Inside the walls of Adelaide Cottage, what was supposed to be a straightforward decision about Prince George’s schooling has erupted into the biggest battle yet between Prince William and Princess Catherine, with sources revealing tears, slammed doors, and Palace turmoil as the September 2026 deadline fast approaches.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are locked in a heated clash over where their eldest son — second in line to the throne — will attend secondary school. On one side, William champions Eton College, the prestigious all-boys boarding school where he and Prince Harry thrived (despite Harry’s later regrets), viewing it as a bastion of Windsor tradition and character-building. “Eton made me the man I am,” a source quotes William as insisting, emphasizing its proximity to their Windsor home and legacy of educating 20 prime ministers and royals alike.
Catherine, however, is fiercely advocating for Marlborough College, her own co-educational alma mater in Wiltshire — a place where she flourished alongside siblings Pippa and James, free from the “stuffy, elitist” all-boys environment she fears could isolate George and repeat painful histories. “Kate’s heartbroken at the thought of sending him away to a single-sex boarding school,” an insider told the Daily Mail. “She endured bullying at her first boarding school and wants George with his siblings, in a more modern, nurturing setting — not the cold rigidity of Eton.”
The conflict has plagued the couple “for years,” with royal experts like Helena Chard confirming “arguing and debating” since George turned 10. Registration deadlines loomed in June 2025 (age 10 for Eton), forcing site visits to both schools amid “plagued indecision.” Kate toured Marlborough twice, drawn to its co-ed structure allowing Charlotte and Louis to join later (£59,000/year), while William and George visited Eton, reportedly favoring its Windsor convenience and prestige (£52,000+).
Insiders describe Adelaide Cottage as a “war zone” over Christmas: “One parent in tears, the other unyielding,” with Catherine reportedly sobbing, “I won’t let him suffer like Harry did.” William, scarred by his parents’ divorce and Eton as a “haven” post-Diana’s death, sees it as preparation for kingship. Palace aides are in “absolute turmoil,” fearing leaks could fuel republican sentiment or security risks — Eton’s open campus versus Marlborough’s spread-out layout.
The stakes are sky-high: George starts Year 9 in September 2026 at 13, ending Lambrook prep. Experts like Katie Nicholl note Kate’s “heartbreak” over separation, haunted by her bullying and Charles’ Gordonstoun misery. William counters with fondness for Eton’s friendships, but Harry’s Spare revelations of isolation loom large.
Publicly tight-lipped, the Waleses may delay announcement until “eleventh hour” September 2026 for security, per Melanie Sanderson. Bookies favor Eton (4/6 odds), but whispers of Marlborough persist amid Kate’s push for “normalcy.”
This “thorny issue” tests their modern monarchy vision: tradition versus family unity? As 2026 looms, Adelaide Cottage simmers — one parent’s tears signaling deeper rifts. For George, future king at 12, the choice shapes not just education, but destiny. William holds tradition; Kate fights for heart. The Palace braces — will they unite, or fracture further?
