The Gist
A major decision looms regarding Prince George this year—where will he attend secondary school this fall?
The two top choices are reportedly Eton College, Prince William's alma mater, and Marlborough College, Kate Middleton's alma mater.
There is a surprising "frontrunner," a source speaking to Vanity Fair said.
Prince Georgeis poised to have a big year in 2026. It not only marks the year he becomes a teenager—he'll turn 13 on July 22—but also the year he heads off to secondary school, a major milestone.
It has long been rumored that the choice for where to send the future king boils down to either Eton College, his dadPrince William's alma mater, or Marlborough College, where his momKate Middletonattended. While Eton had reportedly emerged as the likely choice, a new report fromVanity Fairrefutes that, suggesting that it might be Marlborough after all.
A big draw for Marlborough is that it is co-ed, meaning that George could continue to attend school with his younger siblingsPrincess CharlotteandPrince Louis, just as he does now at Lambrook. Eton is all boys, meaning that Charlotte wouldn't get to join her older brother at secondary school—and it's well-known that the two siblings are close.
Vanity Fair's new report said that the Prince and Princess of Wales are thinking about options other than Eton for George's education. A source told the outlet, "While Eton would be the obvious choice because it is on their doorstep and where William went, they are leaning towards other schools. I'm hearing Marlborough is the frontrunner."
According to the outlet, William and Kate haven't totally made up their minds, and security for George "is of the utmost importance to their decision."
"I genuinely don't think they've 100 percent decided, but there is talk among the Marlborough set that they've allocated a house for George and that security has been a big issue," a source said. An insider added that the Princess of Wales "had a great time at Marlborough, and it ticks all the boxes. I think if they can, they would love for all three children to be at school together, which puts Marlborough as the top choice."
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said that the public will be told of George's chosen school "later on in the summer at the very last minute," and added that Eton wasn't necessarily William and Kate's top choice.
"William loved Eton and did well academically, but I don't think we should assume George will follow suit," Seward toldVanity Fair. "For a start, we are seeing William doing things differently. He is mindful of costs and appearances when it comes to his family and the future."
"I'm told William has voiced concerns about how it will look for George to be at such an elitist and expensive school," Seward continued.
Read the original article onInStyle