For years now, we’ve heard about the Princess of Wales’s desire to have all three of her children attend coeducational schools. She’s even wary of boarding schools and would prefer to have her children live at home for as long as possible. Reportedly, Kate and William have argued for years over George’s possible attendance at Eton, an all-boys prep school and William’s alma mater. Kate clearly would prefer the kids to go to Marlborough, her co-ed alma mater. I imagine some of it is simply wanting all three kids to go to the same school, but I’ve always believed that Kate got “her way” on the kids’ education for so long because eventually, she would have to send George away to Eton. Well, it looks like Kate is really pushing hard for Marlborough – she’s now been seen making a second visit to the school.
It has an illustrious reputation for schooling the elite – including Princes William and Harry – but Eton College may not be able to count Prince George among its future pupils. Speculation is growing that the second in line to the throne will, instead, follow in his mother’s footsteps, and be educated at Marlborough College in Wiltshire.
The Princess of Wales has recently toured the £47,000-a-year co-educational school for the second time in as many months – this time accompanied by her husband and ten-year-old George.
Kate is said to not be a fan of single-sex schools like Eton, and reportedly ‘absolutely hated’ her time at Downe House, an all-girls boarding school in Berkshire, where she was allegedly targeted by bullies. However she flourished at Marlborough, where she excelled academically and performed well at sports, including hockey and tennis.
Although it is understood that no firm decision has yet been made about what school George will attend, the Princess took him and William to her alma mater on December 1, having previously visited alone in October. They also all toured Eton back in June. The college, which is a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, provided a haven for William and Harry, who boarded there during the most turbulent years of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s marriage. But while William found solace there after his mother’s death, Harry lamented in his memoir Spare that it was not the right choice for him.
George is currently at co-educational prep school, Lambrook, along with his sister Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old brother Prince Louis. Close to the home of their Middleton grandparents, it educates pupils up to the age of 13, meaning George will have to move on in 2026.
Prince George started at Lambrook last year and is currently in Year 6. He has recently been sitting exams that could influence his future education. But if he continues at a mixed-sex school like Marlborough, he could later be joined by his siblings. The Princess of Wales was similarly educated alongside her younger sister, Pippa, and brother James. Founded in 1843, Marlborough’s former pupils also include Princess Eugenie, Lady (Samantha) Cameron and comedian Jack Whitehall.
Kate is really putting up a big fight over this, huh? I wonder what cards she thinks she holds, because if William wants George to go to Eton, George will go to Eton. King Charles probably wants it that way too – Charles always wanted to go to Eton, which is why he sent his sons there. That being said, I doubt Charles would put up a fight about it either – he doesn’t seem too involved with any of his grandchildren. Which is another conversation altogether – Charles was especially close to his grandmother, QEII was especially close to William and Harry, and Charles is not continuing that “grandparent taking a special interest in the heir” thing. It would be a coup for Kate and the Middletons if the future king ends up going to his mother’s alma mater and not his father’s.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images, Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace.
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- Princess Charlotte of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince George of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.,Image: 827900368, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson / Avalon
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- The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.,Image: 827907493, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson / Avalon
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- Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.,Image: 827907503, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson / Avalon
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- The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.,Image: 827907514, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson / Avalon
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- (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales attend The “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on December 08, 2023 in London, England. Spearheaded by The Princess of Wales, and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service is a moment to bring people together at Christmas time and recognise those who have gone above and beyond to help others throughout the year.,Image: 827907562, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.), *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Chris Jackson / Avalon
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- (Left-right) Princess Charlotte, the Princess of Wales, Prince George, Prince Louis, the Prince of Wales and The Dean of Westminster Abbey, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle arriving for the Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in London Featuring: William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 Dec 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- Members of the Royal Family depart after the ‘Together At Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey Featuring: Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Catherine Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 Dec 2023 Credit: Cover Images
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- Royal Carols – Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey. Featuring: Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 08 Dec 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
It’s weird to make this such a public disagreement unless it is being done to show who has more power. It he goes to Eton, everyone will be talking about how Kkkate wields no real power. If he goes to her choice, Carol will make a huge deal about how influential her daughter is. The kid loses either way because he’s just a pawn in this game between his toddler parents.
Or maybe his parents genuinely have different ideas about where would be best, and they’ll come to a consensus eventually. EVERYTHING they do is not necessarily a weird power play or ominous struggle!
I imagine if he goes to Eaton he will also board there. Meaning he will be out of the house most of the time. Which means Kate and Carol won’t be able to control him as much. Especially during the divorce which is coming very quickly. And even though she will still have the other two. They aren’t the heir to the throne. So Kate won’t have as much pull with the divorce agreement. Meaning she won’t get that much.
@nikki that’s not the meat of the comment. The issue is why play it out in the press. Either it’s a real argument and someone’s leaking it or it’s made up and the press is coming for their marriage, giving us breadcrumbs about fights, etc. Either way it’s odd and not exactly the “never put a foot wrong/festive glance/keen lynchpin” bs we’ve come to know so well.
The idea that Kate has any power at all in that family is delusional at best. But especially when it comes to George, the heir, she has none. Besides, the royal family compromised years ago when they settled on Eaton, Diana’s choice for William. Unlike Kate, Diana did not elect to be a mute woman, a Stepford wife. If George ends up anywhere, Eton, Marlborough, etc., it will be because that’s where the men in gray have chosen. But I’ll give Kate this much credit: she’s at least smart enough to know that she’s done if George is carted away to boarding school. Because any hope of her having any influence over the future king will be lost for good. I think that even Diana experienced a little of this with William before she died. I, back then, remember reading headlines about William siding with the Crown after the Panorama interview.
The Windsors didn’t really compromise with Diana for her choice of Eton. Yes, she wanted Eton, but Eton has played a significant role before Diana married in. Eton teachers tutored Liz (when Liz qm wouldn’t send her to school and allegedly q Mary was bewildered that Liz qm & Albert didn’t value and educate Liz & Margot better, so the lack of education had to be dealt with later on and Eton teachers came to the palace to tutor Liz).
Liz’s choice for Charles was allegedly Eton, because she liked her Eton lessons and teachers. But Philip wanted Gordonstoun and won.
Diana’s choice of Eton was perfectly in line with (at least) the previous two generations.
Edit: I think it’s also been said that Eton would’ve been a great fit for Charles, so Charles must’ve favoured Eton himself as well for his sons.
All 3 kids lose if George is sent away from his family at 12. Charlotte & Louis will lose having their brother be a part of their lives. And for what? So George can be programmed to be a sexist brain dead narcissist.
I have a feeling it’s because this would be a clear sign that her time is a bit more freed up for her to take on more events. If she doesn’t get her way now she won’t get her way with Charlotte and Louis. She is already getting pushed aside from joint engagements with William so she will do the stuff William doesn’t want to do or they are already fading out of the picture and the children keep her somewhat relevant.
I think this has something to do with who else will be at Eton.
What other boys in the Aristo/ Royal circles are of age and @ Eton ?
Aren’t Camilla’s grand children all just a little older than George?
Laura Lopes has twin sons, whom would be @ 13 now and Tom Parker Bowles has a son who would be @ 12?
Tom PB himself attended Eton as did Laura’s husband Harry Lopes. Harry btw descends from the Waldorf and Astor families.
So it’s possible that BOTH Kate & William want to keep George out of Camilla’s clutches, especially when you consider that Tom Parker Bowles is Camilla’s BIGGEST flying Monkey.
A few commenters on this board have also previously speculated that they felt Camilla was staging a coup, and it’s not until recently that I felt this theory had credence….
On a practical front George kind of HAS TO go to Eton because thanks to the heavily ingrained UK class structure, that is where the UK’s Prime Ministers and future leaders are groomed, so it’s a natural part of his own grooming process.
On an ideological front, I can see why Kate (& possibly William) may be testing the waters and making this very public. For once, I don’t think Kate is engaging in some sort of power struggle but rather possibly is being a good mother as others have said on this thread. I think Kate’s name is being put out there to protect William, much like they did when they revealed the Royal racist.
This seems like another attention grabbing Midds campaign. Creating a public battle is very lower class. If George goes to boarding school K will have to find another excuse to do nothing. The Midds siblings all having attended this school is a major reason not to send him there, none of them have achieved anything other than grifting social climbing and attention seeking. Will George be taught how to flash his naked butt out of a window by K and similar cringeworthy things.
Eton did no favors preparing the current Prince of Wales. He’s a non starter. The brothers were allowed to be separate and William’s awful cruel behavior toward his little brother at Eton was known. Moreover since Spare. Why subject George & Louis to this garbage?
I mean…… all male English boarding schools do have a rep……
Right? I wouldn’t want to send my kid to one either, and I’m not locked in weird power struggles. I don’t know about any boarding school, really. I don’t trust that many adults around kids.
A well earned bad reputation. I wouldn’t send my adolescent child away from me to live in an all male boarding school with a history of abuse
Given the undermining of the Middleton’s and the phasing out of Kate, I can’t see her winning on schools unless it’s only for Charlotte.
Hmmmm kkkhate might win this one because of Charlotte. Depends on George’s final choice possibly, I think they will push for Malb. But if George wants eton, he’ll get eton
I also think that Kate might have more chance of getting her way than it would initially seem. The fact that this is a repeated topic has me thinking Eton might not be such a sure choice for George. And Late has gotten her way thus far, so what’s to say she won’t now.
I think if Kate gets her way with Marlborough it will be because William doesn’t really care about sending George to Eton. Who knows, maybe they’re letting him pick?
Kate has so much dirt on William. It’s clear they are working hard to keep her happy.
I agree. Ultimately it should be the child’s choice. UK law gives children the right to have a say in decisions which affect them, including education.
But making it George’s decision if his parents disagree could be a problem for him with “competitive” parents.
Harry went to Eton the year after his mother died so it was never a safe haven for him. The narrative that Eton was a safe haven gives me the sense that the press wants George to go to Eton so it’s more likely he will go to there than Marlborough.
The fact that the press even holds an opinion on this subject is frankly rather troubling. Why would anyone but George and his parents be so invested in where he goes to school? They’re awfully determined to reinforce that elitist status quo, it seems.
@Miranda: Agreed. I also suspect that the press has a lot of contacts at Eton who will be able to leak stories about George.
LOL This is just an attempt to embiggen her….make the plebs believe her opinions matter in the RF. Just as how they lied that she stayed home from bully’s singapore earthflop money pit “because George had exams.” Pfffttt! LMAO
Does anyone believe those men-in-grey will allow a commoner to make important decisions abt a “future king” especially now that he’s left childhood and entering puberty.
She should be lucky that she still has any say over what he wears to their performative events……if she does.
^^^This. It’s not up to Kkkate. According to the Crown (my only source on this topic) Liz acquiesced to Philip’s decision to honor his manhood or something. He also wasn’t a commoner. But Kate isn’t going to overrule Wills on this one. George will go where Will says.
Liz acquiesced to Philip’s decision to honor his roving manhood or something
Thanks Kingston. I said something similar above. I always say, you should usually believe the opposite of these stories leaked from the palace. Kate is in a very weak position not only because of this historically sexist institution, but also because she agreed, in marrying William, to never rock the boat. That’s why she’s always described as never putting a foot wrong. It’s a bargain. She keeps her mouth shut, they protect her by infantalizing her in the press. Her position is also weakend by her parents situation. I don’t doubt that Carol(E) is pushing Kate to use her voice. But one false move and the media will be turned on the Midds. So I don’t believe that Kate ever challenges those men. She reserves all her ire for Meghan.
How meaningful is it really when they can just as easily pick him up and transfer him if they so wish, as they’ve done previously?
I can only hope the back and forth is because they’re seriously considering George’s wishes above anything. @Josephine is right, it’s very weird and uncomfortable for the press to turn this into yet another Kate/Willy competition.
As with everything I also think to myself “hmm where does this fall on the divorce indicator scale”?
I think Kate doesn’t want them separated, or maybe George doesn’t want to be separated from his siblings. I hope they consider his wish, because in the end it doesn’t matter which school he goes to. He will be king and no one will ask if he is qualified.
I find the whole ‘going to the same school as your siblings’ thing weird. I mean, George wouldn’t be in the same classes, would he? After grade school, I never went to the same school as my older sister or younger brother, due largely to our ages & our town’s school configurations (grade schools, 1-6; two junior highs, 7-8; one mid-high, 9-10; one senior high, 11-12). I think that may be a totally made-up by the press thing, possibly because the Middleton kids all went to the same school.
Eaton is a boarding school, while Marlborough(from what I gathered from this blog) is not. Which means George would only meet his parents and siblings at weekends. I assume you did meet your sister and brother after school at home.
@Smart&Messy: true; I admit, I wasn’t thinking of the life aspects rather than the educations aspects. Just as I imagine it may be hard for kids to be away from their parents, it may well be as hard or harder to be away from their siblings.
BeanieBean, my comment sounds a bit harsh now that I read it again and I didn’t mean it, I’m sorry. I was apparently wrong too, as Nic919 says both are boarding schools. Anyway, maybe Kate wants to keep them together at least, if they only spend the weekends at home. It’s such a scary idea to me anyway, to leave my kids to be looked after by strangers. Even in their teens.
Marlborough College takes boarders as well as day pupils, it’s up to the parents & pupils.
Marlborough is a boarding school too. Kate boarded there. And it’s further away from Adelaide cottage whereas Eton is walking distance.
The degrees of difference between either school is not very much. It’s not like he will be at school with the poor kids.
It’s just odd this is being made a story at all.
Charles may not care about his grandchildren but this is the Future King and I’m sure he cares about that. Who holds that title is irrelevant, it’s the institution.
I don’t know. Personally I just think she wants to have people speculate until he begins. She’s got enough personal experience of sussing out where princes go for education and stalking them. She won’t want another person playing her game to get their claws into her children.
I imagine this is also a case of Marlborough wanting to burnish their own credentials – they want to be considered as a school worthy of the future future king. I can also see William agreeing to it, on the basis that it would be a signal that he’s “modern”. Maybe he doesn’t care if George goes to school with future prime ministers or other aristocratic kids.
I wondered if Kate’s goal was to get people talking about how “modern” it is to break from the tradition of these all male boarding schools, thinking public opinion might force the issue. They do like to be seen as the “modern” royal family…
Every time I read how Kate hated being at Downe House and that she was bullied there I think that Downe House should sue her as the bullying story was so unlikely? I’ve read that she was bullied by girls putting things in her bed, a bit strange as she was a day pupil? She was obviously moved to Marlborough to put her in the right social group so she could meet William. CarolE was planning that far ahead. Kids move schools, it happens, so why blacken another school’s reputation along the way? Will this be another convenient lie to make Kate look the victim? Bridesmaids dresses anyone?
Yikes! Shows how little I know (or rather couldn’t care) about our *future queen consort* 🤷🏻♀️
I didn’t even know she’d been to another school (and a single sex school at that too)
This makes my blood boil, as someone who was legitimately bullied, IF … she was bullied, WTF was her sympathy when M was being bullied privately and publicly 😭❤️🩹
As a “survivor” of school bullying, I know to be gentle, to be mindful, you never know what’s going on inside. So just be gentle. Be kind.
But don’t you see? She had *so much worse* than M After all, kids put stuff on her day student non-bed and it was just terribly terribly terrible. How could M possibly relate to that?
People react to bullying in different ways. Sometimes, as has been shown, the bullied become bullies too, and the abused become abusers. So if Kate was bullied, look at what bully she seems to be regarding Meghan. Or even her attempt to “phase out” Rose Hanbury. Look at Meghan, bullied by the Kate and the tabloid press, who continues to live her life, do good, and be a creator of meaningful work.
This is the woman who let her mouthpieces proclaim the walkabout with Meghan was the hardest thing she’s ever experienced. Poor Keen, she’s nearing “needs a telethon” levels of sympathy.
No excuse for kate. If she was bullied as a teen and then decides to bully Meghan 20 years later, we are really falling into the infantilizing trap again. Kate was a full grown adult who thought it was fine to be difficult with her sister in law. And be racist too.
Perhaps Kate was the actual bully and not the other way around.
I think George will go to eton.
Looking at how the parents turned out, I wouldn’t give a ringing endorsement to either of these schools.
Why are we privy to this information? Obviously she’s putting it out there in the hope of what? For us think she’s an early years expert, even at home? That she isn’t a doormat? There’s this continual feed of Kate Knows Her Own Mind. It is so dull, esp stories like this. Good grief, I sound pissed off but I am sitting here finishing up wrapping presents not just for my family but my partner’s. I’ve done cards for his family, too. I assume most posters on here are women. Am I alone in feeling like the one who steadies the family ship, the one who keeps all the family appts on my phone, the one who reminds everyone what they’re doing. This has happened to me in relationships before kids, as well. I know, it’s my fault! But if I didn’t do this no one would and the family ship would no doubt run adrift. I’ve booked a holiday for next spring. Did it just now. It’s me on my own at a luxury hotel! This site keeps me sane, esp this time of year. Moan over. I look at Kate and wonder if she does most of her Christmas card signing!
Have a nice holiday because life can be stressfull 🙂
I doubt Kate does anything at all as she is braindead and certainly do nothing for her children as she had 3 nannies plus a night nurse for only 3 children. She had shown multiple times being awful to them (particularly Charlotte multiple times). She might gift them (with the crown’s money) some clothes but I doubt she knows anything about toys etc. I mean Arly Years and all that, need I say more?
As for the others? I imagine her gifting C&C 😂
I’m with you, Sparrow. The last several weeks of list-making, gift-buying, cookie baking, decorating, meal planning, washing, cleaning, gift wrapping, card writing, and mailing have left me exhausted. And for the most part, I’ve shouldered most of that burden for the family alone. That vacation sounds lovely!
Amen @sparrow! You have echoed my exact thoughts. Keeping the family ship sailing is exactly what I have done for years. I think one gets so good at it that it becomes almost instinctive, but it does take a lot of energy and total commitment to the health and welfare of one’s loved ones. It is not always easy, and yet when it is done well, as we always try to do, it appears effortless, and is taken as SOP by those who benefit. Good on you for booking some time to look after your own self…you deserve it, and I hope you enjoy every single minute! We are the unsung heroes in our own lives, and this time of year can be hellishly stressful and demanding! My mantra is, if you take care of yourself first, you have the wherewithal to take care of others! Simples!
Have a strong feeling that Ma Midds takes care of virtually all of the holiday prep for the Dolittles – and unlike the QEII restrained approach to presents (i.e. gags over luxury), she probably ensures the children get mountains of stuff, including that year’s ‘cool’ toys.
Thank you to all who know what I’m talking about! It’s just lovely to say it out loud, isn’t it. The funniest part of Christmas is (well, it’s not exactly funny, but wry smile-making) my partner has no clue what I buy anyone, including the kids. How would he know, he doesn’t do any of it. This makes him as surprised as they are when the presents get opened, and then he has to pretend all along that he knew what they were getting. Stuff like “well, that’s what you asked for” or “WE knew you’d love it”. Good grief. He looks over the mounds of ripped up wrapping paper with an apologetic smile…And so it goes on! Hotel, here I come. Backbone, I need to grow some more this year.
Enjoy your well-deserved trip Sparrow! Sometimes it takes a short, sharp shock for some men, even well-meaning guys, to start involving themselves in the day-to-day stuff. In a previous relationship, my partner did nothing…absolutely eff-all around the house. When I ended the relationship he couldn’t understand my frustrations, that I felt like a piece of furniture, and had actually convinced himself that he was a great partner. Mr. Jaded helps a lot around the house with the cleaning, laundry, does the dishes, makes the bed — he can’t cook at all but makes the effort with some guidance on my part to make meals when I can’t. After recent surgery I was off my feet for a week or so and he really stepped up to the plate. I hope your solo vacation will make Mr. Sparrow realize how much you do.
Thanks, Jaded. I dropped my frustration on this post and sat back and thought, why did I just do that and why here? However, thinking about it, I believe Mr Sparrow’s (sweet!) lack of connection to his family world stems from his prep and boarding school experience. He’s been left, as he says, emotionally disconnected from everyone, including me to a certain extent. It’s really sad but not productive at times. It has also happened to me before with other men, because as you can see from the above it’s largely women who get lumbered with it. I want to say you’re lucky with Mr Jaded, but that’s how it should be. You are still lucky, tho! Yes, I need to remind him what people do around here. Good and appreciated advice.
So is Kate in a roundabout way telling us that she was of no use whatsoever when she stayed home to help George pass his entrance exams for Eaton? Is she letting the whole country know that her son isn’t bright enough for Eaton? Why on earth is this being leaked to the MSM? Imagine the bullying from other kids if they start thinking he’s ‘thick’. I honestly don’t understand why Kate has allowed this to come into the public domain. I’m beginning to think she she watched the episode in The Crown and is likening herself to QEII who had her choice of school overruled by Prince Phillip (in this case William?) Is this Kate once again making herself into a victim – not getting her way about the education of her children.
Exactly — if it’s not top choice for her, what, pray tell, was the purpose of her staying home from Earthsh#t to “help George with his Eton entrance exams?” Maury says, THAT was a lie.
I doubt she will win he is the heir. Is her Alma master close to where she lives. Does she think it will be better if it is close to her that she can make sure no gold digging mothers with daughters get hold of him? This should be fun.
I hope she meets her match with George’s future wife. The daughter in law would be on to kates behavior.
I don’t think K will settle for anyone but an aristo marrying any of her children.
Kate excelled academically, first joke this morning, keep them coming.
Some people are terrified of public speaking, but asking if you taste tea by smelling it, and she was not trying to be funny.
William is just as smart as Kate.
In all fairness that’s not really stupid on her part. The bouquet of wine is an important attribute. The smell of food adds to the enjoyment of food. Ask anyone who lost their sense of smell during Covid.
Her comment was not elegantly communicated. If she had said something like is the smell of the tea an indication of the taste then it would have been fine.
No it was stupid.
Wasn’t it, can you test the smell by smelling it? It wasn’t a question about how smell and taste intersect.
I wouldn’t say she ‘excelled’ but rather she was more middle middling as compared to the Royals whom mainly scraped through the academic stages of their life.
Charles for example got into Cambridge with a 1 B (History) and 1 C (French) at A Level at a time when most students took 3-4 subjects with the expectation of getting straight A’s.
It’s the equivalent of getting into Stanford with a 2.4 GPA, essentially impossible even for legacy students.
Also don’t the Royals speak about half a dozen European languages between them so that French A Level was pure fluff.
How do the BM get away with printing this stuff that’s factually wrong and so easily disprovable? Harry didn’t go to Eton during the Wales marriage at all. He started the September after Diana died. I’m not sure how many grades above Harry William was but wouldn’t they have been divorced by that time, or for most most of his education there?
Also, didn’t Camilla’s son go there as well? Do you remember that bonkers piece where they just casually threw in that it’s known for sexually abusing the students?
Anyway, the description of the school is crazy in this piece.
I don’t have a horse in this race so I don’t care about what school G goes to but it seems like maybe they are giving him some say in the matter.
While I don’t agree with same sex schools (they don’t reflect the real world) I think it speaks volumes about Kate’s mean girl competitive streak that she only does well with men/boys around.
I think that’s because the school they meant was Ludgrove, where William and Harry started boarding at 8, William in 1992, Harry 1994.
All of this to say she won’t be picking up more work bc her kids will be day students. That’s going to be the compromise. Eton as a day student.
I haven’t read any of the other comments yet. I can only speak of my own experience boarding at a single sex school in England
It was hell. I was bullied mercilessly (physically and verbally). Verbal was much worse. I was a termly boarder too (not weekly) My brother is my best friend. I would have literally killed to have had him there with me
There is soooo much I despise about the house of Windsor but this is not one of them
My partner loved prep and boarding school for the sports etc but admits it has left him distanced from emotional expression. It’s had long term effects on all his relationships and particularly ours, which is serious and with kids. It is very difficult; I am left in shock at how used I have become to barely any emotional conversation between us. He says he locked down for fear of bullying and that this was a common tactic. There are brilliant articles on Boarding School Syndrome, pointing out that a child left at prep in particular remains emotionally at that age for life. (This was two generations back. There were kids dumped there at five.) Our kids have been/are in private education but never boarding. There is no way. I am so sorry for your experience. My friend was at an all girls’ boarding school and was bullied relentlessly.
I looked up Boarding School Syndrome and read the Guardian article on it and what struck me was a man desccribing how he arrived at boarding school at age six in “short trousers” (ie shorts) and was mercilessly bullied for it in… 1916!!!!! And yet Liz, Diana and Kate (and Phil, Chuck and Will of course) dress their young sons in shorts all year round, still in 2023!!! Crazy.
Hannah. I’ve read your comment twice and returning to say how awful missing your brother must’ve been. It’s so sad. My friend was at school before mobile phones and was totally isolated; when she did speak to her parents, she was holding back the tears and said nothing because they were so proud they’d got her into a “top school”.
I’m so sorry-that sounds horrible. I was bullied in middle school, but at least I was able to be home after school and on the weekends and breaks. I cannot even imagine if I’d had to board with those a-holes too. Ugh.
Idk, seems like filler keeping the lazy duo’s name up front when they aren’t working.
Exactly. It seems like a way to keep early years ceo in the public domain while doing nothing.
Eton is highly selective. If George is an average student it may simply not be a good fit. Everything we’ve seen to date suggests George is a sensitive child that loves football and draws confidence from his less cautious siblings. If I were his Mum I would give Eton a wide berth too. Just not a good fit for this particular child.
I’m going to say something that might be kind of controversial. I was raised Catholic, and unfortunately the Catholic church has a horrible history of child sexual abuse, which has become public in the last couple of decades. About a decade ago, there was a huge scandal in the UK due to the rampant child abuse in several British boarding schools.
My opinion of Keen is not high, however, I do not believe that she’s a mother who doesn’t care about her children. This could be as simple as her having had a terrible experience at one school and wanting the kids to attend the school she did well at. (Didn’t the Yorks attend Marlborough as well, or am I mixing this up?) I would 100% understand if she were leery of sending her kids to a boarding school because there are still issues with protecting children there to this day. As a mother, I would fight something like a boarding school I didn’t trust tooth and nail as well.
But it sounds like she’s still considering boarding, so this isn’t about boarding vs. nonboarding. It would be easier for George to attend Eton as a day student as that’s actually in Windsor.
Kate herself boarded at Marlborough, and that’s the school she wants her children to attend – so she clearly doesnt have bad memories of boarding school. It was the non-boarding school that she hated (allegedly.)
ETA and I was raised Catholic as well and went to Catholic school fwiw.
For whatever reason, and I realize K is lazy and maybe my post didn’t make sense, but for whatever reason, I get the feeling that K is trying to do the right thing here. This might be due to the fact that we had to switch schools for one of my kids. It might be due to the fact that she’s passing up cosplaying Diana by sending George to Eton—to me it’s odd that she feels so strongly about it that it’s leaking into the news. I would say that PW might not be the best argument for sending a boy to Eton. Plus, there’s been some recent controversies: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eton_College_controversies
Becks1, I just remembered that (if my foggy brain is right) that you attended an all-girls boarding school? And thrived if I remember correctly. My advice to any parent is to trust their gut: Kate toured Eton with PW and George. In this case, I believe that she’s doing what she thinks is best for her child.
And to sort of correct what I wrote: Eugenie (as stated in the article above) attended Marlborough, like K.
I did not board, my parents didn’t have that kind of money, LOL! Where I’m from single sex Catholic schools are a dime a dozen.
I just think this is more about Kate preferring Marlborough (her alma mater) to Eton. I dont’ think this is about Kate having deep feelings about boarding (except to like it, since she boarded and loved it) and I honestly don’t think she would have deep feelings about single sex or not – beyond the fact that she may want all the kids at the same school.
I said this above, but my take on this is that if George doesn’t go to Eton, its because William doesn’t really feel that strongly about him going to Eton. If william really wanted him to go there, he would. maybe they’re touring a couple schools and will let George decide for himself…..that would be the most “modern” thing to do, right?
Sorry about that, Becks1. My brain is not firing on all cylinders today. I Do believe you enjoyed your time at the all-girls school, though? And were one of the commenters pointing out that same-sex schools can be very beneficial for girls? If I’m messing this up too, sorry.
ITA that if WanK pick decent schools and then leave the decision on where to go up to George, that is the most modern way of doing things. I’m not sure that they’re a modern family though. And I also agree that if PW wants G at Eton, that will be his school. I find it odd that K apparently feels strongly enough about Marlborough (for whatever reason) that she’s trying to make that G’s school.
Marlborough was many years ago, let’s say a generation back just before Kate’s attendance, top of the B league of private schools. It has come up into the A bracket and firmly established itself there. She may well think it’s very much good enough for George. I’m not sure why she keeps on about mixed education. Is she trying to make an early years informed decision, has she concluded this is a better educational system in the round, or is she trying to get him away from her husband’s school. Thing is, this story has been on repeat for months. It’s her way of staying in the public eye and very boring. Why should we care about her son’s schooling?!
I do think it’s interesting that Kate wouldn’t want her kids at Eton – the pinnacle of social climbing.
BUT she also has had a front row seat to the Eton educated class for 20 years and maybe she actually does not want that for her kids. Which is fair.
I think her biggest weapon will be her “common” touch and how it will improve the Monarchy by making well-adjusted heirs. Lean into that with the school choice too!
It’s friggin hilarious that a £47,000/year school is “common” touch. The 25% of the nation living at poverty status will be so moved.
Well yes, everything about Kate being “common” is purely based on her blood and not the actual income and lifestyle she grew up in.
And when it comes to “blood” for those aristos, Marlborough is common compared to Eton.
Didn’t the York sisters also go to Marlborough? Is there an all girls school with the equivalent level of prestige as Eton? Where did Anne go?
ETA: I’m all caught up on Benenden School now, though the name doesn’t seem to have the same global recognition factor as Eton.
I think Anne and her kids went to Gordonstoun in Scotland.
@Chrissy – I didn’t realize Gourdonston was co-ed. Per wiki, Peter & Zara went there too. The Crown made it seem like some kind of brutal reform school. Somehow being co-ed makes me question that it’s really the temple of toxic masculinity the Crown suggested. (I know I know, it’s a fictional program, but it’s not like I’m not exactly a royal historian.)
@Bettyrose it wasn’t co-ed when Charles went there. I think it became co ed in the late 70s/80s.
Beneden School, where Anne went has also been the school of choice for Jordanian princesses as well as Benedikte of Denmark. Plus Rachel Weisz but also Penny junor 🤢
So, they would go to Marlborough as boarders? a few weeks ago, wasn’t it all about how Kate didn’t want her kids to board and people here supported that? now she’s okay with them boarding but at Marlborough, not Eton?
I dont know what’s happening here, but its weird that its playing out so publicly.
George is going to move in a wealthy, entitled, pampered circle regardless of where he goes to school. It’s not like the 47k/year school is going to have him among the unwashed masses.
I think this is all about where Kate feels she will fit in, not George. Kate doesn’t want George deep in with the aristo class at Eton because they don’t respect/accept her. If there is a divorce looming, her status will sink even lower. I suspect Kate feels her status at Marlborough will be higher than at Eton, so she’s pushing for that.
i think this is a very good take on this. Kate will have more status at Marlborough than Eton and we know her status is one of the most important things in her life.
This is a VERY good point!
I’m back on the “they will never divorce” train but this would at least keep her out of the circles that can’t stand her.
I like your train of thought. This makes the most sense.
Jumping on the train of this makes sense. Divorced or not she isn’t a PM, MoP, or hereditary monarch. Eton is not impressed.
I wonder if she’s angling for a better separation home? “I need to be near George!”
Eton sounds close enough to Adelaide to hear a violent sneeze.
My understanding is that Eton is boarding only, no day student option. All of George’s male relatives from the broader RF and RF adjacent have attended Eton. Chuck, Andrew and Edward were the only ones who didn’t. George will get in regardless of his test scores.
i suspect this is more a PR, look we are engaged modern parents move rather than serious school shopping.
So I’m going off the Crown so I could be so wrong about this. In one of the episodes of the second part of season six, Charles asks W if he wants to be a day pupil. I think it is an option.
Idk if it’s an option but the crown has mostly airbrushed that family so I wouldn’t believe that detail. I’d like to think if a kid really didn’t want to board they wouldn’t have to. Not sure Charles had that option with Gordonstoun. One thing I’ve always wondered about boarders v day students. Do the boarders all end up becoming close and the day students feel left out? I just sometimes wonder if some kids end up wanting to board to not feel left out or be with their friends.
According to Wiki (which is never wrong, lol), it is boarding-only. Harrow and Radley are the only other two public schools to remain boys-only, boarding-only. Again, per Wiki.
Per Eton’s own website (of course it has one!), it’s ‘an independent boys’ boarding school’. And yes, that apostrophe is theirs.
If the future King didn’t go to Eton, wouldn’t that impact who the future power players are? As in, the “lesser” aristocrats might be at an advantage because of their closeness to the future king and spares. I can’t see the elite letting this happen. They already don’t like the Middletons; they won’t be encouraging future versions.
Perhaps this is just a clever marketing campaign for Marlborough.
Isn’t Marlborough too far to make “day schooling” an option? I think I read that Eton requires boarding but I’m sure they’d make an exception for George. And that school is a 10 minute walk from where they live. I would definitely opt for eton if I wanted to keep my child close.
Anyone think George failed that entrance exam and that’s why he might now be going to Marlborough?
I don’t think so. He won’t have been allowed to fail! That sounds cynical, but let’s just say the family has form. But it could be you’re right and this is a smoke screen…hmmm.
He’s the future King of England. He could have gotten the lowest score ever, and if they want him at Eton, Eton will happily accept him.
You mean, Kate wasn’t much help after all??
It’s pretty obvious that Kate doesn’t have time for most other women, so I’m not surprised she didn’t like her all girls school. It boils down to what William wants, of course.
I dunno. Kate played a lot of team sports, year after year, so…. Eh, can’t make up my mind. Seems to me she would have needed to get along with her teammates. Then again, as long as they weren’t competing with her over boyfriends, they were fine?
That’s why I said “most”. And, yes, if she wasn’t feeling overly-competed with for male attention.
George seems like a shy kid, and maybe his mother is worried he’ll get bullied at Eton? He will likely be forced to go to Eton (which seems like a place where future “Bros” attend). Next time the kids are in public, compare George and Charlotte. The heir looks miserable, while the spare seems fine. The poor kids.
I don’t like commenting on the kids but yes he seems shy and sometimes worried. Who knows, tho. Like other people’s relationships, the realities are known only to those living it. It is one hell of a burden to carry…you’re the next king…
Whatever Kate’s reasons are for wanting a coed school or this school in particular, she may be accidentally right about one thing. In the 21st century, sending the future king to a coed school would actually be a smart move for the monarchy, and if they hired competent PR professionals, someone would already be telling them this. It is time to move away from defining the pinnacle of British education as a school that will only educate males.
Agreed.
This is one way to end generational trauma but I really do think Kate probably wants her kids to go to day school. I wouldn’t want my children/ teens at boarding school at a critical point in development.
People keep saying this but its conflating the issues – single sex vs co-ed, and boarding vs. day. Kate attended a single sex day school and hated it. She loved the co-ed boarding school. I dont know why people keep acting like she wouldn’t want her kids to board besides the fact that it means she would be expected to work more (but she’s shown she doesn’t really care about those expectations.)
Hannah, isn’t George 2 years away from going to any of the boarding schools? Why is this a big deal now? He did (as I understand it) a pre-test and not the test that determines placement.
George will be at whatever school for two years before Charlotte starts. He will be out by the time that Louis starts and Charlotte will only have one more year to go. This doesn’t appear to be about keeping the children together.
I think this is a bunch of nothing. Someone is just putting in column inches.
I am on Team George is going to Eton. He is a future king and William has the final say. Kate or Camp Middleton is put this out there b/c Kate needs to be seen as a power in the House of Windsor and not a liability as recent bad press strongly suggest. Kate is pushing Marlborough b/c not as many aristos will look down on George as he may be at Eton. George has royal blood but the coal mines from the Middletons run in his veins too.
Well, IF they separate this might be part of the deal they are making. I was surprised that they are making the choice now, when George still has time until 2026. Having all children at the same school might be easier to deal with for Kate. And also, having them not under the influence of Windsor based “residents”. 😀
I think keen wants Marlborough because she can continue to use the school run as an excuse, plus if the children show that they are happy and thriving at boarding school as time goes on, why does William still have a need for her. Keen has plotted her whole life, and she will not let her meal tickets out of her snide little grasp
Marlborough is over an hour away from Windsor. I don’t think that’s an impossible drive for high school, but i think its more likely if they attend there, they’ll board.
Maybe Kate’s angling to move closer to Marlborough and get out of Adelaide Cott. Not sure how much closer Anmer or another residence on the Sandringham Estate is to Marlborough but it’s got to be closer than Windsor.
@Jaded, no, based on my time spent on google maps (Wiki and google maps, I’m all over the place today, lol) Marlborough is farther west than Windsor – so Norfolk would be even farther away.
@Jaded I think you may be onto something here. Kate is probably angling for her own manor house as part of the settlement and she wants it somewhere near or inbetween Bucklebury and Marlborough, which are only forty mins apart. If she asks for a two-three million pound country home with security, William will look very cheap not to give it to her.
The original story had the Wales looking for a country estate but there were slim pickings and they eventually settled on Adelaide. Kate wants her own Ray Mill, only as grand as she can get.
Oooh I just went down a real estate rabbit hole! I found a lovely farm house on 20 acres for £3.5 million. It’s got privacy, extra accommodation outside of the main house. A pool and permission for a tennis court. 20 Min from Marlborough and 35 from Bucklebury. Willy can afford that. Great excuse to move.
If he stumped up 8.5 mill there’s a 10 bed, 10 bath country house (price was dropped). It’s a grade 1 manor house. The farm house is grade 2.
Ooops the 8.5 mill is wrong direction. Still in Wiltshire but other side. 45 Min to school. Over an hour to Ma’s.
Mary you are on the money here ! Its all to do with her, if her children all go away to school she will have time on her hands to go back to.work as a .full time royal, ohhhh the horror !!!! As far as l know the Middletons where day students ?
Anyway at the end of the day George should go to.a school.where he will.feel comfortable and thrive, l.believe he is a sensitive boy so.l.dont know Eton would suit him ?.
What about Harrow, seems a progressive school, Sparrow what do you think ?.
I don’t know what Harrow is like these days, but the term ‘harrowing’ is derived from that school….
She can’t argue too hard or she’ll find herself kicked out of Adelaide.
I really think this is the point.
This part confuses me, “He has recently been sitting exams that could influence his future education. But if he continues at a mixed-sex school like Marlborough, he could later be joined by his siblings.”
This seems to imply that the exams–that kept Kate home from Singapore (sure)–are irrelevant to attending Marlborough. They were just for Eton? It’s the ‘but’ at the beginning of that second sentence that’s throwing me. Or is it just crappy writing?
I think it’s just poorly worded. It’s pointing out that he’d have to take exams for either school but at Marlborough he would potentially be joined by his siblings when they are old enough. All of those schools have entrance exams. Of course it doesn’t really matter for him, he’s the future King and will get in anywhere.
Wherever George ends up, let’s face it, he won’t have a normal education. They’ll be security everywhere, plus what quality of friendships will he have, particularly in this age of social media. He’ll never be able to trust people fully and his parents will tell him he must never say this, never say that, never do this, never do that etc Poor kid.
Hate this story actually. Hope his parents are listening and actually find the best school for this kid wherever that may be. And hope they keep their mouths shut about the process. How many more years before George starts one of these schools and now we’re getting all these stories about it. That’s what gets me. Whether it’s Will or Kate or whoever planting stories about the kids, I wish they would stop. Don’t get me wrong. It’s fascinating bc it says way more about the parents and their relationship and their insecurities. But mostly what’s the point of this.
Said above, why are we privy to this information? What use or interest is it to the general public? I think it comes from her – a way of remaining in the public eye and somehow a statement of independent decision making within her marriage. Who knows.
Look, I just don’t think Will cares enough about Kate to placate her, or do her any favors. If he went with them to tour Marlborough, I believe that this is something the entire family is at least seriously considering at this point. If it was just promo for Marlborough, or something designed to make Kate look good and “modern,” then I honestly don’t believe Will would have bothered going. We all know how much he can’t stand being anywhere near her.
Touring a co-ed school for George makes HIM look “Modern” as well, so it’s not just a Kate promo.
Team ABE “ anywhere but Eton”.
Not attending Eaton is George’s best chance of not becoming an insufferable prat.
Kate went to Malborough, not exactly a ringing endorsement.
It’s been almost 2 weeks since Kate’s last engagement , the racist scandal and the ridiculous Christmas photo.. the tabloids don’t have any royal content (God forbid if they report on real news such as as Harry’s victory in court)… so, they must fill the place with stories such as this one to make the royals relevant and “normal “, as they’re preoccupied about their son’s school as everyone else…(lol, not in this kind of expensive schools, I’m sure). This story perpetuates the myth of hands on mother for Kate and initiates George to the royal gossip to attract audience… Anyway, whatever is good for George…I’m sure that his parents despite their failings, have his best interests in mind…
First Comment, it seems that George is being used to distract from his parents. It’s good to know that WanK belong in the camp of using children like KFC. There’s something to be proud of. (Yes, that’s sarcasm)
Agreeing with a number of commenters, why is this, George’s education, being played out in the pubic domain? By now we all understand the “royal houses’ playbooks”, so this is not about a child’s education, this is the opening chapters of something else.
Bottom line: Button’s wants Marlborough College so she can be LEAD GIRL forever because she has nothing else.
George could attend Eton as a day student.
I think George is a serious kid. If he and Charlotte both went to the same school as day students, wonder how that would work out?
JaneS, Charlotte would start two years after George. That’s why I find this whole “keeping the children together” to be puzzling. Charlotte will have one year left when Louis starts.
Maybe this is the start of tabs teeing up the Wales for scrutiny over tension in the marriage? Sort out Harry and shut down the legal actions or we will start covering you in a way you won’t like. After all the heartless tabs would love a rerun of the war of the Wales with both sides briefing the media about all the messy details. Then they get Bill Solo looking for his Princess Leia and galaxies of girlfriends to cover, KM’s jealousy, the kids reactions etc., The tabs are on Divorce Watch because it gives them acres of newspaper articles and opinions to flog and Billy Idle OWES them.
No fan of theirs but in this case I think it is simply a case of accompanying George to exams. He’ll have a written exam then an interview. Hence two visits to Marlborough.
That’s how the independent school system works here in the UK. I don’t see any public playing out of arguments here. Kate will naturally want to take George to his exams and interviews.
I fervently believe they treated H&M badly. However, sometimes their actions might be perfectly innocent!
Eugenie also went to Marlborough so George wouldn’t be the first royal there, so it’s not exactly groundbreaking sending him there.
I think Kate’s only motive is to avoid working for as long as possible. So if traveling to visit George is her excuse, then that’s what she’ll do. If eton is only local, and Kate wanted to see him all the time, then sending him to eton makes more sense.
But Kate needs to cling to any excuse to get out of working.
I don’t believe Kate is lazy. I do believe there are ppl in control of who does what when, money alloances, and some very petty, jealous adults with seemingly no communication skills. There’s a lot of ugliness barely hidden in this type of reporting which is then dissected over by the masses often just as brutally on both sides. I guess that comes from a group of “family” treating other “family” in such a vicious manner they had to flee to stay sane and healthy. No one says Megan doesn’t work. She does. She also stays home and raises her babies. I absolutely love Meghan Markle. She shows us you can work hard, get your mental health in check, work on your marriage & yourself. Kate was raised to be a royal bride. She hasn’t had any of the opportunities Meghan has had.
Karmaflower, you’re wrong. KHate has a college degree. She had ten years to create a career for herself. She squandered those years, and she continues to do so. It’s easy to say that she’s not allowed to ‘work’ because of funding, etc., but the fact is when she does do something she almost always does it poorly. That’s because she has squandered the last 12-13 years and hasn’t attempted to better herself in some way. She could have spent time volunteering at charities on the down low and learned about the charities. That wouldn’t have cost a dime. She wants the attention and the photoshoots.
I don’t know why this is even a public conversation. Their child’s education should be their business whether he goes to Eton, Kates old school or even home school. Kid’s the future king, he’ll be covered in the education department. 12, which is middle school over here, seems young for boarding school. Most US boarding schools are high school level. If anything, all these elite school’s haven’t exactly produced compassionate, worldly multilingual decisive leaders in the royals, at least not the good kind.
Most boarding schools in Africa, and I believe Asia too, start at 11/12 years. In fact the exam we took the Common Entrance Exam was known colloquially as the 11 plus. I loved my 7 years of boarding school. My best friends to this day are girls I met whilst there. 50 years of friendship! The experience helped me a lot when I came to the US for college. Even though I was miles away from home, I wasn’t homesick. My roommate from New Jersey was more homesick!
You know, we call her lazy etc. Maybe there IS a good reason for the kids to go where Kate & her sibs went to school instead of Eton. If Eton is full of “the right families,” the kids will meet them anyway. Maybe it would be better for them to meet people who aren’t high echelon aristos who say yes to everything, and dont call them out on bullying & cruelty.. They’ll make friends with other kids. Maybe academically it would be better-less peer pressure and a chance to have a bit more normal experience. Their mom and her siblings are close. It would appear they were there for one another. That’s a far cry from the situation at Eton w W & H. I’m not K’s new bestie here, but if my kids had a chance to have this experience and still be nearby, I would love it. I actually hope the kids gp to her old school and have a wonderful experience. I pray their children remain close. That would be wonderful.
Karmaflower, you’re making some serious assumptions. I think that George, in particular, is going to have a tougher go of it because he’s the heir. Do you think the kids are not going to make that an issue? It won’t matter where he goes, that will be hanging over him. He’ll be there for two years by himself until Charlotte is there. He’ll graduate after another two years, and he won’t be with either sibling then.
I don’t envy any of these kids, because they are part of the brf.