On January 29, 2026, news emerged that Prince William and Princess Catherine are contemplating an important decision regarding their son Prince George’s education. The couple is considering sending their eldest child to Marlborough College, a renowned coeducational boarding school in Wiltshire, which holds special significance for the family as it is where the Princess of Wales herself was educated between the ages of 14 and 18.

This consideration marks a potential departure from tradition, as it was previously speculated that Prince George might follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry, by attending Eton College in Windsor. Eton, conveniently located near their residence, has long been a favored institution for the British royal family.

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A source revealed to Vanity Fair that while Eton appears to be the obvious choice due to its proximity and family history, Marlborough is currently emerging as a strong contender. “I’m hearing Marlborough is the front-runner,” the source mentioned, indicating a shift in preferences.

The insider further explained that, although a final decision has not been cemented, discussions are actively taking place within the Marlborough community. “There is talk among the Marlborough set that they’ve allocated a house for George, and security has been a significant consideration,” the source added, highlighting the importance of safety and preparedness in the royal couple’s decision-making process.

The insider added: “I genuinely don’t think they’ve one hundred per cent decided, but there is talk among the Marlborough set that they’ve allocated a house for George and that security has been a big issue.”

There is no official word from the royals at this time.

It’s not the first time it’s been claimed that Catherine was keen for George to attend Marlborough.

A friend of Catherine said it was high up on her list of secondary education establishments to send her boy.

They told the Daily Mail: “Eton hasn’t been ruled out but they have talked at length about Marlborough as an option and the smart money is on George going there instead.

“William and Catherine surprised many with their choice of Thomas’s Battersea for George over more traditional royal schools but picked it because they felt it was the right fit for him.

“They are very keen to allow George to spread his wings as a child and won’t ever do what people expect them to do when it comes to their children.”

George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, currently attend Lambrook School in Berkshire.

George, started school in 2017, and settled in “really easy”.

Speaking about his son’s first few days at school to patients at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, William said at the time: “It’s been an interesting week.

“George has been really easy. He hasn’t said, ‘Have I got to do this for the rest of my life?’”

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