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18 Apr 2025, Fri

Secret Eton visit deepens rift between Kate Middleton and Prince William over George’s future

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The schooling of Prince George, second in line to the British throne, has ignited a heated debate between his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. At 11 years old, the couple’s eldest child finds himself at the heart of a clash between tradition and modernity, with Eton College, the historic institution attended by William, at the center of their differences. A recent, discreet visit by George to Eton has intensified tensions, highlighting contrasting visions for the education of the future king.

Kate Middleton, who attended Marlborough College, advocates for a co-educational, less rigid environment for her son. She sees her former school as a place where George could thrive in a more inclusive setting, aligning with efforts to modernize the monarchy. Eton, in contrast, is an all-boys institution, founded in 1440, renowned for shaping generations of British leaders but often criticized for its conservative ethos. William, who holds fond memories of his time at Eton, views it as a continuation of royal tradition and a robust preparation for George’s future role.

The visit to Eton, though kept under wraps, did not go unnoticed. Parents at George’s current school, Lambrook School, buzzed about the event, seeing it as a sign that a decision may be nearing. Located near Windsor Castle, Eton charges approximately £63,000 annually, a steep figure but comparable to Marlborough’s £59,000. Its proximity to the family’s home at Adelaide Cottage strengthens William’s case, while Kate emphasizes the value of an environment where George can stay close to his siblings, Charlotte and Louis.

Tradition versus progress

The choice of George’s school carries profound symbolic weight for the British monarchy. Eton College, with nearly six centuries of history, has educated not only William and his brother, Harry, but also figures like former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and author George Orwell. Its prestige is unmatched, yet its single-sex structure raises questions about its relevance in a modern context. Kate, who faced challenges at an all-girls boarding school in her youth, worries that Eton might constrain George’s development.

Marlborough, where Kate studied from 1996 to 2000, presents a different model. Established in 1843 and co-educational since 1968, it balances academic rigor with extracurricular pursuits like arts and sports. Kate, who flourished there alongside her siblings, Pippa and James, believes George would benefit from a setting that fosters gender diversity and collaboration. Her experience shapes her preference for a school where her three children might one day study together.

William, however, sees Eton as a rite of passage. His years there, from 1995 to 2000, were formative, despite the strain of public scrutiny following the death of his mother, Diana, in 1997. He believes Eton’s emphasis on discipline and academic excellence will equip George for the duties of kingship. The couple’s divide mirrors a broader tension: how to honor royal heritage while adapting to a changing world.

Stakes for the future king

George’s schooling is more than an educational choice—it’s a statement about the monarchy’s future. As the second in line to the throne, he is destined to succeed his father, and his upbringing will be closely watched by subjects and the global press. The education of a future monarch has always reflected the values of its time. In the past, princes like Charles, William’s father, attended Gordonstoun, a Scottish boarding school known for its austerity. William and Harry broke with that tradition by choosing Eton, but Kate now pushes for another shift, one rooted in progressive ideals.

Currently, George, Charlotte, and Louis attend Lambrook School, a preparatory institution in Berkshire for children aged three to 13. With fees of roughly £20,000 per year per student, Lambrook offers a warm, co-educational environment where the siblings share daily life. The transition to secondary education, set for when George turns 13 in July 2026, demands a decision that will shape his teenage years and his preparation for public life.

Public fascination with George’s schooling is relentless. British media track the couple’s every move, speculating on the outcome of their impasse. While William cherishes Eton’s legacy, Kate argues that Marlborough provides a more balanced education, with a curriculum spanning sciences to theater. The prospect of Charlotte and Louis potentially joining their brother at the same school also influences Kate’s stance, as she prioritizes family unity.

  • Eton College: Founded in 1440, all-boys, with annual fees of £63,000. Located in Windsor, it’s known for its tradition and for educating leaders like prime ministers and kings.
  • Marlborough College: Founded in 1843, co-educational since 1968, with fees of £59,000. Based in Wiltshire, it emphasizes inclusivity and diverse extracurriculars.
  • Lambrook School: The siblings’ current school, with fees around £20,000 annually. A co-educational preparatory school, it serves students until age 13.

Contrasting memories of Eton

William and Harry’s experiences at Eton shape the current debate. William, who enrolled at 13, found the school a place to build confidence, despite the pressure of being the future king. He excelled in sports like water polo and forged lasting friendships. His positive recollections stand in stark contrast to Harry’s, who, in his 2023 memoir, portrayed Eton as a challenging environment.

Harry, a student from 1998 to 2003, felt out of place amid the school’s academic intensity and social rigidity. He wrote of struggling in his brother’s shadow and grappling with public exposure during his teens. His critiques resonate with Kate’s concerns about the potential impact of Eton’s traditional setting on George, who already bears the weight of his royal destiny.

Kate brings her own perspective to the table. Before Marlborough, she briefly attended Downe House, an all-girls boarding school, where she faced bullying. Her transfer to Marlborough was transformative, allowing her to thrive academically and socially. This experience fuels her belief that a co-educational setting would better support her children’s well-being, particularly in an era that champions equality and diversity.

Implications for the monarchy

The decision about George’s school extends beyond family dynamics—it signals the monarchy’s direction. Kate and William have worked to craft a more relatable, modern royal image, engaging in community events and addressing issues like mental health and the environment. Their children’s education is an extension of this mission, an opportunity to show that the monarchy can evolve while preserving its heritage.

Eton, despite its excellence, carries an elitist reputation that could clash with modernization efforts. The school has produced 20 British prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, but faces criticism for perpetuating privilege. Marlborough, though also exclusive, is seen as more aligned with contemporary values, fostering collaboration and creativity.

Practical considerations also play a role. Eton is just minutes from Adelaide Cottage, allowing George to stay close to family, even as a boarder. Marlborough, in Wiltshire, is about an hour and a half away, potentially complicating family logistics. Kate, who cherishes time with her children, weighs these factors heavily in her advocacy.

Alternative schools in consideration

While Eton and Marlborough dominate discussions, other options remain on the table. St Edward’s School in Oxford has emerged as a contender, with fees around £47,000. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and varied curriculum, it caught Kate’s attention during a recent visit. Its location, roughly an hour from Windsor, makes it a feasible alternative, though it’s less prominent in public discourse.

The indecision underscores the complexity of the choice. Each school offers unique strengths but also challenges. Eton provides a direct link to royal history, while Marlborough signals a break from tradition. St Edward’s could serve as a compromise, blending tradition with a more modern ethos.

The deadline looms closer. George will turn 13 in 2026, when he’s expected to start secondary school. Until then, Kate and William must reconcile their views, balancing personal beliefs with public expectations and royal duties. The outcome will mark a milestone for George and the monarchy’s trajectory.

  • Proximity: Eton is 9 minutes from Adelaide Cottage, Marlborough about 90 minutes, and St Edward’s around 60 minutes.
  • Cost: Eton (£63,000) and Marlborough (£59,000) are comparable, while St Edward’s (£47,000) is more affordable.
  • Environment: Eton is all-boys; Marlborough and St Edward’s are co-educational, fostering greater gender interaction.
  • Legacy: Eton has educated kings and prime ministers; Marlborough aligns with modern elites; St Edward’s has a less elitist profile.

Public scrutiny and privacy

George’s life has been under a microscope since his birth on July 22, 2013. As a future king, his milestones—from clothing choices to public appearances—are dissected. The school decision amplifies this scrutiny, with tabloids speculating on every detail. Kate and William, mindful of media impact, strive to shield their son’s privacy, but the Eton visit, though hushed, sparked headlines.

Public exposure is a key concern for Kate. During her cancer treatment in 2024, she prioritized her children’s emotional stability, carefully explaining her diagnosis to George, Charlotte, and Louis. The school choice factors in how George will handle the pressure of being a royal student in a high-profile setting. Marlborough’s less formal vibe could offer some respite, while Eton, accustomed to royal pupils, is equipped to manage security and privacy.

William appears confident in Eton’s ability to prepare George for royal challenges. His own time there, though marked by his mother’s loss, was formative. He believes the school can equip George with the tools to navigate a life in the spotlight.

Royal education through history

The schooling of British heirs has long mirrored its era. Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, was educated at home, typical for royal women in the 20th century. Charles, her son, was the first heir to attend a formal school, Gordonstoun, where he endured a tough environment that built resilience but left mixed memories. William and Harry’s choice of Eton was more conventional for Britain’s elite, yet still steeped in tradition.

Kate and William represent a new generation, attuned to modern values. They’ve aimed for a relatively normal childhood for their children, with George, Charlotte, and Louis attending the same preparatory school and joining routine activities like sports and school events. Opting for Marlborough or another co-educational school would push this further, signaling the monarchy’s willingness to adapt.

The decision could also shape Charlotte and Louis’s futures. Kate, who values sibling closeness, hopes the three might share a school environment. Marlborough’s co-educational setup would enable this, while Eton’s all-boys structure would exclude Charlotte and, later, Louis.

Principe George
Principe George – Foto: Lwsi Cox / Shutterstock.com

The weight of the decision

As 2026 approaches, the pressure to decide mounts. Kate and William know their choice will be seen as a gauge of the monarchy they aim to build. A win for Kate, with Marlborough, would signal a departure from centuries of tradition, cementing her influence as a progressive force in the royal family. If William prevails with Eton, it will reinforce the enduring power of royal conventions, even in a world demanding change.

George, though young, is aware of his role. At 11, he attends state ceremonies and faces school exams that will influence his secondary school admission. His preparation includes tests like the ISEB, assessing verbal and non-verbal reasoning, math, and English, required by schools like Eton and Marlborough. Whatever the choice, he’ll need to balance academics with the demands of his royal fate.

The Eton visit, while reigniting debate, hasn’t settled George’s path. Kate continues to explore options, while William stands by his vision, rooted in his own journey. The resolution, expected within months, will be a turning point—not just for the family, but for the public’s view of the British monarchy.



The schooling of Prince George, second in line to the British throne, has ignited a heated debate between his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. At 11 years old, the couple’s eldest child finds himself at the heart of a clash between tradition and modernity, with Eton College, the historic institution attended by William, at the center of their differences. A recent, discreet visit by George to Eton has intensified tensions, highlighting contrasting visions for the education of the future king.

Kate Middleton, who attended Marlborough College, advocates for a co-educational, less rigid environment for her son. She sees her former school as a place where George could thrive in a more inclusive setting, aligning with efforts to modernize the monarchy. Eton, in contrast, is an all-boys institution, founded in 1440, renowned for shaping generations of British leaders but often criticized for its conservative ethos. William, who holds fond memories of his time at Eton, views it as a continuation of royal tradition and a robust preparation for George’s future role.

The visit to Eton, though kept under wraps, did not go unnoticed. Parents at George’s current school, Lambrook School, buzzed about the event, seeing it as a sign that a decision may be nearing. Located near Windsor Castle, Eton charges approximately £63,000 annually, a steep figure but comparable to Marlborough’s £59,000. Its proximity to the family’s home at Adelaide Cottage strengthens William’s case, while Kate emphasizes the value of an environment where George can stay close to his siblings, Charlotte and Louis.

Tradition versus progress

The choice of George’s school carries profound symbolic weight for the British monarchy. Eton College, with nearly six centuries of history, has educated not only William and his brother, Harry, but also figures like former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and author George Orwell. Its prestige is unmatched, yet its single-sex structure raises questions about its relevance in a modern context. Kate, who faced challenges at an all-girls boarding school in her youth, worries that Eton might constrain George’s development.

Marlborough, where Kate studied from 1996 to 2000, presents a different model. Established in 1843 and co-educational since 1968, it balances academic rigor with extracurricular pursuits like arts and sports. Kate, who flourished there alongside her siblings, Pippa and James, believes George would benefit from a setting that fosters gender diversity and collaboration. Her experience shapes her preference for a school where her three children might one day study together.

William, however, sees Eton as a rite of passage. His years there, from 1995 to 2000, were formative, despite the strain of public scrutiny following the death of his mother, Diana, in 1997. He believes Eton’s emphasis on discipline and academic excellence will equip George for the duties of kingship. The couple’s divide mirrors a broader tension: how to honor royal heritage while adapting to a changing world.

Stakes for the future king

George’s schooling is more than an educational choice—it’s a statement about the monarchy’s future. As the second in line to the throne, he is destined to succeed his father, and his upbringing will be closely watched by subjects and the global press. The education of a future monarch has always reflected the values of its time. In the past, princes like Charles, William’s father, attended Gordonstoun, a Scottish boarding school known for its austerity. William and Harry broke with that tradition by choosing Eton, but Kate now pushes for another shift, one rooted in progressive ideals.

Currently, George, Charlotte, and Louis attend Lambrook School, a preparatory institution in Berkshire for children aged three to 13. With fees of roughly £20,000 per year per student, Lambrook offers a warm, co-educational environment where the siblings share daily life. The transition to secondary education, set for when George turns 13 in July 2026, demands a decision that will shape his teenage years and his preparation for public life.

Public fascination with George’s schooling is relentless. British media track the couple’s every move, speculating on the outcome of their impasse. While William cherishes Eton’s legacy, Kate argues that Marlborough provides a more balanced education, with a curriculum spanning sciences to theater. The prospect of Charlotte and Louis potentially joining their brother at the same school also influences Kate’s stance, as she prioritizes family unity.

  • Eton College: Founded in 1440, all-boys, with annual fees of £63,000. Located in Windsor, it’s known for its tradition and for educating leaders like prime ministers and kings.
  • Marlborough College: Founded in 1843, co-educational since 1968, with fees of £59,000. Based in Wiltshire, it emphasizes inclusivity and diverse extracurriculars.
  • Lambrook School: The siblings’ current school, with fees around £20,000 annually. A co-educational preparatory school, it serves students until age 13.

Contrasting memories of Eton

William and Harry’s experiences at Eton shape the current debate. William, who enrolled at 13, found the school a place to build confidence, despite the pressure of being the future king. He excelled in sports like water polo and forged lasting friendships. His positive recollections stand in stark contrast to Harry’s, who, in his 2023 memoir, portrayed Eton as a challenging environment.

Harry, a student from 1998 to 2003, felt out of place amid the school’s academic intensity and social rigidity. He wrote of struggling in his brother’s shadow and grappling with public exposure during his teens. His critiques resonate with Kate’s concerns about the potential impact of Eton’s traditional setting on George, who already bears the weight of his royal destiny.

Kate brings her own perspective to the table. Before Marlborough, she briefly attended Downe House, an all-girls boarding school, where she faced bullying. Her transfer to Marlborough was transformative, allowing her to thrive academically and socially. This experience fuels her belief that a co-educational setting would better support her children’s well-being, particularly in an era that champions equality and diversity.

Implications for the monarchy

The decision about George’s school extends beyond family dynamics—it signals the monarchy’s direction. Kate and William have worked to craft a more relatable, modern royal image, engaging in community events and addressing issues like mental health and the environment. Their children’s education is an extension of this mission, an opportunity to show that the monarchy can evolve while preserving its heritage.

Eton, despite its excellence, carries an elitist reputation that could clash with modernization efforts. The school has produced 20 British prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, but faces criticism for perpetuating privilege. Marlborough, though also exclusive, is seen as more aligned with contemporary values, fostering collaboration and creativity.

Practical considerations also play a role. Eton is just minutes from Adelaide Cottage, allowing George to stay close to family, even as a boarder. Marlborough, in Wiltshire, is about an hour and a half away, potentially complicating family logistics. Kate, who cherishes time with her children, weighs these factors heavily in her advocacy.

Alternative schools in consideration

While Eton and Marlborough dominate discussions, other options remain on the table. St Edward’s School in Oxford has emerged as a contender, with fees around £47,000. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and varied curriculum, it caught Kate’s attention during a recent visit. Its location, roughly an hour from Windsor, makes it a feasible alternative, though it’s less prominent in public discourse.

The indecision underscores the complexity of the choice. Each school offers unique strengths but also challenges. Eton provides a direct link to royal history, while Marlborough signals a break from tradition. St Edward’s could serve as a compromise, blending tradition with a more modern ethos.

The deadline looms closer. George will turn 13 in 2026, when he’s expected to start secondary school. Until then, Kate and William must reconcile their views, balancing personal beliefs with public expectations and royal duties. The outcome will mark a milestone for George and the monarchy’s trajectory.

  • Proximity: Eton is 9 minutes from Adelaide Cottage, Marlborough about 90 minutes, and St Edward’s around 60 minutes.
  • Cost: Eton (£63,000) and Marlborough (£59,000) are comparable, while St Edward’s (£47,000) is more affordable.
  • Environment: Eton is all-boys; Marlborough and St Edward’s are co-educational, fostering greater gender interaction.
  • Legacy: Eton has educated kings and prime ministers; Marlborough aligns with modern elites; St Edward’s has a less elitist profile.

Public scrutiny and privacy

George’s life has been under a microscope since his birth on July 22, 2013. As a future king, his milestones—from clothing choices to public appearances—are dissected. The school decision amplifies this scrutiny, with tabloids speculating on every detail. Kate and William, mindful of media impact, strive to shield their son’s privacy, but the Eton visit, though hushed, sparked headlines.

Public exposure is a key concern for Kate. During her cancer treatment in 2024, she prioritized her children’s emotional stability, carefully explaining her diagnosis to George, Charlotte, and Louis. The school choice factors in how George will handle the pressure of being a royal student in a high-profile setting. Marlborough’s less formal vibe could offer some respite, while Eton, accustomed to royal pupils, is equipped to manage security and privacy.

William appears confident in Eton’s ability to prepare George for royal challenges. His own time there, though marked by his mother’s loss, was formative. He believes the school can equip George with the tools to navigate a life in the spotlight.

Royal education through history

The schooling of British heirs has long mirrored its era. Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, was educated at home, typical for royal women in the 20th century. Charles, her son, was the first heir to attend a formal school, Gordonstoun, where he endured a tough environment that built resilience but left mixed memories. William and Harry’s choice of Eton was more conventional for Britain’s elite, yet still steeped in tradition.

Kate and William represent a new generation, attuned to modern values. They’ve aimed for a relatively normal childhood for their children, with George, Charlotte, and Louis attending the same preparatory school and joining routine activities like sports and school events. Opting for Marlborough or another co-educational school would push this further, signaling the monarchy’s willingness to adapt.

The decision could also shape Charlotte and Louis’s futures. Kate, who values sibling closeness, hopes the three might share a school environment. Marlborough’s co-educational setup would enable this, while Eton’s all-boys structure would exclude Charlotte and, later, Louis.

Principe George
Principe George – Foto: Lwsi Cox / Shutterstock.com

The weight of the decision

As 2026 approaches, the pressure to decide mounts. Kate and William know their choice will be seen as a gauge of the monarchy they aim to build. A win for Kate, with Marlborough, would signal a departure from centuries of tradition, cementing her influence as a progressive force in the royal family. If William prevails with Eton, it will reinforce the enduring power of royal conventions, even in a world demanding change.

George, though young, is aware of his role. At 11, he attends state ceremonies and faces school exams that will influence his secondary school admission. His preparation includes tests like the ISEB, assessing verbal and non-verbal reasoning, math, and English, required by schools like Eton and Marlborough. Whatever the choice, he’ll need to balance academics with the demands of his royal fate.

The Eton visit, while reigniting debate, hasn’t settled George’s path. Kate continues to explore options, while William stands by his vision, rooted in his own journey. The resolution, expected within months, will be a turning point—not just for the family, but for the public’s view of the British monarchy.



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