The prestigious educational institution that Princess Charlotte may attend for her secondary schooling has been identified, with its astonishing fees ranging from £15,000 to £20,000 per term. Charlotte, who is currently ten years old, studies at Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside her siblings, Prince George, aged twelve, and Prince Louis, who is seven. However, discussions about which secondary school the princess might join at age thirteen are already intensifying.
Wellington College Emerges as Leading Contender
During an appearance on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, Melanie Sanderson, the Managing Editor of The Good Schools Guide, indicated that Wellington College is a formidable option for the Prince and Princess of Wales. "I've been told Wellington is a possible school for Princess Charlotte," she disclosed. "I suspect with the royals that normal rules possibly don't apply. I feel as though they may be holding multiple places at different schools."
Situated in Berkshire, Wellington College is conveniently close to the Wales family's residence at Forrest Lodge on the Windsor Estate. The fees are substantial, set at £15,250 for day pupils and £20,750 for boarders per term. Sanderson elaborated on the logistical advantages, stating, "If Charlotte is going to a co-ed, it might be that they would want her to be joined by her brother Louis. Logistically, that would work for them really, really well."
Historical Prestige and Academic Excellence
Established by Queen Victoria, this esteemed co-educational school occupies 400 acres of expansive grounds and is renowned for its academic achievements. The revelation comes amid growing inquiries about the educational future of Prince George, with a reliable source previously informing the Mail on Sunday that "all roads lead to Eton" after the young prince was assigned a house.
Although Prince William and Princess Catherine have inspected several elite institutions, Eton College and Marlborough College have been the primary candidates. Eton, where Prince William was educated, charges over £63,000 annually and is located near the family home in Windsor. Conversely, Princess Catherine thrived at Marlborough, and this co-educational school would enable Princess Charlotte to accompany her elder brother.
Uncertainty Surrounding Prince George's Schooling
Insiders have reported a sense of "smugness" from Eton regarding an impending announcement. One source remarked, "It was like, 'I know something and the people at Eton know something, but I'm not going to tell you'. That was after William and Kate visited Eton." The Mail on Sunday previously highlighted that the Prince and Princess of Wales have experienced "plagued by indecision" in selecting a school for Prince George.
While Eton remains the "clear front-runner," leadership changes, including a six-month leave of absence for headmaster Simon Henderson, have caused uncertainty about whether Eton is suitable for their eldest child. Henderson, nicknamed "Trendy Hendy" due to accusations of implementing an "aggressively woke" transformation at the 585-year-old school, was absent from his duties between last August and January for unspecified reasons.
Alternative Options and Celebrity Connections
During Henderson's leave, Princess Catherine visited other potential schools, including two in North London. Traditionally, it was presumed that Eton would be the preferred choice for twelve-year-old George when he departs Lambrook next summer. However, sources indicate that Henderson's absence left William and Kate feeling "unsure" about the school's future direction upon his return.
Just before Henderson's leave commenced, the Provost of Eton, former Conservative minister Lord William Waldegrave, unexpectedly resigned after fifteen years. Although the appointment of Sir Nicholas Coleridge as Provost last year provided some reassurance, the royal couple reportedly wished to await Henderson's return before finalizing their decision.
Marlborough College, with annual fees of £60,000, has also been considered a viable alternative for the future King. The family toured the school, where Princess Catherine was a student after leaving Downe House due to bullying. While recent royal sons, such as William and Harry, have attended Eton, Marlborough's alumni include Princess Eugenie. Additionally, Princess Catherine's former house at Marlborough, Elmhurst, has attracted numerous celebrity children.
Anticipation and Implications for Other Families
An announcement regarding Prince George's schooling is highly anticipated, particularly by parents with children of similar ages. One parent at Marlborough College commented, "We are all hoping an announcement will be made soon because there's a huge waiting list at Marlborough. Once everyone finds out that George is going to another school that backlog will disappear."
The Daily Mail has reached out to Kensington Palace and Wellington College for comments on these developments.
