Prince William and Princess Kate have made a significant decision regarding the education of their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—opting for a prestigious new institution that aligns with their commitment to normalcy amid royal duties. During a recent family holiday break in early January 2026, the couple personally drove their children to the campus for introductory visits, allowing George, Charlotte, and Louis to familiarize themselves with the environment in a low-key, intimate manner. This hands-on approach underscores the Wales family’s modern parenting philosophy, prioritizing emotional security over tradition as George prepares for secondary school in September 2026.

Currently, all three children attend Lambrook School, a co-educational prep school in Berkshire near their Windsor home at Forest Lodge. The decision to transition stems primarily from George’s impending move to Year 7, marking the end of primary education. Royal insiders confirm William and Kate have selected Marlborough College in Wiltshire—a co-educational boarding school where Kate herself studied—as the next chapter. The choice breaks from William’s path to all-boys Eton College, emphasizing family unity and security logistics. Marlborough, with annual fees around £60,000, offers a balanced curriculum of academics, arts, and sports, allowing Charlotte and Louis to potentially follow in a few years without separating siblings.

The holiday visits were deliberately private. On a crisp weekend, William took the wheel of their Range Rover, Kate by his side, with George (12), Charlotte (10), and Louis (7) in the back. No entourage trailed; they arrived unannounced, spending hours touring grounds, meeting teachers, and letting the children explore classrooms and playgrounds. Sources describe Kate kneeling to Louis’s level, reassuring him with whispers, while George asked thoughtful questions about rugby facilities—echoing his father’s passion. Charlotte, ever observant, noted the school’s art studios, reminiscent of her mother’s interests. These trips, repeated over the break, aimed to ease anxieties, especially for George facing boarding life away from home.

William and Kate’s involvement reflects lessons from their own upbringings. William recalls Eton as a “haven” during his parents’ separation, but insists George’s stable family dynamic makes separation tougher. Kate, favoring Marlborough for its co-ed vibe and her alumni ties, vetoed Eton to keep siblings together longer, citing security costs and emotional bonds. Experts like Jennie Bond note: “It’s a family decision, not imposed—tougher for George than for William, raised in harmony not chaos.”

Announcement delays until summer protect the school from scrutiny, amid threats prompting secrecy. Marlborough’s 13-18 age range suits George immediately, with Charlotte (Year 9 by 2028) and Louis following seamlessly. The estate’s rural setting enhances privacy, aligning with the Waleses’ Windsor relocation for school proximity.

Public glimpses—via Kensington Palace photos—show beaming children post-visit: George waving confidently, Charlotte clutching a welcome booklet, Louis hugging a toy from the gift shop. Fans adore the normalcy; social media buzzes with “Kate’s school run glow-up.”

This move signals 2026’s pivotal year: George’s “teen transition,” Kate’s queen prep, family focus amid duties. William prioritizes drop-offs, Kate sports days—non-negotiables even post-move. Nanny Maria Turrion Borrallo aids, but parents lead.

Marlborough promises holistic growth: debating for George, arts for Charlotte, rugby for Louis. Kate hopes it instills resilience, avoiding William’s early boarding isolation.

As February term nears at Lambrook, holiday visits built excitement. William joked to aides: “They’re ready—George even packed his own bag.” Kate beamed: “It’s their adventure now.”

The decision embodies the Waleses’ ethos: duty with heart. George steps toward kingship grounded in love, siblings united. Marlborough awaits—not just a school, but a launchpad for futures intertwined yet independent.