Royal Family LIVE: Prince William and Princess Kate weigh up major Prince George decision – Daily Express

Prince William and Princess Catherine are evaluating boarding school options for Prince George, including a visit to an institution that represents a potential departure from long-standing royal tradition. The visit suggests the couple is considering alternatives to Eton College, the historic school attended by previous generations of royal males.

Reports from May 8, 2026, indicate that the Prince and Princess of Wales toured a school with an annual tuition cost of approximately £59,000. The institution is noted for its diverse alumni base, which includes a recognized rock icon, contrasting with the more traditional profile of Eton.

The visit has generated significant interest among local residents. According to reporting from Marie Claire, members of the community described the royal visit as terribly exciting and stated they were proud as punch that the school was being considered for the future king.

The decision regarding Prince George’s secondary education is viewed as a significant move for the royal family. While Prince William and Prince Harry both attended Eton, the current Prince of Wales and Princess Catherine have frequently emphasized a more modern and tailored approach to the education of their three children.

The financial commitment for the school visited is substantial, with costs reaching £59,000 per year. This expenditure is consistent with the pricing of elite private boarding institutions in the United Kingdom, though the specific choice of school reflects a weighing of academic environment and cultural influence.

Educational Precedent and Royal Tradition

For centuries, Eton College has served as the primary educational path for the male heirs to the British throne. The school’s rigorous academic standards and historical ties to the monarchy have made it the default choice for royal princes.

By exploring institutions outside of this tradition, Prince William and Princess Catherine may be signaling a shift in how the royal family prepares the next generation for public life. The focus appears to be on finding an environment that aligns with their specific parenting goals for Prince George.

The inclusion of a rock icon among the school’s former pupils suggests an institution that may offer a different cultural atmosphere than the strictly traditionalist environment associated with Eton.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have not yet officially announced a final decision on where Prince George will attend secondary school. However, the active touring of alternative boarding schools indicates that the decision-making process is in its final stages.

The couple’s approach to schooling has remained a point of public interest since the birth of Prince George. They have previously balanced the need for high-level education with the desire to provide a relatively stable and private childhood for their children.

As Prince George approaches the age for transition to secondary education, the choice of school will serve as a marker for the future king’s early development and the royal family’s evolving relationship with British educational institutions.