Kate Middleton has reportedly agreed to Prince William’s wish for their eldest son, Prince George, to attend one of the UK’s top boarding schools.

This decision came as news surfaced about Princess Charlotte using a different name at school to help her blend in with her peers.

The shift in George’s educational path hints at the royal family’s ongoing balance between tradition and modern parenting, as the Prince and Princess of Wales prioritize both their children’s normalcy and their roles in the monarchy.

Last June, the Prince and Princess of Wales were seen visiting Eton College with young George, sparking speculation about his future education. This visit fueled rumors that George, who reportedly has a best friend he deeply admires, may follow in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry, by attending Eton.

Kate, known for her hands-on approach to parenting, has been somewhat reluctant about sending George to boarding school, though she recognizes it as a rite of passage for royals. A source revealed that while Kate initially disagreed with William about boarding school, she eventually accepted it as part of George’s royal journey. According to a royal insider, Kate felt that sending George to a traditional and prestigious institution seemed out of step with her and William’s efforts to modernize the monarchy. She had reservations about the school’s elite reputation, especially as they aim to keep their family life grounded.

Despite her concerns, the Princess of Wales ultimately acknowledged the importance of tradition in George’s future, even though it means letting go as he embarks on this journey. Prince William’s own time at Eton has influenced his desire for George to attend. William studied at Eton from 1995 to 2000, boarding there during school terms while spending time with Queen Elizabeth at nearby Windsor Castle. This formative experience likely contributed to William’s interest in having George experience a similar education.

Though Kate and William have had differing views on what’s best for their son, Kate finally accepted the plan for George after seeing his admiration for his father. A source mentioned that George aspires to be just like his dad, making Eton a natural choice. Admission to the prestigious school is rigorous, with an entrance exam and tuition fees of £15,432 per term. Yet, the decision to send George to Eton has logistical perks too.

The family’s recent move to Adelaide Cottage, close to Windsor, means George will be nearby and can visit home every weekend, just as William did with his grandparents. The royal family’s proximity to Eton, a 10-minute drive from Adelaide Cottage, allows George the freedom to stay connected to his siblings and maintain a regular family life. This closeness may help ease the transition, as Kate will be able to spend time with her son, balancing family and tradition.

William and Kate’s decision to relocate to Windsor and enroll all three children in Lambrook School has offered the family a more grounded lifestyle, especially for George, who may face increasing public expectations as he grows. Although Eton traditionally accepts students at age 13, Kate has a few more years with George before he leaves for boarding school. This decision gives her some time to continue enjoying daily family life with him and prepare for the eventual transition.

As much as it’s a step toward his royal responsibilities, the Princess of Wales remains focused on making his upbringing as normal as possible. While the move to Eton signals George’s growing role in the royal family, it’s also a reminder of the balance William and Kate aim to strike in their children’s lives. They are reportedly committed to fostering a childhood that blends royal tradition with modern family values. Their approach is to encourage their children to embrace responsibilities without losing the connection to a more typical, grounded life.

As George edges closer to following his father’s educational path, Kate and William are setting an example of how the royal family can embrace both legacy and modernization. Their decision-making reflects the challenges and choices the royal family faces as they prepare their children for a future within the monarchy while still giving them the warmth and stability of a close family life.