As Kate Middleton continues recovering from her cancer diagnosis, her family life remains a priority.

In mid-March, she publicly shared her health battle, and just weeks ago, she made a triumphant return to royal duties at Trooping the Colour.

However, despite their royal status, Kate and Prince William face challenges like any other parents—especially when it comes to their children’s future.

A significant concern for the couple has been where their eldest son, Prince George, should attend school. Reports suggest that Kate and William have differing opinions on the matter, with Kate’s concerns rooted in her own difficult experiences at boarding school.

Kate’s Troubled Past at Boarding School

Kate Middleton’s early education took a challenging turn when she enrolled at Downe House, an elite all-girls boarding school. Although her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, provided her with the best educational opportunities, her time at Downe House was far from ideal.

Unlike other students who boarded full-time, Kate only attended during the day, making it difficult to form strong connections with her classmates. She struggled socially and faced bullying, which took a toll on her confidence.

Former schoolmate Gemma Williamson once recalled that Kate “had been bullied very badly” and appeared “thin and pale.” Another classmate, Emma Sayle, described Downe House as highly competitive and cliquey, an environment Kate found overwhelming.

Adding to her difficulties, Kate was tall and slender compared to her peers, making her a target for teasing. “Being especially slender and a head taller than her peers, she stood out for the wrong reasons,” royal expert Katie Nicholl noted.

Finding Happiness at a New School

Struggling with the school’s culture and social dynamics, Kate eventually shared her distress with her parents, leading them to transfer her to Marlborough College in 1996. This decision changed everything for her.

At Marlborough, Kate flourished both academically and socially. She excelled in sports, particularly hockey and cross-country running, and her confidence grew. Former classmates even recalled that by the time she was 16, “every boy in the school” admired her.

Her transformation was also credited to her appearance—losing her childhood braces contributed to her newfound confidence, according to former teacher Denise Alford.

Kate completed her education at Marlborough before attending St. Andrew’s University, where she eventually met Prince William, shaping her path to becoming a future queen.

The Debate Over Prince George’s Education

Now, Kate and William must decide whether Prince George will follow royal tradition and attend Eton College, a prestigious boarding school previously attended by both William and Harry. George, now ten, has already toured Eton, as registration for the school begins at that age.

However, Kate is reportedly apprehensive about the decision. Insiders claim that while she has agreed to George’s desire to be “just like his father,” she remains deeply concerned due to her own negative boarding school experience. “She’s still heartbroken. She was horribly bullied at her first boarding school and can’t bear the thought of George suffering through that,” a source told In Touch Weekly.

Though Eton is just a short drive from their Windsor home, allowing George to visit his family regularly, Kate still worries about sending him away at such a young age. She has also expressed concerns about the monarchy’s modernization efforts, feeling that enrolling George in such a traditional institution may contradict their goal of raising their children with a sense of normalcy.

Despite her reservations, sources suggest Kate has finally given in to William’s wishes, acknowledging the long-standing royal tradition.

A Crucial Decision for the Future King

The choice of school for Prince George will reveal much about William and Kate’s parenting philosophy. Former BBC royal expert Jennie Bond noted that the couple has been very hands-on with their children, making it uncertain whether they will fully embrace the boarding school route.

“I think both William and Catherine were happy at boarding school,” Bond stated, “and perhaps they will want to pass this experience on to their children.”

As the future king, Prince George’s education is a matter of great significance. While Kate may have hesitations, it remains to be seen whether the couple will ultimately prioritize royal tradition or a more modern approach to parenting.