5 Secrets Behind Prince George’s Boarding School Decision: Eton Vs. Marlborough Showdown Settled?
The future of the monarchy's education is at a crossroads, and the world is watching. As of December 2025, Prince George, the future King, is just months away from a pivotal moment: his transition to secondary school in September 2026. The decision by The Prince and Princess of Wales—Prince William and Kate Middleton—has been the subject of intense speculation for years, pitting two of the UK's most prestigious institutions against each other: the all-boys, historical powerhouse of Eton College and the co-educational, modern Marlborough College.
The choice is more than just a matter of academics; it represents a significant shift in royal tradition and a reflection of William and Kate's modern parenting style. While an official announcement is expected to be delayed until the "eleventh hour" to protect George from intense scrutiny, royal sources believe the final, critical decision has quietly been made, favoring a return to a classic royal path while incorporating a modern twist.
Prince George's Royal Education Profile: The Current Status
Prince George Alexander Louis is the eldest child of The Prince and Princess of Wales and is currently second in line to the British throne. His schooling has already broken from some rigid traditions, signaling a more grounded approach from his parents.
- Full Name: Prince George Alexander Louis of Wales
- Born: 22 July 2013 (Age 12 as of late 2025)
- Parents: The Prince of Wales (Prince William) and The Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton)
- Siblings: Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
- Current School: Lambrook School, Berkshire (Attended since September 2022)
- Next Educational Step: Secondary School (Age 13), commencing September 2026
- Current Residence: Adelaide Cottage, Windsor
The move to Lambrook School was a key indicator of the family's desire for a more private, countryside life away from London, with all three children attending the same co-educational prep school. The next step, however, is a much bigger and more public decision, particularly as George will be attending as a boarder.
The Royal Showdown: Eton College vs. Marlborough College
The choice for George's secondary education has always come down to two schools, each representing a different parental preference and a different vision for the future King's upbringing.
The Case for Eton College: Prince William's Preference
Eton College, located near Windsor Castle, is the traditional choice for male members of the Royal Family. It is an all-boys, full-boarding school with a formidable academic reputation. It is also Prince William's alma mater, where he spent his teenage years.
- Royal Pedigree: Both Prince William and Prince Harry attended Eton.
- Proximity: It is exceptionally close to the family's current home, Adelaide Cottage, allowing George to be a "flexi-boarder" or for William and Kate to visit easily.
- Academic Excellence: It is consistently ranked as one of the top secondary schools globally.
- The "Heir" Factor: Sending the future King to the school that educated his father and uncle maintains a strong, visible connection to royal tradition.
The Case for Marlborough College: Kate Middleton's Preference
Marlborough College, located in Wiltshire, is a co-educational boarding school that was attended by Kate Middleton, as well as her sister Pippa and brother James. It is known for its more relaxed, less intensely traditional atmosphere compared to Eton.
- Co-educational Environment: Marlborough would allow George to potentially attend with his sister, Princess Charlotte, who is only two years younger, maintaining the close-knit sibling unit William and Kate have fostered at Lambrook.
- Kate’s Comfort Level: Having attended herself, The Princess of Wales is known to be very fond of the school and its environment.
- Modern Approach: It aligns with the family's desire to give their children a more "normal" upbringing, away from the intense spotlight that often follows Eton students.
The Decisive Factor: Why Eton Is Reportedly the Final Choice
Despite the strong emotional appeal of Marlborough for Kate and the desire for a modern education, multiple royal experts and recent reports suggest that the family has settled on Eton College. This decision is not merely a capitulation to tradition but a calculated move based on several key factors.
1. Proximity to Home and Family Base
This is arguably the most significant factor. Eton is located in Windsor, just a short drive from Adelaide Cottage. This proximity allows Prince George to be a "day boarder" or a flexi-boarder, enabling him to return home most evenings or on weekends. This arrangement is crucial for William and Kate, who are determined to keep their children close and maintain a stable family unit, especially given their increasing royal responsibilities and the recent health challenges faced by other senior royals. The ability for George to commute easily mitigates the traditional isolation of full boarding.
2. The "Future King" Education
As the future King, George’s education will inevitably be different. Eton’s history, global network, and its proven ability to handle the scrutiny of royal pupils (having educated William and Harry) provide a level of infrastructure and security that other schools may not match. The focus at Eton is not just academic; it’s on leadership, public speaking, and navigating a highly visible life—all essential skills for a monarch.
3. Maintaining Sibling Unity (The Charlotte Factor)
While Marlborough would allow George and Charlotte to attend together, the current reports suggest that the family is considering a split, with Charlotte potentially following her mother to Marlborough when her time comes. However, the decision to keep George close to Windsor (Eton) means the family base remains stable at Adelaide Cottage, allowing him to see his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, frequently, despite attending a different school.
4. The Strategic Delay of the Announcement
The Prince and Princess of Wales are well aware of the intense media interest. They have reportedly decided to delay the official announcement until the "very last minute," possibly as late as the summer of 2026. This strategy is designed to protect Prince George from the intense media spotlight and public commentary that would follow a confirmed decision, allowing him to continue his final years at Lambrook in peace. The family has consistently prioritized their children's privacy and mental well-being over royal precedent.
What Happens Next: The Road to September 2026
Prince George is expected to complete his time at Lambrook School in the summer of 2026. The next year will be a period of transition, not just for George but for the entire family. If Eton is indeed the choice, it means the family is committed to their life in Berkshire, close to Windsor Castle, reinforcing their shift away from Kensington Palace in London.
The choice, though seemingly traditional, is a compromise: the historical school (Eton) combined with a modern, flexible approach to boarding (day-boarding or flexi-boarding) to keep the future King grounded and close to his parents and siblings. The decision, whether officially confirmed or not, marks the beginning of Prince George's path toward his destiny, balancing the weight of the Crown with the desire for a relatively normal childhood.
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