Princess Kate Was Reportedly Bullied at School—How This Difficult Experience Influenced Her Parenting
She's tried to shield her kids.


Bullying is incredibly common among school kids—and Princess Kate was sadly not immune during her own childhood, apparently.
And according to one royal expert, the Princess of Wales' difficult experience at one of her boarding schools has heavily influenced how she chooses her own kids' schools, including hers and Prince William's decision not to send them to boarding school as of yet—despite the prevalence of boarding among British aristocracy.
"The Prince and Princess of Wales have made it clear that their young family will, as far as possible, come first and that includes sending all three to day school, rather than having them as boarders away from home," Jennie Bond told OK!, referring to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' enrollment at Lambrook School since September.
"Catherine had a very unhappy time at Downe House in her first two terms and was bullied quite badly before she left and moved to Marlborough College," Bond continued.
The Princess of Wales started as a day student (not a boarder) at Downe House at age 13, before moving to Marlborough in 1996, and remaining there until 2000, per Hello!.
"This has completely influenced the way she wants her children to be educated, coupled with her belief and research into early years development," Bond added.
"It is telling that Kate was heavily involved in searching for George, Charlotte and Louis' school as two of the key aspirations of Lambrook are kindness and inclusivity."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Before news broke that all three Wales children would be attending Lambrook, there were rumors that George could be sent to boarding school—but this doesn't look like it's on the cards for the moment.
"Prince William and Prince Harry were at boarding school once they hit primary school age," Bond said.
"Diana missed them hugely, but in the same breath, had been brought up in much of the same way away from her family.
"For the moment at least it seems William and Catherine want to keep their children close, as day pupils at Lambrook, in a happy and nurturing environment."
This isn't the first time it's been reported that Kate was bullied at Downe. In her book Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert Katie Nicholl explained that the future royal had unfortunately been targeted for a few reasons—first, because she started there at 13 instead of at 11; second, because she was a "day pupil" instead of a boarder; and third, for being "especially slender and a head taller than her peers."
Ugh, this must have been so difficult, but thankfully these experiences have probably helped Kate think of ways to shield her own children from similar difficulties.
If any kids in your life are dealing with bullying, Stomp Out Bullying and Stand for the Silent are wonderful resources.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Kim Cattrall’s Secret to a Refreshed Morning Gives Her Goosebumps
It's "invigorating."
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Acne Doesn’t Stand a Chance Against the (Somewhat Chaotic) My Morning Routine
Keep the texture and irritation at bay with these editor-vetted items.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Hailey Bieber’s Just as Obsessed With This ‘90s Hair Accessory As the Rest of Us
The new mom was spotted in this Fashion Week-approved trend while running errands.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Rare Video Filmed by Prince Harry on Instagram
And she used her nickname for him in the shoutout she wrote in the video's caption.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Meghan Markle Sent a Handwritten Note to a Podcaster Who Said She Was "Scared" for the Royal Before Her Netflix Show Premiered
Mailing a handwritten note to reply to an Instagram comment might be the most Meghan Markle thing of all time.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince Harry’s Ex, Cressida Bonas, Is Launching a Podcast and Princess Eugenie Is Already Lined Up as a Guest
Other famous faces in the podcast's launch announcement video include Kate Winslet, Mary Berry, and Camilla Alves McConaughey.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Luxembourg's Royal Family Reveals Prince Frederik Has Died From a Rare Disease at Age 22
"Frederik's last question to me...was: 'Papa, are you proud of me?'"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Royal Fans Think Kate Middleton Was Snubbed in the Royal Family's International Women's Day Post
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales shared a message about "resilience" and "strength."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Andrew's Royal Lodge Costs Are "Spiraling Out of Control" Amid Home's Rumored Disrepair
He's even doing his own gardening, following claims the property is in a "shocking state."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Is Very Particular and Can \201cLose His Temper\201d If Things Aren’t Done Right, a New Book Claims
And his temper has apparently been "inherited in different measures by Prince William and Prince Harry."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring Is Apparently the Most Popular in the World
There was a vote and everything.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published