In a significant move that will shape the educational and personal future of Prince George, William and Catherine have made a final decision regarding their eldest son’s schooling. After months of careful consideration and numerous visits to prestigious institutions, the royal couple has chosen the path that best aligns with their values and aspirations for George.
During their relaxing two-month summer holiday at their Norfolk residence, Anmer Hall, the Prince and Princess of Wales had ample time to contemplate and discuss their options. This period was particularly poignant as Princess Catherine is currently undergoing recovery from cancer, adding an emotional depth to their decision-making process.
The final decision is that Prince George will attend St. Edward’s School in Oxford, affectionately known as Teddies. This co-educational boarding school, renowned for its liberal and inclusive environment, has impressed the royal couple with its commitment to children’s happiness and holistic development.
The decision was not made lightly. Prince William and Princess Catherine conducted thorough research and visited several schools, including the renowned Eton College, which both William and his brother Prince Harry attended. Eton’s prestigious reputation and historical significance made it a strong contender. However, the couple ultimately decided that St. Edward’s offered a more fitting environment for their son’s needs.
In 2023, George was seen visiting the hallowed halls of Eton College with his parents, Prince William and Catherine. When Prince William enrolled at Eton College in 1995, he became the first senior royal to attend the school, as his father, King Charles, and grandfather, Prince Philip, both went to Gordonstoun in Scotland.
Another school considered was Marlborough College, where Catherine and her siblings received their education. While Marlborough holds a special place in Catherine’s heart, concerns about its increasingly flashy reputation led the couple to seek a more grounded and understated option. Catherine was said to have adored her time at Marlborough, where her brother James and sister Pippa Matthews were also educated.
Uppingham School in Northamptonshire also made the shortlist. Known for shaping well-rounded, ambitious yet humble individuals, Uppingham’s ethos aligns closely with the royal family’s values. However, St. Edward’s holistic approach and commitment to inclusivity ultimately won out.
In celebration of Prince George’s 11th birthday, Princess Catherine took a new photograph of him. The black-and-white image, a nod to her love for photography and the stark, symbolic quality it brings, was captured at Windsor earlier this month. The photograph, posted on the Wales’ social media accounts, shows George looking smart and grown-up, dressed in an open-necked white shirt and dark blazer.
Former commissioned royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner commented on the choice of black-and-white photography, explaining that it is a preferred medium for Catherine due to its nostalgic and symbolic nature. “She likes creating imagery that is stark and focused,” he said. “The black-and-white photograph is a way to show the royal family without the distraction of color, creating a timeless and stylish image.”
