Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly steering their son, Prince George, toward Marlborough College over the historic Eton College, marking a pivotal shift in royal education traditions that have spanned generations.
This decision, based on reports from December 2025, highlights a deliberate shift away from the all-boys boarding school attended by William in 1995 and Prince Harry in 1998, toward a co-educational environment more in line with contemporary values.
George’s Turning Point
At 12 years old, Prince George has entered adolescence under intense public scrutiny. Observers at events like the Festival of Remembrance described him as measured and aware, signaling the end of sheltered early years. William and Kate now confront choices that will define not only his teenage development but his preparation for future kingship, balancing duty with personal growth.
Breaking the Eton Chain
Eton, founded in 1440, has long served as a proving ground for royal heirs, embedding generations of Windsors in its all-male corridors. Yet recent reports indicate William has opted to end this pattern for George. The school faces scrutiny over incidents prompting Charity Commission monitoring, including pupils using misogynistic language and racial slurs toward visiting state school girls. These issues have cast Eton as a symbol of elitism, potentially clashing with a modernizing monarchy’s image.
Lessons from Sibling Struggles
Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare offered stark insights into Eton life, recounting academic overwhelm, social isolation, and instructions from William to act as strangers—experiences that left deep emotional scars. Harry found solace in rugby amid feelings of rage and rejection. William’s own time there, viewed as a sanctuary from his brother’s shadow, highlighted boarding culture’s potential for emotional distance and enforced stoicism. These reflections appear to inform the parents’ rejection of repeating such patterns.
Kate’s Influence and Marlborough’s Appeal
Kate Middleton thrived at Marlborough College, a co-educational Wiltshire school she attended in the mid-1990s, emerging confident and well-rounded. Reports suggest the family has visited the campus, positioning it as George’s likely destination from age 13. With about 1,000 pupils evenly split by gender, Marlborough fosters mixed environments unlike Eton’s single-sex setup. Its alumni, including poet John Betjeman and musician Nick Drake, emphasize creativity over rigid conformity, aligning with William and Kate’s vision for intellectual and emotional development.
Family Proximity and Sibling Unity
Marlborough’s location supports frequent family visits from the Waleses’ Windsor base and Kate’s parents in Bucklebury, easing security concerns compared to Eton’s urban Windsor setting. This choice could allow George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis to attend together, extending their shared prep school experience at Lambrook. Such sibling cohesion breaks from historical royal separations, prioritizing normal family bonds alongside public roles.
Modern Parenting in the Spotlight
William and Kate emphasize grounded routines—school runs, play dates, and garden time—while delaying smartphone access for George. Kate champions outdoor activities for child well-being, values echoed in Marlborough’s pastoral emphasis. Harry’s openness in Spare has normalized discussions of institutional emotional tolls, enabling this departure from tradition without backlash.
Strategic Timing and Broader Implications
Kensington Palace has withheld confirmation, likely delaying announcement until near the September 2026 term to minimize scrutiny. Opting for Marlborough signals a monarchy prioritizing well-being, gender balance, and relatability over protocol. A future king shaped in co-educational settings could normalize equality in leadership, influencing patronages and priorities. This evolution positions the institution for relevance amid public expectations for transparency and humanity, with George’s path as a key test.
Sources:
Charity Commission monitoring Eton College over pupils’ behavior – Third Sector
Eton College ‘sorry for subjecting schoolgirls to misogynistic and racial slurs’ – The Independent
Eton to raise fees to £63,000 in response to VAT change – The Guardian
Eton College – Wikipedia
Catherine, Princess of Wales – Wikipedia