Prince William and Kate are considering sending their eight-year-old son Prince George to boarding school, but this decision will not be made "unless George wants to". Royal sources claim that unlike previous generations, the Cambridges will have "open communication" with their children about their schooling preference.

       Royally Us host Joe Drake said: "They are talking about potentially sending him to boarding school but sources told Us Weekly that they wouldn’t do it unless George wants to and obviously he’s old enough now to say yes or no.

       "The source said they’re having ‘open communication’ with their children and it’s going to be more of a family decision than I think it was when William and obviously even Charles was young, it was sort of a given you were sent to boarding school."

       Prince George and his younger sister Princess Charlotte, 6, are currently attending Thomas's School in Battersea.

       The couple's eldest son was photographed being greeted by the primary school's staff on his first day on September 7, 2017.

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       In April of this year, the couple's youngest son Prince Louis, 3, started his education at Willcocks Nursery School near their family home at Kensington Palace.

       For previous generations, the Royal Family have sent their children to boarding school, to be away from the public spotlight.

       Both Prince William and Prince Harry attended Ludgrove School and Eton College between the ages of 8 to 18.

       It was reported that whilst the Princes were at Eton, staff would keep the young boys from hearing any scandalous news about their parents by hiding away newspapers.

       Prince Charles followed in the footsteps of his father Prince Philip and attended Gordonstoun in the north-east of Scotland.

       The school was renowned for its rigorous curriculum and the young Prince of Wales did not enjoy his time there, branding it 'Colditz in kilts'.

       He later stated that the school's toughness taught him "a great deal about myself and my own abilities and disabilities. It taught me to accept challenges and take the initiative".

       Prince Charles was the first royal heir to receive a formal education, rather than be educated by a private tutor.

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       Whilst Prince Philip had spent his teenage years at Gordonstoun, the Queen received her education at home under the supervision of her mother and governess.

       She initially only received lessons in history, language, literature, and music, but this was expanded following the abdication crisis of 1936 and her becoming her presumptive.

       In recent months, Prince Harry has criticised his upbringing and the way his father treated the media harassment he and Prince William endured as teenagers.

       He also spoke of the "genetic pain and suffering" that was passed down in the Royal Family, and stated his desire to "break the cycle".