficial for her, allowing her to thrive academically and socially.
Marlborough became a transformative place for her, where she not only excelled in sports like hockey and cross-country running but also met her first boyfriend.
By the time she returned from summer break at 16, Catherine had undergone a noticeable transformation.
She shed her childhood braces, which contributed to a newfound confidence.
According to her former classmate Gemma Williamson, this physical change, combined with her athletic achievements, significantly boosted her self-esteem.
Catherine’s journey from feeling out of place to thriving in a supportive environment underscores the importance of finding the right educational setting.
As the Waleses consider Prince George’s schooling, they are undoubtedly weighing the lessons learned from Catherine’s past experiences, hoping to provide their children with the best possible start in life.
