Princess Diana was known not just for her compassion and charity, but also for being a deeply devoted and protective mother to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. While both princes eventually attended Eton College, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the UK, it has recently been revealed by a close aide that Diana had serious reservations about Harry following in his brother’s footsteps. Her concerns were rooted in her understanding of her sons' very different personalities and needs.
According to her former butler and confidant, Paul Burrell, Diana did not believe Eton was the right fit for Harry. In interviews, Burrell has shared that Diana once confided to him that she felt Harry was not academically inclined in the same way William was. “Diana always knew Harry was different,” Burrell said. “She felt Eton would suit William perfectly, but not Harry. He was more of a free spirit—more hands-on, active, and emotionally driven.”
Diana reportedly believed that Harry would thrive in a more creative or pastoral environment rather than the highly academic and competitive setting of Eton. She had even considered sending him to a different school altogether—perhaps one that focused more on individual talents and emotional development, rather than traditional academic success and elite social networking.
Despite her concerns, Diana’s preferences were overruled by then-Prince Charles, who insisted both sons attend Eton, continuing the royal tradition. Charles and other senior royals believed that Eton’s discipline and reputation would be essential in shaping Harry into a responsible member of the royal family. Ultimately, the decision was made in favor of uniformity and legacy, even if it went against Diana’s maternal instincts.
Several royal commentators have since reflected on Diana’s insight, especially in light of Prince Harry’s later revelations about his struggles during his school years. In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry spoke candidly about feeling out of place at Eton, struggling with some subjects, and being compared to his older brother, who excelled in the school’s environment. These feelings, combined with the weight of royal expectations, contributed to Harry’s growing sense of isolation and detachment from the institution.
Diana’s concerns weren’t just academic—they were deeply emotional. She feared Harry would constantly be compared to William and come up short in the eyes of teachers, peers, and even the public. She worried this would affect his confidence and self-worth at a formative age.