The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to keep the public in suspense regarding their eldest son's educational future, with one prominent expert predicting they will withhold announcing Prince George's secondary school until the very last minute.
The Eleventh Hour Announcement Strategy
According to Melanie Sanderson, Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide, the Wales family will likely follow their established pattern and reveal the decision at the 'eleventh hour', potentially as late as September 2026, when the term begins. This strategic delay is intended to protect the chosen institution and George's future classmates from an intense and potentially disruptive media frenzy.
Sanderson explained that an early announcement would inevitably place the school and the young prince's peer group under a microscope of public scrutiny. By waiting, William and Kate hope to facilitate a smoother transition for their son, allowing him to start this significant new chapter with as little fanfare as possible.
The Front-Runners: Eton vs Marlborough
The two establishments leading the speculation are Eton College and Marlborough College. Eton, situated near the family's Windsor home, is the alma mater of both Prince William and Prince Harry. Marlborough College in Berkshire holds a different family connection, as it is where Princess Kate was educated; should George enrol there, he would likely be a boarder.
Melanie Sanderson has weighed in on the likely front-runner, stating, "I believe Eton is the most likely choice for Prince George." She cited the school's description in The Good Schools Guide as "traditional, radical, expectation-busting and packed with confident boys with nary a hint of entitlement," noting that these values appear to align with those championed by the modern royal family.
A Established Pattern of Secrecy
This approach of last-minute announcements is not new for the Prince and Princess of Wales. When the family relocated from London to Windsor in 2022, they confirmed that George, Charlotte, and Louis would be attending Lambrook School a mere two weeks before the start of the academic term.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has suggested that despite the public suspense, the decision has almost certainly already been made. She also highlighted the personal dilemma for the parents, particularly for Princess Kate, noting the potential conflict between her maternal instincts and her own positive boarding school experience at Marlborough.
As September 2026 approaches, all eyes will remain on Kensington Palace, awaiting the carefully timed revelation that will shape the teenage years of the future king.
