As any parent of a tween knows, watching your child go from primary to secondary school is super-emotional and even the most stoic of us can’t help shed a tear as we wave goodbye to our new-starter, in their oversized school uniform.
But that’s nothing to the angst Kate is feeling at the decision to send Prince George to Eton, reveals a royal expert.
George, 13, starts at Eton, just outside of Windsor, along with his fellow Year 9 newbies, on an introductory day, on Tuesday September 8. And his mum is having a few tears at the thought of it, says royal biographer Andrew Lownie.
Eton is a boys-only boarding school, which means her first-born will have to learn how to be independent – separated from his parents and siblings, for the first time. “Catherine is both sad and excited at the prospect of her son becoming a man,” Andrew, author of Entitled, The Rise and Fall of the House of York, says.
William and Kate were reportedly racked with indecision about sending George to the £65,673 (AUD $124,000) a year school – one of the most exclusive in the world – but in the end, William’s fond memories of his own time there, won out. But it was still something of a surprise to royal-watchers, says Andrew.
Other boarding schools under consideration were Marlborough College – where Catherine went – and Oundle School, both, co-ed, which would have meant Princess Charlotte could have joined her older brother, later. “I thought Marlborough might be chosen as it is less academic, co-educational and the security around the school is easier,” Andrew says.
Security will be a major concern for the Wales’, who have, until now, been a tight family unit, keeping their kids out of the spotlight, unless at official events. Marlborough, in Wiltshire, south-west England, is more rural, whereas Eton’s campus is on the town’s High Street, so passers-by would be able to see young George when he’s outside, going to classes. A beaming 13-year-old William was photographed in the street on his first day at Eton in 1995.
The British press will follow Palace guidance to leave George alone whilst he’s at school and other pupils will be obliged to give their royal schoolmate privacy. Eton also has a policy of no-smartphones for Year 9 pupils, issuing them with Nokia ‘brick phones’ with no internet access. However, there’s not much William and Kate can do if the smartphone-wielding public spot George, although he will have protection officers close by.
“George has a protection officer go with him to school,” says Andrew, who also explains Eton, “is used to dealing with high-profile pupils”. The school, which was founded in the 15th century by King Henry VI, boasts royals, politicians and leaders amongst its alumni – including 20 British Prime Ministers, authors Ian Fleming and George Orwell and actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston. As well as William and Harry, Earl Spencer went to Eton, as did the Duke of Kent, Duke of Gloucester and Prince Michael of Kent.
“William enjoyed and prospered at Eton and he thinks his son will benefit from its ethos,” says Andrew. The family is also friends with the school’s Provost (chairman), which would reassure them. “The Provost, Nicholas Coleridge, is a good friend of the Royal Family and also chairs The King’s Foundation,” he says.
George’s stable, loving home environment, means he’s better prepared than many heirs before him, not least Prince Charles, who was packed off to hardcore Gordonstoun School in Scotland, because Prince Philip thought it would make him a man. Charles hated it, calling it a, “hell hole” and his time there a, “prison sentence”.
“We know very little of George’s character yet,” says Andrew, “but we do know he has had a more affectionate and stable upbringing than many royal children.”
However, George’s two biggest hurdles will be homesickness and academics, says Andrew. Eton has 25 boarding houses of around 55 pupils, headed by a House Master and Dame, (matron). William and Harry both boarded in Manor House and George will have his own room and be able to take his pick of activities, from fencing to drama; water polo to football. Pupils are regularly allowed home at weekends, but homesickness will still hit and, “boarding will be a challenge,” says Andrew.
The second hurdle will be the high academic pressure, he says, adding Eton has become a lot more academic than it was in William and Harry’s day. “Eton is a large, tough school which stresses academic success and it isn’t for everyone,” he says, adding, “Presumably it was chosen to suit George and there will be several of his friends going.” But he better be ready to study, as, “It is even more academic than 30 or 40 years ago.”
It wasn’t a problem for William, who did well at school. He was both popular – made a prefect – and bright, leaving with three A-levels – an A in Geography; B in History of Art and C in Biology, before going to St Andrews University.
It wasn’t so for Harry, who was less academic and struggled at school, writing in his autobiography Spare, “The finest school in the world for boys, Eton was meant to be a shock. In my case, mission accomplished.” Harry admitted he found exams a, “nightmare” and his former art teacher Sarah Forsyth alleged she helped the prince with his art exam. He left with just two A Levels – a B in Art and D in Geography, before joining the Army.
Even though the Sussexes have relocated back to the UK and enrolled Archie and Lilibet in primary school, it’s unlikely they will follow suit and send Archie, seven, to Eton, says Andrew. “Harry didn’t like Eton and struggled there. Unless Archie is very bright and self-confident I don’t see him going there, especially if Prince Louis might be a contemporary,” he says.
And as to whether he and Lilibet will enjoy any playdates with their cousins, Andrew says, “It’s too early to say but for the sake of the monarchy, I hope there is some reconciliation between the brothers.”
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