Prince George's School Choice: Oundle Visit Adds Twist to Eton, Marlborough Debate

Key facts

• Prince George is approaching the age of 13, when he will leave Lambrook School.
• The Prince and Princess of Wales visited Oundle School recently.
• They also toured Marlborough College in March, with pupils reportedly sent inside.
• Eton College is Prince William's alma mater.
• Marlborough College is Catherine, Princess of Wales' alma mater.
• Marlborough College has notable alumni including Princess Eugenie and Jack Whitehall.
• The Wales children currently attend Lambrook School.

A Royal Schooling Dilemma Unfolds

The question of where Prince George will continue his secondary education has become a subject of intense public speculation, particularly as he approaches his thirteenth birthday this summer. Currently a pupil at Lambrook School, which educates children up to the age of 13, the heir to the throne is expected to transition to a senior boarding school. For months, the prevailing assumption among observers was that Prince George would follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, by attending Eton College. Another strong contender, based on his mother Catherine's own educational history, has been Marlborough College. However, a recent visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales to Oundle School has introduced a new variable into the equation, challenging the established narrative. This excursion has thrown into question the widely held belief that a decision between Eton and Marlborough had largely been made. The Badminton Horse Trials, hosted at Badminton House, serve as a backdrop to this unfolding royal educational drama. The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort's estate provides a picturesque setting against which the future of the monarchy's schooling is being debated.

Oundle Visit Shakes Up Expectations

The sighting of the Prince and Princess of Wales touring Oundle School has significantly altered the landscape of speculation. Oundle, located approximately 100 miles from Windsor, was not previously considered a primary candidate in the public discourse surrounding Prince George's future. This visit suggests a broader exploration of options than previously anticipated. This development directly contrasts with earlier reports that favoured Marlborough College. A source had indicated to Vanity Fair that while Eton might seem the 'obvious choice' due to its proximity and royal precedent, the couple were 'leaning towards other schools' with Marlborough being the 'front-runner'. The source suggested Marlborough 'ticks all the boxes' for the family. The timing of the Oundle visit, following a tour of Marlborough in March, highlights the ongoing nature of the decision-making process. The Prince and Princess of Wales appear to be conducting thorough due diligence, examining multiple institutions before committing to a final choice.

Marlborough's Allure: A Family Connection

Marlborough College holds a distinct appeal for the Prince and Princess of Wales, largely due to Catherine's own formative experiences there. She attended the co-educational boarding school from 1996, where she excelled in hockey and was even recognised in the yearbook as 'Person most likely to be loved by everybody'. Her sister, Pippa Middleton, and brother, James Middleton, also studied at Marlborough. This familial connection extends to the possibility of all three Wales children attending the same institution. Sources suggest that the prospect of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis potentially being educated together at Marlborough is a significant factor influencing the decision. Such an arrangement would echo the experience of Catherine, who was joined at school by her siblings. Furthermore, Marlborough boasts an impressive roster of notable alumni, including Princess Eugenie, poets Siegfried Sassoon and John Betjeman, and comedian Jack Whitehall. This distinguished lineage adds to the school's prestige and its attractiveness as an educational establishment for the royal family.

Eton's Shadow and Royal Tradition

Eton College, situated in Berkshire, remains a significant contender, not least because it is the alma mater of Prince William and Prince Harry. The prestigious institution has long been a favoured choice for the British aristocracy and has served as an unofficial feeder school for elite universities like Oxford and Cambridge. However, the tradition of royal children attending Eton was a departure from earlier practices. Prior to Prince William and Prince Harry, the royal family had a custom of sending their children to Gordonstoun in Scotland. King Charles III, who attended Gordonstoun from 1962 to 1967 and famously expressed disdain for it, opted for Eton for his sons, breaking with this established royal tradition. The presence of Prince George at Eton would signify a continuation of this more recent royal educational path, aligning him with his father and uncle. The proximity of Eton to the Wales' Windsor residence also presents a practical advantage, although the family appears to be prioritising other factors in their deliberations.

Lambrook's Role and the Looming Transition

The current educational setting for the Wales children is Lambrook School, a co-educational preparatory school located near Windsor. Here, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are being educated together, fostering a sense of sibling unity within their school environment. Lambrook educates its pupils up to the age of 13, making Prince George's departure imminent. The school's pastoral care and academic standards are understood to be high, providing a solid foundation for the young prince. The decision regarding his next school will mark a significant step in his upbringing and preparation for future royal duties. The contrast between Lambrook's current setting and the potential boarding environments of Oundle, Eton, or Marlborough highlights the magnitude of the transition ahead. The family's engagement with multiple institutions underscores the weight of this decision.

Navigating the Final Decision

Despite the recent visit to Oundle and the ongoing tours of Marlborough, sources indicate that the Prince and Princess of Wales are still in the process of making their final decision. The conflicting signals and the exploration of multiple high-profile institutions suggest a careful and considered approach. incident at Marlborough College in March, where pupils were allegedly instructed to stay indoors during the Waleses' visit due to a 'highly stressed teacher', points to the significant disruption such high-profile visits can cause. This underscores the sensitivity surrounding the selection process and the desire for privacy. Ultimately, the choice will reflect the values and priorities the Prince and Princess of Wales wish to impart to their eldest son as he embarks on the next crucial stage of his education. The coming months will likely reveal which institution best aligns with their vision for Prince George's future.

The bottom line

• Prince George is nearing the age of 13 and must transition from Lambrook School.
• A recent visit to Oundle School has complicated speculation about his secondary education.
• Marlborough College is a strong contender due to Catherine, Princess of Wales's history there and the potential for siblings to attend together.
• Eton College remains a possibility, following the precedent set by Prince William and Prince Harry.
• The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly still weighing their options.
• The decision will shape the next phase of the heir's education and upbringing.