Do Any Royal Children Go to Public Schools in the UK?

In the past, the direct descendants of the MONARCH were privately tutored at home, but times have changed. Since Prince Charles started attending private schools, it has become customary for royal children to attend top private fee-paying schools, which are commonly referred to as public schools in the UK. This article explores this tradition, clarifies the terminology, and highlights the education of the royal family's children.

The Change in Royal Education

In the Past:

Traditionally, the royal family was educated by tutors or governesses. However, this practice was discontinued when Prince Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, attended private fee-paying schools. This marked the beginning of a new era in royal education.

Present Practices:

Today, members of the royal family are typically educated at prestigious private schools like Eton, located near Windsor Castle. This includes Prince Harry and Prince William, who both attended Eton, one of the most exclusive private schools in the country. The children and grandchildren of the current monarch are also attending private schools.

Confusing Terminology

There is often confusion when discussing the educational systems in the UK and the US due to the different meanings of the word 'public.' In the UK, 'public schools' refer to elite, fee-paying institutions such as Eton, Harrow, Roedean, Gordonstoun, and Marlborough. Meanwhile, in the US, 'public schools' are state-funded schools.

History of Royal Education

Since the early 20th century, many members of the royal family have attended some of the UK's top private schools. Starting from Prince Philip to Viscount Severn, this educational tradition has continued, solidifying the reputation of these schools as premiere educational institutions.

Many royal family members have continued this tradition, attending renowned private schools. These schools not only cater to the royal family but also provide education for the general public as well.

Modern Trends

However, this trend of royal children attending private schools is now starting to change. With family members in Prince George's generation, we can see a shift towards state schools. This shift likely reflects broader societal changes and a desire for more democratic educational practices.

Conclusion

While the phrase 'public schools' in the UK can be misleading to American readers, the historical and current practice of royal children attending top private fee-paying schools is a longstanding tradition. This tradition is slowly evolving, with a growing number of royal family members choosing state-funded education.