George will continue at his current school until he turns 13, after which it will be time to decide his next steps. King Charles, based on tradition and his own experience, believes it is time for George to attend a prestigious boarding school, marking the young prince's coming of age. However, the decision has led to a major row between the king and the Prince of Wales, who favour a more modern approach to education. Tensions have been further compounded by the involvement of Queen Camilla. Sources say Camilla's advisers have supported King Charles's views, complicating the situation and increasing tensions within the family.
While it is unclear where the public will find out, former BBC royal correspondent Jenny Bond has her doubts about the next move for the prince and his younger siblings. This is a big year for George. I imagine the decision on where he will study next year is almost confirmed. I would guess Wellington College, just half an hour from Windsor. It allows full-time, part-time or day-boarders, and a big plus is that it is co-educational, meaning all three brothers could attend in the future.
Prince George's disagreement over his education is indicative of a larger clash between traditional royal values and modern parenting philosophies. King Charles's insistence on boarding his children stems from his experience at schools like Gordonstoun, which are known for their strict discipline and emphasis on resilience. Despite the challenges of loneliness and physical stress, Charles believes that the experience helped shape his character and prepare him for his role as monarch. For Charles, boarding school was not only about academic achievement but also about cultivating independence, discipline and responsibility - qualities that are essential for a future king. He believed that this environment would help George cope with the pressures and responsibilities of royal life.
In contrast, Prince William and Princess Catherine advocated a modern approach to parenting that prioritized mental health, family unity and a balanced lifestyle. They believed that it was important to give their children a sense of normalcy despite their royal status. Catherine was particularly keen on the importance of emotional nurturing in raising children. The conflict was not limited to education. King Charles also ordered George and his siblings not to travel in the same carriage, citing the need to protect the line of succession. While this was in line with royal protocol, it upset William and Catherine, who valued the togetherness and joy of family life.
These demands, coupled with the issue of education, created a layer of tension and formality in the family relationship. William and Catherine felt that Camilla's interference in their parenting decisions was further straining the relationship within the royal family. The debate has sparked a range of opinions among royal observers and the public. Supporters of King Charles argue that tradition is the foundation of the monarchy and that a boarding school education would equip George with the discipline and resilience needed to cope with royal life. Supporters of William and Catherine, on the other hand, argue that prioritising George's mental health and personalisation would better prepare him for the changes of modern society.
This split reflects a larger question for the monarchy should it adapt to changing times or hold fast to tradition? As the royal family navigates this sensitive issue, there is hope for a compromise. A hybrid approach could combine elements of both perspectives, perhaps choosing a school that balances academic rigor with emotional well-being. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications not only for George’s future, but also for the monarchy’s ability to balance tradition and modernity. The debate over Prince George’s education reflects the monarchy’s ongoing struggle to adapt while still preserving its core values. The decision made today will influence how the public views it and shape the institution for generations to come.
