Princess Anne, despite not being allowed to attend the prestigious Gordonstown School like her brothers, ensured that her children received the royal education she valued.
While King Charles, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward all walked the halls of Gordonstown, a tradition upheld by their father, the late Prince Philip, Princess Anne had a different educational path.
It was mandatory for her to attend a separate school, as the institute only admitted boys at the time.
The late Prince Philip was the first royal to step foot in Gordonstown, with King Charles following suit in 1962.
Initially, Prince Philip was not fond of what he referred to as “sits and kilts,” the school’s educational program.
However, over time, his perception of the institution evolved positively as he recognized the value of self-discipline and structure it instilled in him, beyond the cold-water treatment that was once exaggerated.
While her siblings attended Gordonstown, Princess Anne was tutored at Buckingham Palace during her early education years by Governor Catherine Peebles.
Later, she pursued her formal education at Benenden School in Kent from 1963 to 1968.
There, she obtained 6 O-levels and 2 A-levels by the age of 18, before diving into royal duties a year later.
In contrast to Prince Charles’ choice of Eton College for Prince William and Prince Harry, Princess Anne opted for Gordonstown for her children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips.
Recently, the Duchess visited Gordonstown School to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth and inaugurate an environmentally friendly education facility.
The state-of-the-art center boasts eco-certifications such as solar panels, ground-heating systems, and advanced CO2 monitoring technology.
During her visit, Princess Anne unveiled a plaque naming the new establishment as Queen Elizabeth II’s Rooms in honor of the late monarch.
With King Charles’s approval, a representative from the Royal Family and the current Warden at Gordonstown led students on a tour of the premises.
The siblings, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, shared their positive experiences from studying at the renowned institution, highlighting the rich legacy of royal education within the family.
This visit not only celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s memory but also showcased the commitment to sustainable practices in education.
As we reflect on Princess Anne’s journey through education and her dedication to providing her children with a similar royal experience, it becomes evident that the legacy of Gordonstown School continues to shape the lives of the British royal family.
The impact of such prestigious institutions on shaping future leaders is undeniable, emphasizing the importance of tradition and excellence in education.