Prince George, the eldest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, is set to make a major transition as he steps closer to his next educational chapter. After much discussion and speculation, insiders confirm the iconic Marlborough College is likely the chosen school for him and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. With preparations already underway for enrollment, the prestigious Wiltshire institution is expected to welcome the young royals, creating meaningful connections to their mother's educational roots.
Marlborough College, known for its stellar reputation and rich history, offers both academic excellence and cultural heritage. Insiders report preparations are focusing on Prince George, aged 11, as he prepares to become the first of the trio to attend the £59,000-a-year boarding institution. The selection of housing arrangements has prioritized security, ensuring the young royal's safety as he embarks on this new phase of his education.
The college's expansive 286-acre campus comprises six all-boys' houses, six all-girls' houses, and four mixed houses. For Prince George, C1 House—situated centrally within the College Court—has emerged as the top option. A source close to the family revealed, "Parents are eagerly talking about this development. Security is a significant factor, and housing George in one of the central 'in houses' ensures greater control and safety." The insider added, "The 'out houses,' located along Bath Road, pose more risks due to their scattered layout."
This decision reflects Kate Middleton's longstanding desire to intertwine her children's education with her own legacy, symbolizing a blend of tradition and modern upbringing. With Prince George prepared to take on this new challenge, the family's commitment to providing him with a nurturing educational environment becomes all the more evident.
While the decision for Prince George has seemingly been made, the lead-up to this point was marked by discussions between the Prince and Princess of Wales over which institution would best serve their children's needs. Prince William championed Eton College, his own alma mater, known for its storied history and prestigious alumni, whereas Kate favored Marlborough College, which has the added bonus of allowing all three of their children to attend the same school. This choice also fulfills the desire for the siblings to remain close during their educational development.
Recent reports, including those from OK Magazine and The Mirror, have highlighted the indecision within the royal family, with various outlets claiming different outcomes. While it was reported back in October 2023 by OK Magazine, citing sources close to the family, William's preference for Eton seemed to prevail, stating, "Finally, she'll still be heartbroken about the decision." Come December 2023, The Mirror published insights claiming "after heated debates," Marlborough finally won out, noting the desire for George and Charlotte to attend the same school together.
Although official announcements have yet to be made, this choice signifies the family's awareness of both tradition and security as they navigate the challenges of raising royal children under the scrutiny of public life. With the potential consideration of Wellington College also surfacing—an institution praised for its co-educational structure—there remains speculation about the ultimate path for George's schooling.
Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond suggested Wellington College could be ideal due to its proximity to Windsor and offerings for both boarding and day students. She added, “It’s co-educational, which means all three could go there in the future. Sounds ideal to me!”
Nevertheless, it appears the decision is swaying firmly toward Marlborough College, where discussions around modern lifestyle choices and support for children have been abundant. Royal commentary often points out the challenges faced by the young royals this past year, especially during Kate's well-publicized cancer treatment. Sources indicate the family's close-knit approach during this difficult time emphasized the importance of stability and familiarity.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward believes the royal couple is eager to spoil their children with special surprises amid the challenging year. She speculated about the family planning ski trips and holidays, enriching their experiences and allowing them to enjoy their youth together. All these efforts highlight their commitment to nurturing their children and ensuring they develop without undue pressure from their royal status.
Recent comments from Kate during public engagements have emphasized how deeply she and her family connect with others facing similar struggles, especially following her own experience with cancer. Speaking with healthcare professionals, she noted the power of community support for families enduring hardship, asserting how these connections can provide hope.
With the future of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis's education on the horizon, the potential transition to Marlborough College presents both opportunities and challenges. The coming months will undoubtedly see the royal family adapt and respond to their changing circumstances, ensuring the tradition of royal education continues seamlessly.
Prince George's first steps within the historic walls of Marlborough will not only symbolize his future role within the royal family but also mark another chapter filled with shared experiences for him and his siblings. With stability and quality education assured, the young royals are bound to flourish amid the legacy left behind by their mother and the institution itself.