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The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has made a striking decision by enrolling her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, in Marlborough College in Wiltshire, breaking a centuries-old tradition of sending royal heirs to Eton College. Announced on February 10, 2025, this choice reflects Kate and Prince William’s vision to provide a more inclusive and balanced education, aligned with contemporary values. Unlike the all-male environment of Eton, attended by William and Prince Harry, Marlborough, a coeducational institution, is renowned for its academic excellence and diverse extracurricular offerings. The move underscores the couple’s intent to prepare their children for the challenges of a modern world, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and inclusion. Sources close to Kensington Palace indicate the decision also holds personal significance for Kate, who studied at Marlborough before attending the University of St. Andrews, where she met William.
Kate Middleton, known for her active role in modernizing the monarchy, aims to ensure her children experience an educational setting that blends tradition with innovation. This shift has sparked discussions among experts and the public about how the British monarchy is adapting to a changing society.
The decision also raises questions about the future of royal education. Marlborough College, with its established reputation, may set a new benchmark for shaping future generations of the royal family.
Key factors in the choice: coeducational environment, focus on arts and sciences, preparation for top universities.Annual cost per student: approximately 65,000 euros, an investment in top-tier education.Expectation: to shape adaptable, creative young royals ready for a global stage.Reasons driving the shift
Kate Middleton’s choice of Marlborough College goes beyond merely breaking tradition. The princess, a former student of the institution, values its coeducational setting, which fosters interaction between boys and girls, promoting diversity and inclusion. Founded in 1843, the college offers a rigorous academic curriculum alongside opportunities in sports, music, theater, and arts, nurturing well-rounded development.
Moreover, Marlborough stands out for its progressive approach, encouraging students to think critically and creatively. Unlike Eton College, with its traditional, all-male framework, the chosen institution provides a broader educational experience. Its location in the serene and accessible region of Wiltshire also eases logistics for the royal family.
Eton College’s longstanding tradition
For centuries, Eton College, established in 1440, has been the go-to choice for male members of the British royal family. Situated in Windsor, near the royal castle, the school has educated not only Prince William and Prince Harry but also numerous political leaders and aristocrats. Its reputation rests on strict discipline, academic excellence, and a setting that shapes character and leadership.
During the 1990s, Eton served as a haven for William and Harry amid the turmoil of their parents’ marriage, then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Its proximity to Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor provided stability for the young princes. Despite its storied legacy, Eton’s all-male, traditional model contrasts with the modern vision Kate and William appear to seek for their children.
Marlborough College at a glance
Founded in 1843, Marlborough College originally served boys from the British aristocracy but began admitting girls in 1968, becoming a coeducational institution. Located in Wiltshire, it is celebrated for its excellence across multiple areas.
Academic program: prepares students for top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.Extracurricular offerings: includes sports, music, theater, and arts with top-notch facilities.Educational philosophy: emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.Global reputation: attracts students from various countries, fostering a multicultural environment.
The annual fee, estimated at 65,000 euros per student, reflects the investment in elite education, with modern infrastructure and highly qualified teachers. Kate Middleton’s own experience at the college, where she excelled academically and in sports like field hockey, also influenced her decision.
Preparing for royal challenges
Prince George, as the future king, faces unique expectations. His education at Marlborough College will be vital in equipping him with the skills needed to lead in a rapidly changing world. The college balances traditional subjects like math and sciences with innovative areas such as technology and arts, readying him for royal duties.
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will also benefit from the school’s diverse environment. Its focus on individuality allows each child to cultivate their talents and interests, whether academic, artistic, or athletic. The transition to Marlborough is slated for the coming years, following the completion of their current preparatory schooling.
A modern vision for the monarchy
Kate Middleton’s decision signals an evolution in the royal family’s approach to education. Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who was tutored at home in the traditional aristocratic model, and King Charles III, who was the first heir to attend a formal school, the choice of a coeducational institution reflects contemporary values.
Kate and William have worked to modernize the monarchy’s image, making it more approachable and aligned with current societal expectations. Enrolling their children in Marlborough College reinforces this stance, highlighting a priority on inclusion and preparation for a dynamic future. The move may also inspire other royals to explore educational options beyond the traditional framework.
Emphasis on academic excellence
Marlborough College is widely recognized for its impressive academic outcomes. Many graduates secure places at prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and other elite institutions worldwide. The college maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and employs highly qualified teachers.
The institution offers a diverse curriculum, spanning sciences, humanities, and creative disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, with access to modern labs, art studios, and top-tier sports facilities. This holistic approach is seen as ideal for preparing Kate and William’s children for future challenges.
Advantages of a coeducational setting
One of the most praised aspects of Marlborough College is its mixed environment, fostering interaction between boys and girls. This dynamic is considered essential for social and emotional growth.
Inclusion: exposes students to diverse perspectives, mirroring today’s society.Collaboration: encourages teamwork in academic and extracurricular projects.Social preparation: builds interpersonal skills for varied contexts.Balance: blends academic tradition with progressive values.
For Kate Middleton, who values equality and diversity, this setting is ideal for shaping her children into adaptable, aware individuals.
The royal family’s educational history
The education of British royals has evolved significantly over decades. Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, was educated at home, following the traditional aristocratic model. King Charles III marked a shift by attending formal schools like Gordonstoun in Scotland.
Prince William and Prince Harry upheld the Eton tradition, but now George, Charlotte, and Louis are paving a new path at Marlborough College. This progression mirrors the monarchy’s adaptation to social changes, with a growing emphasis on diversity and modernity.
Next steps for the young royals
The enrollment at Marlborough College is still in the planning stage, with the transition expected in the coming years. Currently, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis attend preparatory schools, building foundational skills. The Wiltshire college will be the next step, providing a strong base for higher education and, for George, his future role as king.
Kate Middleton’s decision is already viewed as a milestone, underscoring the importance of aligning royal education with 21st-century values. Marlborough College, with its blend of tradition and innovation, promises to be the ideal setting to shape the next generation of the British monarchy.
