The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to face a substantial increase in school fees for their three children due to a new VAT rule on private education.
Starting from January 1 2025, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis' annual fees at Lambrook School will soar to nearly £80,000.
This significant hike comes as the government plans to remove the VAT exemption currently enjoyed by independent schools.
The change will see a 20 percent increase in fees across the board, affecting families with children in private education throughout the UK.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to face a substantial increase in school fees for their three children due to a new VAT rule on private education.
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For the Wales family, this means their children's education costs will rise to a staggering £79,387.20 per year.
Prince George, currently in the middle and upper school bracket, will see his annual fees rise from £25,950 to £31,140. Princess Charlotte's fees in the lower school will increase from £23,904 to £28,684.80 per year.
Even young Prince Louis, in reception, faces a hike from £16,302 to £19,562.40 annually.
Lambrook School's website acknowledges the impending change, stating: "Fees detailed are the current fees for the Michaelmas Term 2024, these are exempt from VAT. Fees are subject to change from January 1 2025 in respect of the Lent and Summer 2025 terms."
For the Wales family, this means their children's education costs will rise to a staggering £79,387.20 per year.
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The new VAT rule will apply to all payments for the January term made from July 29 2024 onwards, preventing parents from avoiding the extra tax by paying fees in advance.
The fee increase at Lambrook School reflects a broader trend in private education costs. Eton College, one of Britain's most prestigious schools, has also announced a significant fee hike.
In a letter to parents, Eton stated that annual fees are likely to rise from £52,000 to £63,000 due to the VAT changes.
The school expressed regret over the government's decision to "tax education in this way" and disappointment at the short notice given for the change.
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This move could affect Prince George's future schooling, if he follows in his father's footsteps by attending Eton.
PAThis move could affect Prince George's future schooling, if he follows in his father's footsteps by attending Eton.
However, the Wales family has also been seen touring Marlborough College, the school Kate attended, which currently charges slightly less than Eton at £51,000 per year.
The Wales family has recently returned to Berkshire ahead of the the start of the new school year.
Prince William is set to resume royal duties this Thursday, making an appearance at the Homelessness: Reframed exhibition at London's Saatchi Gallery. The event aims to give artists affected by homelessness a platform to share their stories.
