This post has been updated since its original publication date to include new information
As the second in line to the throne, 11-year-old Prince George’s future is already largely mapped out – including his education! Prince William, 42, and Kate Middleton, 42, are reportedly planning to send their firstborn to Eton College, the prestigious $60,000-a-year boarding school previously attended by many royals, including Prince William and Prince Harry. However, Kate is said to have reservations about this decision, with royal expert Katie Nicholl revealing that she and her husband have disagreed on the matter for years.
Eton College is well-known for educating members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and Prince Michael of Kent, as well as Princess Diana’s father, John, 8th Earl Spencer, and her brother, Charles Spencer. Interestingly, though, neither King Charles nor the late Prince Philip attended Eton – they both went to Gordonstoun boarding school in Scotland.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have reportedly disagreed about Prince George’s education for years. Although the Princess of Wales has adjusted well to royal life and embraced many family traditions, sending George to Eton College doesn’t sit well with her. One reason might be her own painful experience at boarding school. “She was horribly bullied at her first boarding school and can’t bear the thought of George going through the same,” an insider shared. “Kate’s preference is for George to attend a co-ed school so he can be with his siblings, which is what Kate had at Marlborough with her sister Pippa and brother James,” Nicholl explained.
Kate’s own school years at Marlborough College in Wiltshire were reportedly a happy time for her. William, on the other hand, has fond memories of his time at Eton, which is steeped in history and tradition for the aristocracy and royal family. “It’s possible George could break the Eton tradition, just like William and Harry didn’t attend Gordonstoun, but it will ultimately be a decision made by William and Kate with George’s best interests at heart,” Nicholl said.
Reports suggest that Kate and William have argued about Prince George’s schooling for years, with Kate even having disagreements with King Charles about her children’s upbringing. A source revealed that Kate finds the boarding school system “stuffy” and feels it doesn’t align with her and William’s goal to modernize the monarchy. “Kate thinks sending him to such an upper-crust institution goes against their efforts to modernize the monarchy,” the insider said, adding that she will miss George greatly and has reluctantly agreed to William’s wishes.
Interestingly, Prince George seems to be taking his father’s side in this debate. He has reportedly expressed an interest in attending Eton College to follow in Prince William’s footsteps. “He wants to be just like his father,” the insider shared, adding that Kate eventually gave in to both her husband’s and her son’s wishes.
There is also concern that Prince William may want to send their other children, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, to boarding school as well. “There’s worry that William will insist the other two kids follow suit,” the source said. Despite Kate’s concerns, it seems likely that Prince George will be following in his father’s footsteps to Eton, continuing a long-standing family tradition.
