Royal Couple Weighs Marlborough College for Prince George's Education
The future monarch, Prince George, could soon follow in his mother's footsteps by attending the prestigious Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Prince William and Princess Catherine are reportedly evaluating this co-educational boarding school as a top contender for their eldest son's secondary education.
Shifting Away from Traditional Royal Choices
While Eton College—where Prince William and Prince Harry studied—was initially seen as the obvious choice, sources indicate the royal couple is exploring alternatives. A close insider revealed to Vanity Fair that Marlborough College has emerged as the front-runner, despite Eton's proximity to their Windsor home.
The source elaborated, "While Eton would be the obvious choice because it is on their doorstep and where William went, they are leaning towards other schools. I'm hearing Marlborough is the front-runner."
Marlborough College's Impressive Offerings
Marlborough College, which Princess Kate attended from ages 14 to 18, boasts an annual fee of £61,809 for boarders and £49,449 for day students. The 286-acre campus provides students with exceptional facilities, including:
- Tennis courts and cricket pitches
- Football grounds and a swimming pool
- A rifle and archery range
- Its own observatory for astronomical studies
Security and Preparations Underway
Royal insiders suggest that preparations may already be in motion at Marlborough College. The source added, "I genuinely don't think they've one hundred per cent decided, but there is talk among the Marlborough set that they've allocated a house for George and that security has been a big issue."
This aligns with previous reports that Princess Catherine has long favoured Marlborough for George's education. A friend shared with the Daily Mail that it ranked highly on her list of secondary school options.
Prioritising Individual Fit Over Tradition
The royal couple has demonstrated a pattern of choosing educational institutions based on personal suitability rather than royal convention. Their selection of Thomas's Battersea for George's primary education surprised many, as they bypassed more traditional royal schools.
The friend explained, "William and Catherine surprised many with their choice of Thomas's Battersea for George over more traditional royal schools but picked it because they felt it was the right fit for him."
They emphasised the couple's commitment to allowing their children to develop independently, stating, "They are very keen to allow George to spread his wings as a child and won't ever do what people expect them to do when it comes to their children."
Current Educational Journey
Prince George, along with his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire. Prince William previously remarked on George's smooth transition to school life in 2017, noting he settled in "really easy" without questioning the longevity of his educational journey.
While there has been no official confirmation from Kensington Palace regarding these educational decisions, the speculation continues to generate significant public interest in the future king's upbringing and preparation for his eventual role.