Prince George's School Dilemma: Will Eton Be His Destiny?

ROYAL FIASCO: Prince George's School Scandal Rocks Eton College

In a shocking twist, sources close to the royal family have revealed that Prince George's parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are torn between sending their eldest child to the prestigious Eton College or one of its rival institutions. The decision has been made more complicated by the recent departure of Eton's headmaster, Simon Henderson, who earned the nickname "Trendy Hendy" for his bold attempts to modernize the 585-year-old institution.

According to insiders, Henderson's six-month leave of absence between last August and January was a pivotal moment in the Waleses' decision-making process. During this period, Kate was spotted visiting several other schools in North London, fueling speculation that Eton might not be the only option for Prince George. The couple's uncertainty about their choice of school is said to have been exacerbated by the leadership changes at Eton, including the unexpected resignation of Provost Lord (William) Waldegrave, who was a close friend and mentor to Henderson.

While it has long been assumed that Eton would be the first choice for Prince George when he leaves his current preparatory school in Berkshire next summer, sources have revealed that William and Kate were left feeling "unsure" about the direction the school would take upon Henderson's return – or if he would even return at all. It is understood that the Waleses had wanted to wait until Henderson returned before making a final decision, but with his six-month leave of absence now over, they are said to be more confident in their choice.

However, just as it seemed like Eton was back on track as Prince George's school of choice, another bombshell emerged: Sir Nicholas Coleridge, chair of Historic Royal Palaces and a trusted friend of the royal couple, had been appointed Provost of Eton. While this appointment is seen as a positive move by many, sources close to the school have revealed that it has not entirely alleviated concerns about Henderson's future at the institution.

"Eton has been going through much transition lately," said one insider. "There has been a lot going on that isn't public knowledge but which Catherine would, of course, have been informed of." The source went on to reveal that Kate has been wise to wait and observe for a few more months before making a final decision about Prince George's education.

As the waiting game continues, parents at other top schools are eagerly awaiting an announcement from Kensington Palace. "We're all hoping an announcement will be made soon," said one parent at Marlborough College. "Once everyone finds out that George is going to another school, the backlog at our school will disappear."

The decision about Prince George's education has been a closely guarded secret, but sources close to the royal family have revealed that the couple has been considering several other schools, including those in North London. While Eton remains the "clear front-runner," it seems that nothing is certain until an official announcement is made.

So what lies behind Eton's decision to appoint Sir Nicholas Coleridge as Provost? And will Henderson return to his post, or will he leave for pastures new? TheScholarlyNote.com has learned that the appointment of Coleridge was seen as a move to reassure the royal family about the direction of the school. However, sources close to Eton have revealed that there is still some uncertainty about Henderson's future at the institution.

"Eton has 25 houses, including the main college where the prestigious King's Scholars – the brightest academic pupils – are housed," explained one insider. "But each house has its own unique character and charm, and parents often choose their child's school based on which house they want them to live in."

And what about Prince George's living arrangements at Eton? According to sources close to the school, each pupil is allocated an individual study bedroom from the age of 13, where they can work on their own projects and develop important life skills. The houses are catered for, with pupils able to make themselves snacks in-house kitchens.

But it seems that Prince George's decision has also been influenced by other factors beyond his parents' control. "Houses dip in and out of popularity," said one insider. "Often, this is due to how well liked a particular housemaster is." And with Henderson's future at Eton still uncertain, it remains to be seen which house Prince George will end up living in.

One thing is certain: the decision about Prince George's education has been a closely guarded secret, and an official announcement from Kensington Palace is eagerly awaited. As one insider noted, "We are all hoping an announcement will be made soon because there's a huge waiting list at Marlborough."

The Eton College Scandal: What You Need to Know

• Prince George's parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are torn between sending their eldest child to Eton College or another school.
• Eton's headmaster, Simon Henderson, took a six-month leave of absence between last August and January, leaving his position uncertain.
• Lord (William) Waldegrave, Provost of Eton, unexpectedly stepped down after 15 years in the role, adding to the uncertainty.
• Sir Nicholas Coleridge, chair of Historic Royal Palaces, was appointed Provost of Eton but may not have fully alleviated concerns about Henderson's future at the institution.

As the waiting game continues, parents at other top schools are eagerly awaiting an announcement from Kensington Palace. But what will be the final decision for Prince George? Only time will tell.