Before the Princess of Wales was hospitalized and MIA for almost two full months, there was a long-running story in the British media about Kate’s refusal to send Prince George to Eton. It’s not that Kate has an aversion to Eton specifically, she’s just anti-same-sex education and anti-boarding school. In the past year, she was apparently visiting other schools which George could potentially attend in a few years, when he turns 13. One of her favorite choices was her alma mater, Marlborough, which is co-ed and part-boarding school and part “day school.” As in, kids just attend like a normal school and go home every afternoon, but some kids board. One of the last times we heard about this Wales debate was in a story from In Touch, in which Kate reportedly “gave in” to William’s demands that George attend Eton, his alma mater. But not so fast – apparently, Kate is well enough to still have opinions on all of this (??), and she’s now considering a different co-ed school.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales ruminate over the difficult choice of where to send the future King to secondary school, a new institution is reportedly in the running. The Mail on Sunday reported this weekend that Kate, 42, and William, 41, have listed the prestigious Oundle School among their top choices for their eldest son, 11, who will be leaving primary school this summer.
It comes amid reports Kate’s alma mater, Marlborough School in Buckinghamshire, where fees are £47,000-per-year, runs the risk of being ‘flashy’ with a source revealing the Princess of Wales’s style is ‘understated wealth’.
In contrast, Oundle School in north Northamptonshire claims to help shape its pupils into ‘decent’, ‘open-minded’ and ‘ambitious’ adults – but never ‘arrogant’. The institution, founded in 1556, boasts that pupils, known as Oundelians, ‘share the town of Oundle’ with residents as its buildings are scattered around the area in an open campus which includes a chapel and a cricket ground.
School fees at Oundle for full-time boarders are £34,515 per year for Year 7, but the fee rises to £45,435 from Years 9 to 13. Fees for day pupils at Year 7 are £22,350 per year, rising to £29,370 for Years 9-13.
Although Prince William and Prince Harry were both educated at Eton College, just a short distance from Windsor Castle, it has not been confirmed if Prince George will follow in his father and uncle’s footsteps. He has also been linked with his mother Kate’s former school, Marlborough College, where Pippa and James Middleton were also educated. The Mail on Sunday reported George has already been allocated a ‘house’ in a safe location and given a housemaster at the school if he does eventually attend.
But there is said to be concern that Marlborough has become ‘too flashy’ after a rise in its popularity with ultra-rich families due to its association with the Middletons.
‘The 2024 version of Marlborough may be quite different from how Kate remembers it,’ a source said. ‘It’s become a little more jet-set. Lots of parents have villas in Ibiza, chalets in Verbier or a private jet, which isn’t Kate’s style. She prefers understated wealth.’
They added: ‘Kate wants a school that suits all of her children and keeps them grounded.’
[From The Daily Mail]
LMAO at “She prefers understated wealth.” I shouldn’t comment, but no, Kate is not all about understated wealth. I realize that rich folks in Britain prefer to act like they have no money, but “acting poor” is only a thing when you actually have money. Besides, everything about Kate and the Middletons screams “pretending to be nouveau riche.” The Middletons couldn’t even keep up the nouveau riche appearances without their house of cards collapsing though. I would also guess that Marlborough was always a school which appealed to flashy rich families, which is probably why the Middletons sent Kate there, so she could learn how to social climb. Anyway, I doubt anyone is seriously considering Oundle – George will end up going to Eton, I can pretty much guarantee that. It will be interesting to see where Charlotte and Louis end up going though.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
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WINDSOR, ENGLAND – MAY 07: (L-R) Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Eugenie, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince George of Wales during the Coronation Concert on May 07, 2023 in Windsor, England. The Windsor Castle Concert is part of the celebrations of the Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms that took place at Westminster Abbey yesterday. High-profile performers will entertain members of the royal family and 20,000 guests including 10,000 members of the public.,Image: 774495357, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Leon Neal / Avalon
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(L-R) Britain’s Prince George of Wales, Britain’s Prince Louis of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales toast marshmallows as they take part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, west of London on May 8, 2023, where the family joined volunteers helping to renovate and improve the building. – People across Britain were on Monday asked to do their duty as the celebrations for King Charles III’s coronation drew to a close with a massive volunteering drive.,Image: 774584280, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: DANIEL LEAL / Avalon
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Watched by Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales (centre right) and Britain’s Prince George of Wales (R), Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales, tries her hand at archery while taking part in the Big Help Out, during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, west of London on May 8, 2023, where the family joined volunteers helping to renovate and improve the building. – People across Britain were on Monday asked to do their duty as the celebrations for King Charles III’s coronation drew to a close with a massive volunteering drive.,Image: 774584555, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: DANIEL LEAL / Avalon
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Copyright in the photograph is vested in The Prince and Princess of Wales. Publications are asked to credit the photograph to Josh Shinner. The photograph shall be solely used for news editorial purposes only. It shall not be approved for souvenirs, or memorabilia; or anything colourably similar. There shall be no commercial use whatsoever of the photograph (including by way of example only) any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non news editorial use. The photograph must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photograph when published. The photograph shall not be used after 31st December 2024 without prior
permission from Kensington Palace. Any questions relating to the use of the photograph should be first referred to
Kensington Palace and before publication.
Undated handout photo issued by Kensington Palace of the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The photograph, which features on their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card this year, was taken by the photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year and shows The Prince and Princess with their three children in Windsor.
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.,Image: 828291451, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace / Avalon
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Prince George, Prince Louis and the Princess of Wales toast marshmallows as they join volunteers to help renovate and improve the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, as part of the Big Help Out, to mark the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Featuring: Prince George, Prince Louis and Catherine, Princess of Wales
Where: Slough, United Kingdom
When: 07 May 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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British Royals helping to renovate and improve the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, as part of the Big Help Out, to mark the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Featuring: Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Where: Slough, United Kingdom
When: 07 May 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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British Royals helping to renovate and improve the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, as part of the Big Help Out, to mark the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Featuring: Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
Where: Slough, United Kingdom
When: 07 May 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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Traveling along The Mall in a carriage at Trooping The Colour.
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 17 Jun 2023
Credit: PPE/Nieboer/DDP/INSTARimages
**USA RIGHTS ONLY**
So she couldn’t just prefer Eton without slagging off on her alma mater and some of the royal “subjects” who send their children there? Talk about “gauche”. Wouldn’t an open campus be a security nightmare? Is this article just for the purpose of getting Kate’s name out there like everything is fine?
This story from the RR, BRF, and BP is a a deflection piece and should be called out as such.
Hard agree
Agree; recycling this ridiculous story to make us believe Kate is speaking. Nobody is clamoring for this opinion. People want to know why she’s been out of commission. How stupid do these people think we are?
👍
The rest of the world is wondering where Kate is, if she’ll be all right, and why she hasn’t been see since Christmas.
The DF: Let’s totally ignore all that and write about her supposed school preferences. That’ll seem normal.
Yes, it’s a red herring. They pretend she still has a functioning brain to have an opinion on her children’s education; they want to keep the masses happy about her absence.
I know, right?
PK is awol. She’s said to be suddenly reversing course on well-known beliefs. The Middletons have vanished… I’m starting to agree that something happened to allow the BRF to “put them all in their place” once and for all. What happened? What could shame the M’s into silent compliance? Where is the proof-of-life? And what would it cost to explain away another unfortunate Princess of Wales?
Had to say I snorted when I read the part about villas in Ibiza, ski trips to Verbier, & private jets not being her style. The h*ll it isn’t! She & Billy Boy love going to Ibiza, ski trips, & borrowing other people’s pjs for their multiple vacations per year. Who the heck do they think they’re kidding? Maybe it’s the owning of places in those other countries, and the pj itself; they’re most comfortable with imposing on other people? Having other people spend their money, rather than their own? That’s the royal way!
Understated wealth 💀
Not to be overly suspicious— but “sources” purporting to know how Kate’s wishes have changed, when Kate herself hasn’t been publicly seen in several weeks is beyond shady.
Lol: Perhaps Kate’s mouthpiece could get someone to tutor them in what understated wealth actually looks like until Kate’s available to speak for herself.
This has to be a Middleton leak, to show that Kate is awake and has some negotiating power left in her.
We see you Carole.
Definitely, especially with the “jet set going to Marlborough because Middletons are so rich!”
Please. No one “jet set” wants to be associated with a busted up made in China drop center of cheap party decor run by a “trolley dolly.”
Not that WE are snobby, I’m just saying what the jet set think of the Middletons.
Must be tough to want to be part of the in crowd, but knowing those people have never accepted you & never will. Much better to live an authentic life & be happy.
They are not subtle and always go that bit too far with their leaks don’t they?
Yeah, this is the DM indicating that they have nothing to talk about. I think it’s already been decided that George will go to Eton.
I’m still shocked that there haven’t been whispers that Charlotte should go to all the schools Diana did.
Do they still have finishing schools? Got to say, I remember even during Diana’s time thinking, they still have those?
I’m pretty sure that the schools Diana attended closed in the 1990s, so they won’t be an option for Charlotte.
While this article sets my teeth on edge I’d like to point out t that Marlborough is not in Buckinghamshire it’s in Wiltshire to the West. It borders Berkshire . English counties have all sorts of strange shapes on a map, and the borders were redrawn in 1974. I suppose it takes a native to work out what this means in terms of transport. It would be dreadful if the Midds turned up on Sports Day with their perfect hampers rather than the upper class battered one
KP comms: how about we start the story about where George goes to school debate? That will keep people buying our shifty story about Can’t. Yes this is a good idea let’s run with it.
Right??? Isn’t it gauche to even discuss George’s schooling while Kate is recovering from a planned and successful abdominal surgery? It’s too gauche for William to even work once a week while that is happening, so surely it’s out of turn to even discuss this topic right now. Really, DM, what are you thinking? 😂😂😂
amen. This could have been posted months ago. It could also be total bullshit, as George will go to Eton. Maybe the other kids will board there. Still no proof of life.
For all the talk about the school run, my guess is that the kids haven’t been in school at all in 2024. It’s too easy for kids to talk. Even if every parent has signed an ironclad NDA threatening expulsion of their kids if any word about the royals gets out, there are too many gaps for leaks to come through–a friend of a parent, an aunt/uncle of a kid, a gardener’s wife.
The uniforms for the girls in that school are absolutely hideous but anyway.
I would seriously be surprised if George doesn’t end up at Eton. I really don’t see her winning that battle unless something dark really is going on between william and kate and they want their children as far away from it as possible.
This reads more like “This is what Marlborough is like now and I don’t think Kate will like it!!” rather than trying to say “This is Kate’s thoughts”.
Anyways, Lambrook goes up to 13 and Eton starts at 13. If Eton is the plan then why not keep him at Lambrook? Why change schools and change again in 2 years?
“Understated wealth” – is that what she was showing us when she got out of the car?
😂😂😂
I’m dead.
D E A D
😂💀😂
This is let’s put Kate out and pretend she has a voice in anything (she doesn’t). We don’t even know if she’s off life support. But Peggers kids will go to Peggers school of choice. Not middlebums.. Whose stupid enough to think the toxic marshmallow or was it the knife marshmallow, whatever. The marshmallow gave up everything which is is why she has what she has.
Now they are scraping the barrel . It’s like “what can we write about the royals during their non activity”Kate was kidding herself that she was going to have a say in where George was going to school. William says he’s going to Etonian and that’s it.Kate was kidding herself she had a say.
LMAO, yeah, Kate loves understated wealth, she hates private jets and exclusive resorts and designer clothes and expensive cars and helicopters etc. I mean, really now. Nothing about the BRF is “understated wealth.”
I am but a lowly american so I have never heard of this Oundle place, but the open campus described in the article seems like a security nightmare. I imagine the security at Eton is probably pretty tight as a routine matter so it will be easier to accommodate George.
Does he go next year to Eton or does he have another year at Lambrook?
Is Kate doing all this thinking while she’s “working from her bed?” I see again by the Christmas card that they had to use George to hide how thin and frail she is without all those shoulder-pads she wears.
Wow, that is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Also taking advantage of muzzling the Midds to take a big ol swipe at them.
LOL poor Marlborough! Thrown under the bus, to give the Middleton-Windsors some distracting PR.
Also: “Kate… prefers understated wealth.”
—LOLOL
Now I knew that this rag was full of bullsht but this is really reaching. They have no idea what Kate is thinking because at the moment she isn’t
George will go to Eton, Charlotte will go where ever the hell she wants, because even at this young age you can see she has a brain and opinions. Her looks may be similar to the late Queen when she was young, but her personality is pure prince Philip! Louis, Louis will have a ball in the navy and then live quite a nomadic life style because he is full on rebel and their finding it hard to contain him even now. Just watch the next time you see the children, or look at some of the pictures lol
@Mary Pester
“at the moment she isn’t”…!!!!
Were the Spanish media truth-telling in their comatose assessment????
Eton churns out stuck up entitled yobs so yeah, Willy will want to send him there.
It turned out Harry and he turned out ok as do many others who go. Remember parents chose the school, judge the parents not the child.
Uh this is a non-story, someone at Oundle wanted to get their name out there.
Wait! Hold up! You mean Triple K is well enough to inform “sources” that she’s changed her mind about George’s education? Well, why hasn’t she released a photo or message to the public?
Proof of Life, now.
I wonder if the “jet set” were making rumblings about not wanting the royal circus at their school?
As for “understated wealth” it comes a little soon after some people were talking about Meghan’s ‘quiet luxury’ style and how that’s a thing now. There will never be anything understated about the wealth of the heir to the British throne.
This is just another filler piece of which I guess there will be many because of her absence. I mean they can’t talk about her absence from any other angle so…
I actually quite enjoy that Kate is continuing to resist Eton strongly enough that someone (Carole?) is leaking this. It makes me think she actually might have enough strength within the family to stop their three kids from getting chewed up by the Royal Family system the way William and Harry were.
If Kate is well enough to offer an opinion on school choice, perhaps she could offer her future subjects a wee current photo to reassure them of her condition.
Hard agree! When the cat’s away, the mice will play… this is William killing two birds with one stone: getting what he wants, and making it seem as though Kate is functional.
It really is interesting to me that there’s no public clamor for proof that Kate is OK. Do the Brits really not care about her?
Had to look at the wiki for Oundle school just out of idle curiosity. It was founded by the Worshipful Company of Grocers, LOL. Yes, I’m sure this is a serious contender against Eton.
“..but never arrogant”… In that family???? Excuse me while I LOL.