As summer approaches and Prince George prepares to enter his final year at Lambrook School, a quiet but significant decision looms over the Prince and Princess of Wales.
With George turning 12 in July, the family is now at a pivotal crossroads: where should the future king continue his education?
Where will Prince George go to school?
The choice isn’t simple. Prince William and Princess Kate are weighing several possibilities, each with its own set of pros and cons—not only for George, but for the entire Wales family.
One of the strongest contenders is Eton College, the prestigious all-boys boarding school just a stone’s throw from the family’s current home at Adelaide Cottage near Windsor Castle.
William himself studied there, excelling in academics and sports. He even earned a leadership role as prefect and captained the swimming team. For him, Eton was a formative experience.
The decision might have already been in motion. In late 2023, when Kate chose not to attend William’s Earthshot Prize event in Singapore, palace sources explained it was because George had important exams.
Still, Eton comes with limitations. As an all-boys institution, it wouldn’t be an option for Princess Charlotte down the road, and that might influence the family’s thinking.
Some insiders believe that a more inclusive school like Marlborough College —Kate’s own alma mater—could be a better fit.
Marlborough is coeducational, less than an hour from Windsor, and well-suited for all three Wales children. For many royal watchers, it’s the most logical choice.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward pointed out that if all three kids attend the same school, it simplifies logistics and reduces the burden of royal security.
She added that Marlborough “is not a million miles from where they are and it’s the freedom. If all the three kids are at the same school, that cuts the burden of security.”
Seward also noted that George might not be a perfect match for Eton’s academic pressure.
“Eton would be very overbearing if he’s not that intellectual,” she said. “I think he’ll go to Marlborough. It’s coed, and that’s where Kate was, that’s where Pippa was, that’s where James was.”
Yet, in a surprising twist, Princess Kate was seen touring two elite day schools in North London earlier this year: Highgate School and University College School (UCS).
Both are known for their excellent academics and strong drama departments, which may appeal to the Wales family.
However, these schools are not boarding schools, and they are located in the heart of London—a setting the family recently moved away from in search of more privacy.
While returning to London isn’t impossible, it might counter the quieter, less intrusive lifestyle the Waleses are trying to cultivate for their children.
As Seward put it, “I would be absolutely stunned if he went to a London day school. Boys just need space, and London schools, however wonderful, don’t offer that freedom.”
At the heart of it, William and Kate’s decision isn’t just about choosing a school. It’s about finding the right balance between real life and family life.