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The royal family
Perrygreen · 06/05/2026 07:57

I think they'll want to keep the kids together at the same school. Especially after Catherine's illness and the stress they would have gone through.

tnorfotkcab · 06/05/2026 07:57

TightlyLacedCorset · 05/05/2026 15:37

I respect this pov, that was why I asked if the royal family was locked in, whether boarding school is mandatory for future royal heirs. Because with the exception of QE2 it seems to be a tradition of the RF.

But with the ongoing sagas of the last 40+ years and increasing republican sentiment, I question if boarding school is resulting in mentally well adjusted adults who are in touch with the public at large. To me it further entrenches the idea of being set apart.

And I accept that not everyone has a negative experience of boarding school. There are always deviations from the mean. Coping strategies that can result in high self-reliance and confidence or emotional and mental instability. But even if successful that doesn't mean they don't exhibit problems in other ways.

Personally, even if he 'wants' to go I am very skeptical of how much of a true 'choice' that is. I don't see boarding as a choice a child can make. How can a child possibly understand the possible complex psychological ramifications of such a choice at 11? And there are always ramifications. There may be many positives, but I don't think there's much child psychology in support of children being sent away from their parents most of a year and brought up in institutions. Certainly children can be subtly socialised from a young age into seeing boarding as a valid choice by their family and social circle. But I do not see a child under 16 being able to make a choice to be separated from their family and parents the majority of the year, anymore than they can consent to the ramifications of many other serious life choices.

We know Charles had a rotten time at boarding school, you could say that was exceptional, but Andrew (based on things I have heard others say in AL book, I could be wrong) experienced both highly detrimental egoflation with a sycophantic peer group and damaging precocious sexual encounters (Lownie says he was also abused but I don't specifically know when, either way he was shockingly vulnerable). No respectful manners for those beneath him in station appear to have been instilled in him at boarding school either.

Again, W&K both profess to understand child well being (K) and mental health (W principally, and K) this to me is totally out of synch with that.

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Boarding schools have generally moved on in the past 70 years...

PrinceHarrysBaldPatch · 06/05/2026 07:59

TightlyLacedCorset · 05/05/2026 23:15

I don't think your view is unpopular at all.

That said, the needs of children for their parents hasn't changed in this day and age. In this day and age children are probably more in need of their parents than ever before, going by stats on mental health among young people.

Whilst I might be being a bit presumptive about W, K and G's situation and their motivations, it is objectively true that it is not (all things being equal, obviously if home life is abusive, or parents are travelling 24/7 it may be the best alternative option) better for children to be separated from their parents at a young age, to be surrounded day and night by their peers of similar age, especially when they are soon to go into a vulnerable period of physiological development.

It cannot be for the academics. W&K are loaded and George given the amazing breadth of life experiences he's already had, should be reasonably bright and capable of achieving great things whilst not full time boarding. They can afford the best private tutors after all.

I don't know, I keep wondering if being Royal actually harms the children, who cannot after all choose whether to be part of the monarchy, and whether the monarchy should be removed so they can be free to have other options in their lives.

But I accept that he may well be happy and end up doing reasonably well. I hope he does. I really want to see an end to the era's of scandals and sadness with regards to the RF. That needs to be over.

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Children have spent more time than ever with their parents over the last 20 years and mental health problems are worse than ever. Maybe time with friends and away from parents is EXACTLY what kids actually need?
Obviously being abandoned there by parents, who want to get rid of you is different.

Another76543 · 06/05/2026 09:39

TightlyLacedCorset · 05/05/2026 15:37

I respect this pov, that was why I asked if the royal family was locked in, whether boarding school is mandatory for future royal heirs. Because with the exception of QE2 it seems to be a tradition of the RF.

But with the ongoing sagas of the last 40+ years and increasing republican sentiment, I question if boarding school is resulting in mentally well adjusted adults who are in touch with the public at large. To me it further entrenches the idea of being set apart.

And I accept that not everyone has a negative experience of boarding school. There are always deviations from the mean. Coping strategies that can result in high self-reliance and confidence or emotional and mental instability. But even if successful that doesn't mean they don't exhibit problems in other ways.

Personally, even if he 'wants' to go I am very skeptical of how much of a true 'choice' that is. I don't see boarding as a choice a child can make. How can a child possibly understand the possible complex psychological ramifications of such a choice at 11? And there are always ramifications. There may be many positives, but I don't think there's much child psychology in support of children being sent away from their parents most of a year and brought up in institutions. Certainly children can be subtly socialised from a young age into seeing boarding as a valid choice by their family and social circle. But I do not see a child under 16 being able to make a choice to be separated from their family and parents the majority of the year, anymore than they can consent to the ramifications of many other serious life choices.

We know Charles had a rotten time at boarding school, you could say that was exceptional, but Andrew (based on things I have heard others say in AL book, I could be wrong) experienced both highly detrimental egoflation with a sycophantic peer group and damaging precocious sexual encounters (Lownie says he was also abused but I don't specifically know when, either way he was shockingly vulnerable). No respectful manners for those beneath him in station appear to have been instilled in him at boarding school either.

Again, W&K both profess to understand child well being (K) and mental health (W principally, and K) this to me is totally out of synch with that.

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children being sent away from their parents most of a year and brought up in institutions.

Boarding schools tend to have around 20 weeks holiday a year. On top of that, there are exeats, and parents often visit the school to see their children play sport/take them for dinner etc. The idea that children are sent away to be brought up is nonsense.

The mental health aspect is also nonsense. Around 20% of all children are estimated to have mental health issues. Only around 0.5–1% of children are boarders. This certainly doesn’t suggest that the mental health problems we are seeing are attributable to boarding schools. In any case, boarding schools tend to have excellent mental and physical health provision; much better than other schools.

wordler · 06/05/2026 15:38

By the time you reach high school age and add in sports activities and homework, the amount of time you spend with parents is very reduced. Kids who board but come
home for weekends - which George could do if he goes to Eton, probably spend as much time with their parents whether they board or not.

PrinceHarrysBaldPatch · 06/05/2026 17:51

wordler · 06/05/2026 15:38

By the time you reach high school age and add in sports activities and homework, the amount of time you spend with parents is very reduced. Kids who board but come
home for weekends - which George could do if he goes to Eton, probably spend as much time with their parents whether they board or not.

Is Eton not full boarding? I'm amazed.

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 17:51

PrinceHarrysBaldPatch · 06/05/2026 17:51

Is Eton not full boarding? I'm amazed.

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It is!

ThatAvidViewer · 06/05/2026 18:23

52 weeks in a year, around 20 weeks of holidays, so roughly 32 weeks actually at school. Within those 32 weeks, there would likely be around 7 exeat/B weekends at home, bringing it down to about 25 weekends spent at school. Then add parents visiting for sports matches and school events, which could easily be another ~8–10 weekends a year. And because Windsor is relatively close, he could also have Sunday leave/lunches with his parents during term — potentially another ~10–15 Sundays a year depending on schedules and permission.
So in practice, he’d still be seeing his parents very regularly throughout the year, not being “sent away” for 52 weeks.

Mumsnut · 06/05/2026 18:42

DD was at boarding school for sixth form (her choice). She came home every weekend at lunchtime on Saturday and I drove her back in time for roll call on Monday. Twice a term, she was able to leave on Friday lunchtimes for an ‘exeat’ weekend. She played no sports though

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 19:21

ThatAvidViewer · 06/05/2026 18:23

52 weeks in a year, around 20 weeks of holidays, so roughly 32 weeks actually at school. Within those 32 weeks, there would likely be around 7 exeat/B weekends at home, bringing it down to about 25 weekends spent at school. Then add parents visiting for sports matches and school events, which could easily be another ~8–10 weekends a year. And because Windsor is relatively close, he could also have Sunday leave/lunches with his parents during term — potentially another ~10–15 Sundays a year depending on schedules and permission.
So in practice, he’d still be seeing his parents very regularly throughout the year, not being “sent away” for 52 weeks.

At this stage I just ignore people who literally have that little knowledge of boarding school they’re quoting the experience as if it’s 1890. I’m impressed you bother replying.

It’s 2026 people. Come on.

BasiliskStare · 06/05/2026 20:57

Even full boarding schools pupil have the chance to be out at the weekend , some I think after chapel on Sunday , some from Saturday evening and other variations as @Mumsnut says.

Anyway , W&C seem to be trying their best to give those children a happy moral as possible upbringing despite their rather strange position, so I don't think a well chosen boarding school at 13 is going to be George's biggest problem. I've heard Oundle but my proximity to the Royal family is neglible, well none actually , so this is all I know someone who spoke to someone type rumour.

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 21:07

BasiliskStare · 06/05/2026 20:57

Even full boarding schools pupil have the chance to be out at the weekend , some I think after chapel on Sunday , some from Saturday evening and other variations as @Mumsnut says.

Anyway , W&C seem to be trying their best to give those children a happy moral as possible upbringing despite their rather strange position, so I don't think a well chosen boarding school at 13 is going to be George's biggest problem. I've heard Oundle but my proximity to the Royal family is neglible, well none actually , so this is all I know someone who spoke to someone type rumour.

I think Oundle benefits from being in a town and having lots of freedom to go into it too.

You can very consciously and unconsciously "step out of your uniform" and so school never feels like prison, I couldn't believe my luck at 13 being able to go into town with friends no teachers and buy ice creams from shops or hang out in a cafe and kick back with friends on a sunday and hang out with a diet coke. Certainly for those from rural scotland/other areas Oundle is probably more fun than being a day student in a school near their homes; much less isolated.

They're also (and am sure other places) so accomodating to parents visiting and allowing you to bring friends out (I was encouraged to bring a friend along for Sunday lunch) that I don't think many found it that difficult tbh.

But I would be surprised at Oundle as it's not that close to their homes and some don't think it posh enough (Im not sure they would care about that personally), but we will all find out in due course...

Hope wherever he (and I hope he gets some say) chooses he has a great time and is well adjusted and the royals become, I know it sounds strange to say, but a bit more boring. Im t ired ofthe scandals of the last 30 years and it's time for some stability. While it's not perfect I don't think the UK being a Republic would be the boon many think it would be.

BasiliskStare · 06/05/2026 22:02

By the way - I didn't spot it earlier but I meant to say "happy normal as possible " above not moral. Although I do hope they are bring them up with decent morals too. Like @CosyTraybake I'll take boring over scandal 😊

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:04

BasiliskStare · 06/05/2026 22:02

By the way - I didn't spot it earlier but I meant to say "happy normal as possible " above not moral. Although I do hope they are bring them up with decent morals too. Like @CosyTraybake I'll take boring over scandal 😊

Don't worry, I have the same issue with my autocorrect. I feel most people nowadays infer the meaning of what is said even if autocorrect has other ideas.

Yes please. Boring. More boring. We Brits are good at boring!

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:35

Spareheir · 14/02/2024 17:17

Surely that just an advert for Oundle?
Agree, horrific girls uniform, but then many boarding school ones are.

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:37

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:39

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 19:21

At this stage I just ignore people who literally have that little knowledge of boarding school they’re quoting the experience as if it’s 1890. I’m impressed you bother replying.

It’s 2026 people. Come on.

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I don't think that's fair. Most parents just want to spend time together as a family.
I can't imagine entrusting my child into the care of complete strangers, there are always dodgy power nuts and abusers, hell no. Also I wouldn't want an institution to raise my dc, I quite like doing it myself.

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:41

The culottes look like a victorian contraption. But better than Christ's Hospital.

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:43

PrinceHarrysBaldPatch · 06/05/2026 07:59

Children have spent more time than ever with their parents over the last 20 years and mental health problems are worse than ever. Maybe time with friends and away from parents is EXACTLY what kids actually need?
Obviously being abandoned there by parents, who want to get rid of you is different.

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Children have spent more time than ever with their parents over the last 20 years and mental health problems are worse than ever.

How so? I\d have thought they spend less time with their working mothers? Are you saying that spending time as a family results in mental health problems? That's an unusual one.

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:43

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:41

The culottes look like a victorian contraption. But better than Christ's Hospital.

After three weeks you actually get to love them. They’re cool tbh.

CH is also fun. Then again Im not super trad and like being a bit different

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:44

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:43

After three weeks you actually get to love them. They’re cool tbh.

CH is also fun. Then again Im not super trad and like being a bit different

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If you say so 😅

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:45

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:39

I don't think that's fair. Most parents just want to spend time together as a family.
I can't imagine entrusting my child into the care of complete strangers, there are always dodgy power nuts and abusers, hell no. Also I wouldn't want an institution to raise my dc, I quite like doing it myself.

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That’s good you’ve got that choice then. But having gone through Oundle I’m well balanced and haven’t had to sit in therapists offices in my 20s. And I’ve friends from day schools who have.

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:49

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:44

If you say so 😅

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Haha they're def unique...

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:51

HippopotumArse · 03/05/2026 16:39

To hear of people forking out upwards of £35k a year per child fret about the price of culottes is absolutely hilarious.

But then it’s often pointed out to the parents of mere mortals who attend state school, that people make sooo many ‘sacrifices’ to afford private education, so perhaps cladding their child in a second hand item of clothing is one of them.

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I could perfectly sew a pair of those culottes in less than a couple of hours. Maybe I should start a side hustle?

CosyTraybake · 06/05/2026 22:53

peefinsinwales · 06/05/2026 22:51

I could perfectly sew a pair of those culottes in less than a couple of hours. Maybe I should start a side hustle?

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I think you're onto something. The old bank is empty in Oundle and looking for a new occupant. I sense weve found its newest resident.

"PeefsPants" Haberdashery and makers of culottes and other tailored trousers for women!