Marlborough or Eton? Kensington Palace Delays George's School Announcement Over Public Reaction
Prince George celebrated his 12th birthday on July 22, meaning he has just one year left at Lambrook, the preparatory school he currently attends, which educates students up to the age of 13. With his move to a secondary school set for next September, speculation is swirling over whether he will follow Dad Prince William’s footsteps to Eton College, or attend Marlborough College like his mother, Kate Middleton. Amid growing public chatter surrounding the conundrum, Kensington Palace has reportedly decided to delay announcing his future school plans until further notice.
According to GB News, the decision to stall the announcement was fueled by the fear of public upheaval it could spark. The Prince and Princess of Wales work hard to protect their children’s privacy, though they understand the public interest. Hence, George’s secondary school will likely be announced at the last possible moment next year.
Currently, George is entering his final academic year at Lambrook in September. According to Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, the education of the Waleses at Lambrook completely 'changed its dynamic.' She explained, "I know that when the royal family joined Lambrook, there were a few grumbles about just everything being tightened up and the loss of a very sweet, quite small, family-focused school. Suddenly, gates were locked...Sports day becomes a grander occasion." The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to have understood the parents' concerns over the strict rules, which also explains the Palace's delay in announcement.
Royal experts have also given varying opinions on George's secondary school as his future hangs in limbo. Royal expert Joe Little told The i Paper, "I just have that feeling that it won't be Eton. I wonder whether it will be too elitist or too fuddy-duddy for a future king in the 21st century. My money is on Marlborough." Meanwhile, Sanderson opined, "One of the things that the royal family has got to take into consideration is the security arrangements, and one of the reasons that I think he will go to Eton...is they are well versed there in educating senior royals."
Meanwhile, a report in the Daily Mail claims that William and Middleton have allegedly decided to send their eldest to Eton after much deliberation. Insiders revealed that there was some 'smugness' regarding a 'forthcoming announcement' from the royal family about the decision. A source alleged, "It was like, 'I know something and the people at Eton know something, but I'm not going to tell you.' That was after William and Kate visited Eton." Both Eton and Marlborough were strong choices for the young Prince’s next school. However, Eton is conveniently located near Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, where George currently lives with his parents and siblings. After Middleton's health struggles last year, reports claim the Waleses wish to keep George closer to home.