Prince George is bracing for a “big year” ahead when it comes to his schooling, as Prince William and Princess Kate are believed to have made their minds up over their children’s future, according to a royal expert.

The second in line to the throne, 11, is currently in Year 7 at Lambrook School in Berkshire, where he is joined by his siblings, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six.

George will stay at Lambrook until he turns 13, but his next steps have been at the centre of discussions during the past year, with many speculating about where he will be sent to school.

In the last few years, several reports suggested that Prince William and Princess Kate were torn between Eton College in Berkshire and Marlborough College in Wiltshire – their alma maters, respectively.

But royal expert Jennie Bond suggested the young royal could be heading to an entirely different school and a place where both of his siblings could join him when the time is due.

She told OK!: “A big year for George… I imagine the decision about where he goes next has been pretty much sealed by now. I might take a punt on Wellington College.

“It’s only half an hour from Windsor; the pupils can board (full-time or weekly) or be day students.

“And, a huge plus…it’s co-educational, which means all three could go there in the future. Sounds ideal to me!”

Elsewhere, Ms Bond praised William and Kate’s decision to keep the Wales children together at school during what’s been dubbed a “difficult year” for the family, following the future Queen’s cancer diagnosis.

Kate took some time off royal duties last year after she was diagnosed with a type of cancer and underwent preventative chemotherapy for it.

In September, the royal announced she had completed her treatment and was looking forward to easing herself back into royal life.

During Kate’s recovery, the Wales children attending Lambrook normally.

Ms Bond added: “I always thought it was a wise decision to keep the children together during their early school years…and I think that has very much proved to be the case, especially during this past difficult year.

“It must have been a huge comfort for the three of them to be together at school when life at home was so full of anxiety (however much William and Catherine tried to shield them).

“And it seems the school has protected them well and has been admirably discreet about what’s been happening. The children deserve that protection at this unnerving time for them.”