Kate Middleton and Prince William's Clash Over Prince George's Education Leaves Princess 'Heartbroken'
Kate Middleton is reportedly "heartbroken" following a disagreement with Prince William regarding the future schooling of their eldest son, Prince George. Sources close to the royal couple have revealed that the Prince and Princess of Wales are at odds over whether George should attend Eton College, the prestigious institution where both William and his brother, Prince Harry, were educated.
The disagreement marks a significant departure from the royal family's previous preferences, where older generations favored the Scottish boarding school Gordonstoun. While Prince William supports the idea of continuing the family tradition at Eton, Kate is reportedly not in favor, citing her own traumatic experiences at boarding school as the primary reason for her reluctance.
An insider confided to Touch Weekly that Kate has strong reservations about sending George to Eton. The source explained, "Kate was horribly bullied at her first boarding school, and she can't bear the thought of George suffering through that." This sentiment harks back to Kate's early education at Downe House, a girls' boarding school in Berkshire, which she left mid-term due to her negative experiences. She later transferred to Marlborough College, a mixed boarding school in Wiltshire, where she completed her education more happily.
According to the insider, Kate believes that sending George to a "stuffy, upper-crust institution" like Eton contradicts the couple's efforts to modernize the monarchy. "Kate thinks sending George to such a traditional institution goes against all of their efforts to modernize the monarchy," the source added.
This issue has reportedly caused significant tension in the Wales household, with the couple engaging in lengthy arguments over the decision. "Kate has long disagreed with her husband about sending George away, even though it's tradition," the source revealed. Despite her strong feelings, Kate appears to be "finally giving in" to William's wishes, with William seemingly having "won" the argument.
Prince William, who attended Eton from 1995 to 2000, believes that the school's rigorous academic and extracurricular programs will benefit George. Eton's current tuition fees are listed at £53,398 per year, reflecting its status as one of the UK's most elite educational institutions.
In other royal news, it has been reported that Princess Kate maintains contact with her children through the popular video calling app FaceTime. During her recent cancer treatment at the London Clinic, Kate relied on FaceTime to stay connected with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. During this challenging period, Prince William took on primary childcare responsibilities at Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate.
Kate's determination to stay involved in her children's lives despite her health challenges highlights her dedication as a mother. The use of FaceTime allowed her to provide comfort and maintain a presence in their daily routines, even from a distance.
The debate over George's schooling comes at a time when the royal family is navigating significant changes and challenges. The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the United States has already reshaped the dynamics within the family, and the ongoing health concerns of Princess Kate add another layer of complexity.
As the royal couple continues to grapple with this critical decision, it remains to be seen how their differing perspectives will shape Prince George's future. The outcome of this disagreement will not only impact George's education but could also influence public perceptions of the royal family's approach to tradition and modernization.
The royal family's efforts to modernize and adapt to contemporary values are often scrutinized by the public and media alike. Kate's concerns about bullying and her desire to protect George from a similar fate underscore the challenges of balancing personal experiences with the expectations of royal traditions.