As Kate Middleton continues her recovery following her cancer diagnosis, family remains at the heart of her focus.

In mid-March, she bravely went public with her health journey, and just a few weeks later, she made a powerful return to royal duties during Trooping the Colour.

Still, despite their royal titles, Kate and Prince William navigate the same parenting dilemmas as many others—especially when it comes to planning their children’s futures.

One major issue for the couple has been deciding on the right school for their eldest, Prince George. Sources indicate that Kate and William have differing views, with Kate’s hesitation influenced by her own tough memories from her time at boarding school.

Kate’s Difficult School Years

Kate Middleton’s early schooling hit a rough patch when she joined Downe House, a prestigious all-girls boarding academy. While her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, aimed to give her top-tier education, her experience there was far from smooth.

Unlike most of the girls who lived on campus, Kate was a day student, which made it harder to build close friendships. She had a tough time fitting in and endured bullying, which left a lasting impact on her self-esteem.

A former classmate, Gemma Williamson, remembered Kate being “severely bullied,” often appearing “drawn and fragile” during those difficult years. Another peer, Emma Sayle, characterized Downe House as an intensely competitive environment dominated by social hierarchies – an atmosphere Kate struggled to navigate.

Compounding these struggles, Kate’s statuesque frame made her particularly vulnerable to ridicule. Royal biographer Katie Nicholl observed, “Her willowy figure and noticeable height difference made her stand out in ways that invited unkind attention from classmates.”

Thriving in a Fresh Start

Initially overwhelmed by her school’s unwelcoming atmosphere and cliques, Kate confided in her parents, who made the pivotal choice to enroll her at Marlborough College in 1996. Little did they know, this move would redefine her future.

Marlborough became Kate’s turning point. She bloomed into a standout student and athlete, dominating the hockey field and cross-country trails while coming into her own socially. Peers later reminisced that by her mid-teens, she’d become the “school’s most admired girl,” captivating classmates with her charm.

Much of her glow-up was attributed to a physical transformation—shedding her teenage braces, as noted by former instructor Denise Alford, unlocked a radiant self-assurance.

After graduating from Marlborough, Kate pursued higher education at St. Andrew’s University, where fate intervened: a meeting with Prince William set the stage for her eventual royal destiny.

The Debate Surrounding Prince George’s Education

Now, Kate and William face the decision of whether Prince George will follow in royal footsteps and attend Eton College, the esteemed boarding school once attended by both William and Harry. At ten years old, George has already visited the school, as enrollment typically starts at that age.

However, Kate is said to have reservations about the choice. Sources reveal that while she understands George’s wish to emulate his father, she remains troubled by her own challenging experiences at boarding school. “She’s still devastated. She was badly bullied at her first school and can’t stand the idea of George enduring something similar,” an insider shared with In Touch Weekly.

Although Eton is just a short drive from their Windsor home, making it easy for George to visit his family often, Kate remains anxious about sending him away at such a young age. She has voiced concerns about the monarchy’s ongoing efforts to modernize, wondering if enrolling George in such a traditional school conflicts with their desire to raise their children with a sense of normalcy.

Despite her hesitations, insiders indicate that Kate has ultimately agreed to William’s choice, respecting the long-established royal customs.

A Defining Choice for the Heir

Where Prince George attends school will speak volumes about William and Kate’s approach to raising their children. Veteran royal commentator Jennie Bond observed that the couple has taken an exceptionally involved role in their kids’ upbringing, leaving their boarding school plans unclear.

“Both William and Catherine thrived in boarding school environments,” Bond remarked, “so they may wish to give their children that same opportunity.”

For Britain’s future monarch, George’s schooling carries particular weight. Though Kate may have reservations, the final decision will reveal whether the couple favors time-honored royal customs or a contemporary parenting style.