Prince George’s School Dilemma: A Royal Family Divided

As thousands of children across the UK embark on their secondary school journeys, Prince George finds himself in a unique position.

Despite recently celebrating his 11th birthday, he will not be starting Year 7 at a new school this September.

Instead, he will continue his studies at Lambergh School in Berkshire, where his younger siblings, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, are also enrolled.

The decision regarding Prince George's education has stirred emotions within the royal family.

Reports suggest that his mother, Princess Catherine, is feeling heartbroken following disagreements with Prince William about their eldest son's schooling.

The couple's differing opinions on where George should continue his education have led to tension, as they navigate the expectations of royal traditions versus their personal preferences.

William and his brother, James Middleton, both attended Eton College, a prestigious institution that diverged from the family's longstanding tradition of Scottish boarding schools.

While William is keen for George to follow in his footsteps and enroll at Eton, Catherine has reservations.

She worries about the pressures and potential bullying that can accompany such elite schooling, having experienced it herself during her own education.

Last year, George faced his first significant academic challenge by taking common entrance exams, a requirement for many independent schools in the UK.

In June 2022, he was spotted visiting Eton with his parents, fueling speculation about his future.

Meanwhile, Catherine was seen touring Marlborough College, her alma mater, leading some to believe that George might consider this co-educational boarding school when he turns 13.

Catherine's concerns stem from her past experiences with bullying at her first boarding school.

Sources close to her suggest that she is eager to break away from traditional paths, fearing that George might endure similar hardships.

In a candid reflection, James Middleton described his time at Marlborough as heavily focused on achieving top grades, which he found challenging.

Despite his mixed feelings, he acknowledged the school's overall excellence.

Should George attend Eton, it could create complications for Princess Charlotte, as she would not be able to join her brothers at the all-boys school.

This potential separation weighs heavily on Catherine, who values family closeness.

King Charles, on the other hand, holds more traditional views and supports the idea of George following the family legacy by attending Eton.

The evolving dynamics of school life at Eton have also changed over the years.

Unlike in the past, parents now frequently visit their children, enjoying casual meet-ups over coffee.

Additionally, students are allowed to return home on weekends, a shift that contrasts with the more rigid structures of previous generations.

Catherine believes that sending George to such an elite institution runs counter to their efforts to modernize the monarchy, and she fears the emotional toll it could take on him.

While Marlborough College offers a more nurturing environment, it is located in Wiltshire, making spontaneous family visits less feasible.

The royal family would need to rely on a royal fleet for transportation, complicating casual interactions.

Melanie, the managing editor, noted that keeping George closer to home might be a priority for Catherine.

Another contender for the young royals' education is Charterhouse School in Godalming, situated just a 45-minute drive from Windsor.

However, the ongoing debate about George's schooling has reportedly become a significant source of conflict within the Wales household.

The couple has spent considerable time discussing and arguing over the best course of action for their son's education.

Despite the challenges, Catherine has shown a willingness to compromise, reportedly agreeing to William's preference for George's schooling.

Meanwhile, she maintains communication with her children through a relatable app, especially during her recent health struggles.

Balancing her royal duties and family life, Catherine remains dedicated to ensuring her children feel supported during this transitional period.