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From Eton to UWC Atlantic College, from Monaco to Bhutan; for countless royals around the globe, a boarding school is far more than just an academic institution. It is a place of education, duty, and often the very first step away from the family palace. As preparation for life as a future king or queen – or as a launchpad for an international career – boarding schools play a central role in shaping the education of many royals and aristocrats.
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15 Royals Who Attended Boarding School
- Prince William of Great Britain
The heir to the British throne was educated at the world-famous Eton College, located just across from Windsor Castle. Eton remains one of England’s most prestigious schools. William thrived there as a student and a role model – and his son, Prince George, may well follow in his footsteps. - Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden
Sweden’s future queen attended Collège du Léman in Switzerland, an elite international boarding school. Later, she studied at Yale. Her years abroad were transformative, helping her to discover her independence and define her role outside the royal court. - Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
Haakon was educated at Atlantic College UWC in Wales, renowned for its international outlook. Here, he learned the value of cultural exchange, an experience that continues to shape his modern leadership style. - Princess Amalia of the Netherlands
The Dutch heir to the throne also enrolled at UWC Atlantic College in Wales in 2022, joining a long list of royal alumni. For Amalia, it was a period of independence and self-discovery, strengthening her confidence as a future queen. - Princess Elisabeth of Belgium
Belgium’s first female heir to the throne studied at UWC Atlantic College between 2018 and 2020. Living there as “Elisabeth de Brabant,” she gained international experience away from court life. - Prince Christian of Denmark
In 2021, Christian attended Denmark’s historic boarding school Herlufsholm. Although he later left amid public debate, the experience marked an important step towards adulthood and his future royal responsibilities. - Princess Leonor of Spain
Spain’s future queen also studied at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, like Amalia, Elisabeth, and Haakon before her. Living in the castle-based school, Leonor developed her leadership skills and commitment to global responsibility. - King Abdullah II of Jordan
Educated at Deerfield Academy in the United States, Abdullah experienced one of New England’s most prestigious schools. Inspired by his time there, he later founded the King’s Academy in Jordan, modelled on his American alma mater. - King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan
Known as the “Dragon King,” he studied at a Massachusetts boarding school before attending Oxford. Time abroad, alongside earlier schooling in India and Thailand, shaped his open-minded and modern reign. - Prince Carl Philip of Sweden
Once heir to the throne, Carl Philip studied at Sweden’s traditional Lundsberg boarding school. It helped him overcome dyslexia and nurtured his sporting and social development – experiences he often credits as invaluable in preparing him for his future. - Prince Seeiso of Lesotho
Educated at Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa, Seeiso studied alongside future leaders and human rights advocates. There he met Prince Harry, with whom he later founded the charity Sentebale. - Princess Mako of Japan
Niece of the Japanese Emperor, Mako studied at the prestigious Gakushūin system in Tokyo and later attended the University of Edinburgh. Her international education broadened her outlook and prepared her for life beyond imperial traditions. - Prince Albert II of Monaco
Albert attended several elite schools, including Le Rosey in Switzerland, before going on to Amherst College in the USA. His cosmopolitan education helped shape his open and global perspective as ruler of Monaco. - Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg
Guillaume also studied at Le Rosey, one of the world’s most exclusive schools. There he prepared for a future of public service and international representation. - King Tupou VI of Tonga
Educated in New Zealand and Australia, Tupou attended The Leys School in Cambridge, England. Exposure to British traditions and international networks equipped him for his role as monarch.
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How Future Monarchs Learn for Life at Boarding School
Whether a king-in-waiting, a crown princess, or a reigning monarch, for many royal families a boarding school represents far more than academics. It is a place of discipline, independence, and global connection. The shared experience of learning alongside peers, far from palaces and protocol, leaves a lasting mark – shaping how these royals think, act, and lead.
Boarding School FAQ
Why do royal families send their children to boarding school?
Boarding schools instil discipline, independence, and international awareness – qualities considered essential for future leaders.
Which boarding schools are most popular among royals?
Favoured choices include Eton College in England, Le Rosey in Switzerland, and UWC Atlantic College in Wales.
Which boarding school will Prince George attend?
Prince George is expected to enter Eton College in 2025, following the tradition of his father, Prince William.
Which boarding school did Prince Philip attend?
Prince Philip studied at Gordonstoun in Scotland, renowned for its outdoor education and rigorous character-building ethos.
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Julia Wilmes
Managing Director
Supporting families through these important steps in their children’s educational journey has become my heartfelt mission since founding Akademis. That is why it is especially important to me that we dedicate ourselves to every student seeking a boarding school with empathy and personal care.
