Breaking with Tradition

In her pursuit to redefine royal upbringing, Princess Diana made a notable decision regarding her sons’ education. According to Edward White’s recent publication, Dianaworld: An Obsession, Diana was resolute about enrolling Prince William and Prince Harry at Eton College, diverging from the royal norm established by previous generations.

This choice is even more significant considering that Prince Charles, along with his brothers, attended Gordonstoun in Scotland, an institution known for its rigor and challenges. Diana chose Eton, reflecting her desire for a more English upbringing for her sons, contrasting with the Scottish tradition.

A Modern Approach to Parenting

Diana’s parenting style marked a departure from conventional royal practices. Her emotional openness and emphasis on relatability fundamentally reshaped expectations around royal parenting. This shift continues to influence her sons, who now apply those principles in raising their own children.

Historical Context and Legacy

The discussion surrounding the education of William and Harry became a prominent topic during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Much like the present-day debate regarding Prince George’s potential schooling—whether he will follow in his father’s footsteps at Eton or choose Marlborough College, which his mother Kate Middleton attended—the choices made by Diana still resonate within the royal family.

White highlights that Diana was adamant about shaping her children as new figures within the Windsor lineage. She aimed to foster a form of kingship that connected them to the public, particularly by instilling the values associated with her family’s Eton heritage.

The Eton Decision

When William and Harry ultimately decided on Eton College, it represented a significant deviation from royal history, as William became the first senior royal and future monarch educated at the school. Diana’s influence played a crucial role in this decision, as she desired for her sons to appear more aligned with the English upper classes than the royals before them.

With a legacy that included a strong connection to Eton—having both her father and brother as alumni—Diana viewed this education as a way to ground her children in traditional English values while maintaining accessibility to the public, a contrast to her ex-husband Charles’s values.

Future Implications

As the debate about Prince George’s education unfolds, it remains uncertain whether he will continue the Eton tradition established by his family or choose a different path akin to that of his mother. Regardless of the outcome, the impact of Princess Diana’s progressive choices continues to influence royal dynamics and educational expectations.