Prince William and Kate Middleton find themselves at a crossroads over their eldest son’s education, with tradition and modernity pulling the royal couple in different directions.
At a Glance
- Prince William favors his alma mater Eton College for Prince George’s education, while Kate prefers a co-educational setting
- The choice between traditional royal education and a more modern approach reflects broader tensions in modernizing the monarchy
- Kate’s preference is influenced by her own experiences with bullying and desire for George to have a more normal upbringing
- Eton offers proximity to Windsor and security advantages, along with arts education that could benefit George’s creative interests
- A decision must be made soon as George is in his final year at Lambrook and will move to secondary education by September
Royal Education at a Crossroads
Prince William and Kate Middleton are navigating a significant parental challenge as they debate the future educational path for their eldest son, Prince George, who is second in line to the British throne. The royal couple appears divided on whether George should follow family tradition by attending Eton College, an all-boys boarding school with deep royal connections, or break with convention by enrolling in a co-educational institution like Marlborough College, where Kate herself studied.
This decision represents more than just a school choice—it symbolizes the balance between royal tradition and the couple’s desire to modernize the monarchy.
“There has been much speculation surrounding Prince George’s next school,” royal expert Helena Chard noted. “Most parents find choosing a good secondary school for their children daunting, even more so for the Prince and Princess of Wales, who want the best for Prince George.”
Tradition vs. Modern Approach
William’s preference for Eton stems from his own positive experiences at the prestigious institution that has educated generations of royals and British elite. The school’s location near Windsor Castle offers practical advantages for security and family visits. For William, Eton represents continuity and preparation for George’s future role. The Prince attended Eton from 1995 to 2000 and thrived in its structured environment, forming relationships and receiving an education that shaped his approach to royal duties.
“Who will win? I suspect George will go to Eton,” predicted royal commentator Ian Pelham Turner.
Kate, however, advocates for a co-educational environment that would provide George with a more diverse and normal upbringing. Her perspective is shaped by her own educational journey at Marlborough College and her documented experiences with bullying in her youth.
The Princess of Wales reportedly believes a mixed-gender environment would better prepare George for the modern world and help him develop social skills with peers from various backgrounds. This approach aligns with Kate’s consistent efforts to give her children experiences outside the royal bubble.
Factors Influencing the Decision
The royal couple must weigh several practical considerations alongside their philosophical differences. Eton’s proximity to Adelaide Cottage, their Windsor residence, provides security benefits and easier family contact—important factors for a future king.
The school also offers strong arts programs that could nurture George’s reported creative interests. However, Prince Harry’s struggles at Eton, detailed in his memoir “Spare,” may give the couple pause about whether the environment suits every royal child’s temperament and needs.
Time pressures add urgency to their deliberations. George is currently in his final year at Lambrook School, meaning a decision about his secondary education must be finalized before September. The couple has reportedly visited several potential schools, including a secret visit to Eton with George that sparked speculation about their leanings.
Despite their different perspectives, both William and Kate have consistently prioritized their children’s wellbeing and development as they navigate the unique challenges of raising the next generation of royals.
Implications for the Future Monarchy
The school choice for Prince George carries significance beyond family matters—it signals the direction William and Kate envision for the future monarchy. Their decision will reflect how they balance respecting traditions while adapting to contemporary values. The couple has already demonstrated their commitment to modernizing royal parenting, prioritizing family time and seeking normalcy despite their extraordinary position. Whether George attends the traditional halls of Eton or a more contemporary educational setting, the decision will represent a thoughtful compromise between parents who both want what’s best for their son and the institution he will someday lead.
