As the new school year approaches, thousands of children are gearing up to embark on their secondary education journey.
However, Prince George, the eldest son of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, won’t be joining them just yet.
Although he recently celebrated his 11th birthday, George will remain at Lambergh School in Berkshire, alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The anticipated transition to Year 7 at a new school will have to wait.
Reports suggest that this decision has caused quite a stir within the royal family, particularly between Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Speculation indicates that the couple had a disagreement regarding George’s secondary education, leaving Catherine feeling heartbroken about the situation.
The matter has drawn additional attention with the insights shared by James Middleton, Catherine’s younger brother, who expressed his thoughts on the potential schools for George.
Traditionally, both William and his brother were educated at Eton College, marking a departure from the family’s long-standing practice of attending Scottish boarding schools.
William is keen for George to follow in his footsteps and enroll at Eton when the time comes, but Catherine has reservations about this path.
Last year, George faced his first significant academic challenge, taking common entrance exams, which are often required for admission into prestigious UK independent schools.
In June 2022, George was seen visiting Eton with his parents, sparking speculation about his future schooling.
Meanwhile, Catherine was spotted touring Marlborough College, her own alma mater, which further fueled rumors that George might consider this co-educational boarding school in Wiltshire when he turns 13.
However, Catherine’s past experiences with bullying at her first boarding school have made her hesitant to expose George to similar challenges.
James Middleton recently weighed in on the conversation about Marlborough College, describing it as a place focused heavily on academic excellence, which he found challenging during his time there.
While he acknowledged the school’s strengths, he also highlighted the pressure that comes with being part of its top sports teams.
Despite his mixed feelings, he expressed gratitude for his education at Marlborough.
If George does end up at Eton, it could create complications for Charlotte, as she would not have the opportunity to attend the same boys’ school as her brothers.
This could mean a significant adjustment for her, potentially moving away from her family.
On the other hand, King Charles III is known for his traditional views and supports the idea of George following the established royal precedent by attending Eton.
Catherine, however, is pushing back against the notion of sending her son to an elite institution like Eton, believing it contradicts their efforts to modernize the monarchy.
She fears that such a decision would not only isolate George but also create a distance between them.
While Eton has become more accommodating in recent years, allowing students to visit home more frequently, Catherine still feels it may not be the right fit for her son.
Marlborough College presents its own set of challenges, as it is located in Wiltshire, making spontaneous family visits difficult.
The logistics of travel would mean that Charlotte might experience a more traditional boarding school environment, which could be a significant adjustment for her.
Melanie, the managing editor, suggested that keeping the schooling closer to home might be a more favorable option for the family.
Another contender for the young royals is Charterhouse School in Godalming, which is about a 45-minute drive from Windsor.
This ongoing debate about George’s education has reportedly led to numerous discussions—and disagreements—between William and Catherine.
Despite her initial resistance to the idea of sending George away to school, it appears that Catherine may have reluctantly agreed to William’s wishes.
Adding to the complexity of family life, Catherine has been navigating her recent health challenges while managing her role as a mother.
Reports indicate that she has been using a popular app to stay connected with her children during her recovery, particularly while William has taken charge of parenting duties at Adelaide Cottage.
The royal family is undoubtedly facing a challenging period as they balance school decisions with personal health matters.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the new school year, the royal family’s educational choices continue to unfold, reflecting both tradition and the desire for a more modern approach to upbringing.