Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, is rapidly approaching a critical crossroads that could shape his future — and the royal couple is reportedly grappling with one of their most difficult parenting decisions yet.
As Prince George prepares to enter his final year at Lambrook School this September, the pressure is mounting to determine where the young royal will go next. The most talked-about option? Eton College — the elite all-boys boarding school both Prince William and Prince Harry once attended.
However, despite the long-standing family tradition, insiders say Princess Kate isn’t entirely convinced that Eton is the right fit for her 11-year-old son.
George has been thriving at Lambrook, a co-educational preparatory school nestled in the Berkshire countryside, close to the family’s home in Windsor. But once he completes his time there, the decision must be made: will George follow his father’s footsteps to Eton, or chart his own path?
William and Harry’s alma mater has its pros — prestige, tradition, and proximity to royal life — but it also comes with high expectations and intense scrutiny. While Prince William reportedly flourished at Eton, captaining the swimming team and excelling academically, Harry famously struggled. In his memoir Spare, the Duke of Sussex described Eton as “heaven for brilliant boys,” but “purgatory” for someone like him.
That stark contrast has only deepened Princess Kate’s dilemma. Though many reports had initially claimed the couple was leaning toward sending George to Eton, the narrative shifted in early 2024. Royal watchers were surprised when Kate was spotted touring other prestigious institutions — including Highgate and University College School, both located in North London.
Kate herself attended Marlborough College, a co-ed boarding school known for its more modern and pastoral atmosphere. At one point, the family appeared to be favoring Marlborough for George, with royal staff allegedly preparing for his potential enrollment there. Yet no final decision has been made.
Sources close to the family suggest that Kate is struggling with the emotional aspect of sending her son away to boarding school so young. “She’s not sure George is ready,” one royal expert noted. “She worries he’ll feel isolated.”
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It’s a sentiment that many parents can relate to — even those outside of royalty. While tradition may weigh heavily on the royal family’s choices, Kate is said to be prioritizing George’s wellbeing and happiness above all.
Interestingly, the couple’s hesitation reflects a broader shift within the monarchy. Unlike past generations, William and Kate have embraced a more modern and hands-on parenting approach, often seen participating in school drop-offs, sports days, and family events. Sending George away may feel like a step back from that style of parenting.
The British press has been abuzz with speculation since last year, with some insiders claiming the couple had all but finalized Eton. But now, the landscape seems far less certain. Will they stick with tradition, or take a bold step toward a different future for George?
Adding to the pressure is the fact that George isn’t just another schoolboy — he’s second in line to the British throne. The school he attends could shape his public persona and media coverage for years to come.
With the September deadline fast approaching, royal fans can expect an official announcement soon. But for now, the world is watching as Kate and William weigh one of their biggest decisions yet as parents.
Whether it’s Eton, Marlborough, or a lesser-known London day school, one thing is clear: the decision will speak volumes about how the modern monarchy sees the future of its next generation.
