The Prince and Princess of Wales have reportedly spent hours arguing over the decision to send George to Eton College – and we asked Mirror readers to share their thoughts
Kate Middleton is reportedly “heartbroken” over Prince William’s plans to send Prince George to Eton College – and we asked Mirror readers what they thought of the news.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have allegedly disagreed over the decision to send their oldest son to the prestigious school when he turns 13, as it goes against the Royal Family’s efforts to “modernise the monarchy”.
Kate’s concerns come after she was “horribly bullied” at her first boarding school, Downe House in Berkshire, and she “can’t bear the thought” of George sharing a similar experience. She transferred mid-term to co-ed boarding school Marlborough College, in Wiltshire, where she stayed for the rest of her schooling.
According to royal sources, the 42-year-old is determined to send George to the same institution, while William is set on £53,398 a year Eton. Both William and Prince Harry attended the College, which differed from the older generation’s tradition of attending the Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun.
While William enjoyed his time at Eton, Harry confessed that he does not remember his early days at the world famous college with any particular fondness. Speaking to In Touch Weekly, a royal insider said: “Kate thinks sending George to such a stuffy, upper-crust institution goes against all of their efforts to modernise the monarchy. Plus, she’ll miss George desperately.”
They added: “Kate long disagreed with her husband about sending him away, even though it’s tradition.” However, it has been reported that Kate has “given in” to William’s wishes and agreed to his education request.
, and a whopping 86 per cent said ‘Yes, absolutely’. Around 5,628 people took part in our poll, and a hefty 4,818 agreed with Kate’s concerns.
Taking to the comments section to voice their thoughts, one user penned: “I remember Prince Charles (now King Charles of course) was sent away to Gordonstoun and absolutely hated it. This was the choice of his father the Duke of Edinburgh to ‘toughen him up’ but I feel we should look for a school which complements a child’s natural abilities and personality … NOT try to make them something they are not.
“This has to surely apply to any family, Royal or not?! William is in danger of repeating the mistakes of the past just because he enjoyed Eton. It may not suit Prince George and if Kate is worried he may be bullied then that should be taken into consideration.” Another wrote: “At Marlborough Prince George will, hopefully, be able to make contact with a spectrum of people who have not had the privileges that members of the aristocracy and moneyed people have.”
While a third expressed: “Kate is right not wanting to send Prince George to Eton,” as another posted: “Boarding school is not the issue, Eton is. Not an advisable or sound choice unfortunately.”
Meanwhile, 10 per cent said that Kate is “not at all” right, as one reader shared: “Why is tradition not a good thing? I think both boys must attend, and even Archie needs the formal education which all children in the Royal Family have.
“Kate needs to understand that for him (her son George) to mature and learn that he can be away from Mommy is a show of strength, which will help prepare him for his future as King one day.” A second echoed: “He should go to Eton, as should Louis.”
Meanwhile, four per cent selected the option ‘Other’, as one person voiced: “I am sure they will make a proper decision and only time will tell. I wish the young man well on his new school for the future. Everyone has differences in opinion anyway, probably nothing to worry about.”
A second wrote: “Out of date boarding for children, every child should be able to go home to their families wherever possible. They can make their own choices at 16/18 as to their own further education. Support from parents is massively important to teenagers.”
“Century’s behind modern Britain with these stuffy old traditions, they should go to public school with normal kids and learn how to be real,” penned another.
