Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Children Don’t Use Their Royal Titles in School – Here’s Why

Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, have three children who are among the most recognized young royals: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, despite their high-profile positions in the line of succession, their everyday school experience is distinctly non-royal — at least in name. This article explores the royal traditions behind their school names, the broader context of royal surnames, and what this means for the next generation of the British monarchy.

The Tradition Behind Royal School Names

Upon enrolling in school, a child’s identity is usually tied to a family surname. For royal children, this custom creates an interesting conundrum. While their official titles would certainly stand out on a class roster, George, Charlotte, and Louis use a more understated approach, following a long-standing family tradition.

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and King Charles III’s ascension, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children adopted “Wales” as their surname for school and similar settings. Thus, they are known among their peers as George Wales, Charlotte Wales, and Louis Wales. This practice mirrors the way William and his brother, Prince Harry, used “Wales” as their surname in school — a reflection of their own father’s title as Prince of Wales at the time.

How Royal Surnames are Used

Unlike most children, royal offspring are given titles rather than family names at birth. Their official forms of address — “His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales,” for example — are commonly used in public and formal communications. But in environments requiring a surname, such as at school or for legal documentation, the tradition is to use the territorial title associated with their parents.

Prior to 2022, William and Kate were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, which meant their children were previously referred to as George Cambridge, Charlotte Cambridge, and Louis Cambridge. The change to “Wales” reflects their parents’ elevation to the Prince and Princess of Wales and underscores the connection between their school names and family history.

The Royal Family’s History With Surnames

To understand why these children do not use a typical family name, it is important to look at the evolution of the British royal family’s relationship with surnames. For centuries, British royals did not have last names. They were identified by their first names, ranks, and the houses to which they belonged, such as Windsor or Hanover.

This changed during World War I, when mounting anti-German sentiment in Britain prompted King George V to relinquish the German-sounding family name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. In 1917, he designated Windsor as the official house name as well as the family name when a surname was required for legal or administrative purposes.

Mountbatten-Windsor: A Modern Surname

The modern royal family surname “Mountbatten-Windsor” was adopted in 1960, following the marriage of Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Philip. “Mountbatten” is derived from Prince Philip’s adopted surname, while “Windsor” references the royal house. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s descendants are officially Mountbatten-Windsor where a surname is necessary, though most direct heirs still use their territorial designations like “Wales.”

In practice, not all royal children use Mountbatten-Windsor. The surname is typically reserved for descendants of the Queen and Prince Philip who do not carry royal styles, such as Prince or Princess. For those who do, like George, Charlotte, and Louis, their need for a surname at school is satisfied by using their parents’ official titles.

Royal Surnames in the Classroom: Tradition and Identity

The tradition of using territorial designations as school surnames extends through several royal generations. Prince William and Prince Harry attended school as William Wales and Harry Wales, respectively. Decades later, their children continue this custom, emphasizing both family legacy and a vote for relative normalcy within academic environments.

This approach allows royal children to participate in the routines of their peers. Teachers and classmates interact with “George Wales,” not “His Royal Highness Prince George.” This can help reduce distractions, encourage friendships, and facilitate an ordinary school experience — as much as possible for children in their position.

George’s Educational Journey at Eton College

In September 2026, George reached a significant milestone by beginning his studies at Eton College, one of Britain’s most prestigious all-boys boarding schools. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton has long been associated with British leadership, educating numerous prominent figures including prime ministers, cultural icons, and, notably, both Prince William and Prince Harry.

George’s enrollment at Eton marks both a continuation of family tradition and the start of a unique journey for the future king. Unlike his father’s time at the school, George faces a world where privacy is tougher to maintain. The omnipresence of social media presents new challenges, and royal commentators note that William and Kate are acutely aware of the need to manage their son’s exposure to the public eye.

School Life for Other Royal Siblings

Before George’s move to Eton, all three Wales children attended Lambrook School in Berkshire. George and Charlotte had previously attended Thomas’s Battersea in London, with the family relocating from Kensington Palace to Windsor in 2022. The relocation was widely reported as a strategic decision by William and Kate, seeking both a more private family life and the opportunity for their children to have a relatively normal upbringing.

Currently, Charlotte and Louis remain at Lambrook, while George pursues his studies at Eton. This marks another divergence in the siblings’ educational journeys, reflecting their ages, interests, and the royal family’s approach to balancing tradition with adaptability.

Future Royal Titles for George, Charlotte, and Louis

With each royal generation, speculation grows regarding the future titles and roles of its members. There is a common misconception that Prince George will automatically become the Prince of Wales when his father becomes king. In reality, that title is not hereditary and must be formally granted by the monarch. Upon William’s accession to the throne, George would become heir apparent but would only become Prince of Wales if the title is bestowed upon him.

Charlotte’s potential future also hinges on royal tradition. She could be named Princess Royal, the highest honor bestowed upon a monarch’s eldest daughter. However, this is not an automatic right and can only be granted when the current titleholder — Princess Anne — passes away and with the monarch’s approval.

As the youngest child, Louis may be granted a dukedom in adulthood, following a precedent set for younger sons of monarchs. However, his future title remains at the monarch’s discretion.

Navigating Royal Life in a Modern World

The use of non-royal surnames at school is a small yet significant detail in the lives of George, Charlotte, and Louis. While they are internationally recognized as members of the British royal family and, for George, a future king, inside the school gates they participate in the everyday routines of childhood – handing in homework, participating in activities, and forming friendships like their classmates.

This practice reflects the royal family’s ongoing commitment to instill a sense of normalcy, independence, and grounding in their youngest members while maintaining centuries-old traditions and meeting modern expectations. Experts and royal historians note that such choices may help future generations relate more closely to both the monarchy and the public they one day hope to serve.

Public and Media Perspectives

The approach taken by William and Kate has been widely discussed and generally received positively by media outlets and social commentators. Many see their efforts as fostering greater privacy for their children during formative years. The combination of historic tradition and contemporary values underscores the evolving role of royalty in the 21st century.

Internationally, the use of non-royal surnames is unique to the British monarchy. Other royal families, such as those in Scandinavia and the Netherlands, manage their titles and names differently. The British example reflects a particular blend of tradition, adaptation, and public expectation shaped by centuries of constitutional monarchy.

Conclusion: What’s in a Name?

The story of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children’s school names is more than a curiosity; it reflects the careful balance of tradition and modern life within the British royal family. While the titles, customs, and expectations placed on George, Charlotte, and Louis set them apart, the practice of using “Wales” in school helps root them in ordinary experiences shared with their peers. As the family navigates an era of heightened public interest and technological change, these details offer insight into how the royal family remains both extraordinary and relatable.

Sources

• BBC: The Royal Family
• The Guardian: Royal Family
• Reuters: United Kingdom
• Official Royal Family website

Disclaimer: This content is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not based on real events.