Prince George, the second in line to the British throne, is preparing for a significant transition as he is set to begin secondary school in September 2026. As the Wales family navigates this upcoming change, speculation surrounds the school George may attend, influenced by decisions made by his mother, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
While the specific school remains unconfirmed, Royal observers suggest that George could follow family tradition and enroll at Eton College. This prestigious institution has educated both his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry. The choice of school carries considerable weight, as it reflects not only family history but also the values and educational philosophies of the Wales family.
Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that with less than a year until George’s school commencement, decisions regarding his education have likely already been finalized. In an interview with the Mirror, Bond stated, “Yes, this is a big year ahead, as George becomes a teenager… I suppose his new school has already been decided.” She expressed her concern about the implications of boarding school, highlighting the potential conflict with Kate’s values.
Kate Middleton attended Marlborough College after experiencing bullying at her previous school, Downe House. The college is located over an hour away from the Wales family’s residence at Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate. Despite her own experiences, it appears she may be prepared to allow her son to follow a similar path, as Bond noted, “she seemed to enjoy it.”
In recent months, Kate has increased her public engagements following her cancer remission. This heightened visibility includes her participation in a summit organized by her Royal Foundation, where she delivered her first speech in two years. The Princess also joined Prince William at the Royal Variety Performance shortly thereafter, indicating her commitment to balancing her royal duties with family life.
With 2026 on the horizon, which promises to be a pivotal year for the Royal family, Bond asserts that Kate will need to effectively manage her time between her responsibilities as a mother and her role as a public figure. “Catherine believes passionately that these early years in her children’s lives are by far the most important and formative,” Bond remarked, emphasizing Kate’s determination to be present for her children despite her royal commitments.
Kate has consistently prioritized her parenting responsibilities, a sentiment she reinforced during her speech at the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood summit. She has advocated for maintaining family time, even amidst their royal obligations. “They’ve taken a fair bit of flak for doing things like ring-fencing school holidays as family time,” Bond noted, recognizing the privilege that allows the couple to make such choices.
As the Wales family prepares for this new chapter, the decisions surrounding Prince George’s education will undoubtedly resonate beyond the walls of their home, reflecting the values and traditions of the British monarchy. The anticipation surrounding George’s schooling illustrates the intersection of royal heritage and modern parenting, as Kate navigates her dual roles with care and consideration.
