The year 2026 is set to be a landmark one for the Prince and Princess of Wales, as their eldest son, Prince George, faces two major life events. The future King will celebrate his 13th birthday and, crucially, begin his senior school education, marking a significant transition for the close-knit family.
A Major Milestone for the Future Monarch
In July 2026, Prince George is scheduled to leave Lambrook School in Berkshire. Come September, he will start as a Year 9 pupil at a new, yet-to-be-confirmed secondary school. Royal commentators note this shift will be a poignant moment, particularly for the Princess of Wales, who has been deeply involved in her children's daily school life.
"George's new school will be a really big transition for them as a family," explained royal expert Katie Nicholl. "Change is on the horizon, but this is a family that has not been afraid of change. I think George will be more than ready for this next stage."
Kate's hands-on approach is well-documented, from cheering on the sidelines at sports matches to joining in school fair activities. She has previously shared how much she valued this involvement, especially during her cancer treatment, noting, "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life."
The Top Contenders for George's Education
While Kensington Palace has not officially announced the decision, two prestigious institutions are strongly rumoured to be in the running. The first is Eton College, the all-boys boarding school in Berkshire attended by Prince William and Prince Harry. The second is Marlborough College in Wiltshire, the co-educational boarding school where Kate Middleton and her siblings studied.
Both schools command fees of approximately £60,000 per year and boast impressive alumni lists. Eton counts figures like actor Eddie Redmayne and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, while Marlborough's former pupils include comedian Jack Whitehall.
"I know the couple have looked at independent day schools, but I think George is likely to go to a boarding school, like William and Kate did," Katie Nicholl revealed. "I think he will go to either Eton or Marlborough."
The Royal Family's One Key Condition
Despite the weight of his future role, experts stress that William and Kate have one paramount wish for their son's teenage years. They are determined he should have as ordinary a secondary school experience as possible.
"It's really important to both William and Kate that he has as ordinary a secondary school life as he possibly can," Nicholl emphasised. Royal biographer Hugo Vickers agreed, pointing out, "He has plenty of time" before ascending the throne, with two generations preceding him.
The choice of school is deeply personal. Eton holds significance for William, who fondly recalled visiting his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, for "the best teas" while he was a pupil. His housemaster, Dr Andrew Gailey, provided crucial support after Princess Diana's death and was later a guest at William's wedding.
Marlborough, meanwhile, is where Kate flourished after a difficult start at another school, gaining confidence and becoming hockey captain. Its co-educational nature may also appeal to the Waleses, offering the potential for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to follow in their brother's footsteps.
Wherever the decision falls, experts confirm the parents have involved George in the process, ensuring the school can provide him with the best foundation for his future, both as a young man and a future King. The coming months will finalise a choice that blends tradition, personal history, and the family's core desire for normality.
