Did Prince Charles really go to Gordonstoun?

Yes, King Charles III (then Prince Charles) did attend Gordonstoun, a Scottish boarding school, from 1962 to 1967, following in his father Prince Philip's footsteps, though he found aspects of the school's rigorous, "tough" environment challenging and was reportedly bullied at times, but later acknowledged it taught him much about himself, according to a BBC article and the school's website.

What happened to Prince Charles in Gordonstoun?

His Royal Highness left Gordonstoun in 1967 with five O-levels in English Language, English Literature, History, Latin and French and two A-levels in History and French, results which secured him a place at Cambridge University to study archaeology and anthropology.

Did Prince Philip really build a wall at Gordonstoun?

Gordonstoun principal Lisa Kerr told Insider it was misrepresented in "The Crown." Kerr says it's untrue that Prince Philip built gates at the entrance of the school. She said the show is "very much a drama, not a documentary."

Did Charles get bullied at Gordonstoun?

Contrary to the late Duke of Edinburgh, who thrived at the school, Charles would later compare his time at Gordonstoun to being in prison. Stonborough told CBS News that he personally bore witness to the bullying endured by the future king.

How long did Prince Charles stay at Gordonstoun?

King Charles III spent five years boarding at Gordonstoun, one of the UK's leading independent schools situated in Elgin in the northeast of Scotland.

School For Prince Charles (1962)

Do Charles and Camilla sleep in the same bed?

Yes, King Charles and Queen Camilla famously sleep in separate bedrooms, a practice they maintain at Clarence House and their country homes, but they also have a shared bedroom for when they choose to be together, with sources calling this separation a key to their successful, long-standing marriage. This arrangement allows them both personal space and time with friends and family, fitting their independent personalities.
 

What has King Charles said about Gordonstoun?

Looking back in 1974, the king told the the Observer: “I'm glad I went to Gordonstoun.” To the House of Lords, in 1975, he added: “I am always astonished by the amount of rot talked about Gordonstoun and the careless use of ancient cliches used to describe it.

What illness does Prince Charles have?

The monarch was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. King Charles says he feels 'positive' in cancer updateKing Charles said his cancer treatment schedule will be reduced next year following early detection and what he described as remarkable care.

What did Charles call Gordonstoun?

'Colditz in kilts'

It is reputed that the monarch once described Gordonstoun as “Colditz in kilts”. But while the phrase has become synonymous with his time there, its original source has never been identified.

Did Prince Charles really learn to speak Welsh?

Prior to his Investiture, Prince Charles, who was at Cambridge University at the time, spent a term at Aberystwyth University learning Welsh, and still often uses Welsh phrases in speeches in Wales.

What was the code word when Prince Philip died?

For anyone keeping track, here are the known secret codes for the rest of the royal family: King George VI's death was coded "Hyde Park Corner." Prince Philip's is "Operation Forth Bridge" (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Edinburgh) and the Queen Mother's was "Operation Tay Bridge" (located in Dundee, Scotland).

Was The Crown filmed at Gordonstoun?

Woodchester Mansion.

For The Crown it plays the part of Gordonstoun, the school in Moray in north-eastern Scotland where both the Duke of Edinburgh and his son, Charles, Prince of Wales were educated. The Tudor manor of Loseley Park in Surrey was used as the home of Lord Mountbatten.

Why did Charles not go to Eton?

It has often been said HM King Charles III had wanted to attend Eton College, however, his father The Duke of Edinburgh insisted he attend Gordonstoun in Scotland, which the now King has stated he did not like.

Who are the famous alumni of Gordonstoun?

Royalty and aristocracy

• Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia.
• Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
• Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
• Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
• King Charles III.
• Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
• Peter Phillips.
• Zara Phillips.

Did Princess Anne go to Gordonstoun?

Princess Anne, while not alumni of Gordonstoun, educated her own children at the school. It was at Gordonstoun that Prince Philip developed his commitment to outdoor education, principles he later channelled into the creation of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme.

Is Gordonstoun a tough school?

Challenging yourself – in and outside of the classroom

Many of these activities are compulsory, so the academic and extracurricular are part of one integrated experience, which makes life at Gordonstoun all the more exciting, intense, and challenging.

Why did Charles not like Gordonstoun?

Reports suggest that Charles did not feel a good fit at Gordonstoun as he labelled his time at the school as “a prison sentence”, calling the school “Colditz in kilts”. Charles was not as athletic as his father had been – and each morning started with a run – whatever the weather, followed by a cold shower.

What does Prince William call Charles?

King Charles is called “Pa” by his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and “Grandpa Wales” by his grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

How long did Charles spend at Gordonstoun?

King Charles III spent five years boarding at Gordonstoun. As we step out of the Elizabethan age and embark on the new Carolean era, we take a look at how the school shaped the young Prince Charles to become the new Monarch.

Do Camilla and Charles live separately?

“They are putting on a united front in public,” the insider said. “But behind the scenes it's a very different picture.” They further explained, “Camilla lives at Ray Mill most of the time, while Charles retreats to Highgrove or Clarence House. It's a marriage of appearances and public relations optics at this stage.”

Why are King Charles' hands swollen?

'This condition arises due to inflammation and can be a result of arthritis, multiple bacterial infections or even TB. Other possibilities include high salt levels, allergic reactions, medicinal side effects, injury, and autoimmune disease. '

Who is the hardest working royal?

While Princess Anne has long been known as the hardest-working royal, King Charles III was named the hardest-working of 2025, completing the most official engagements (over 530) despite his cancer treatment, dethroning his sister who also increased her workload. This data comes from analyses of the Court Circular, which tracks royal activities.
 

Did Prince Charles enjoy Gordonstoun?

British royal family

Prince Charles did not enjoy the regime, which he later characterised as "Colditz in kilts", but said it taught him self-discipline and responsibility. Princes Andrew and Edward followed in their father's and elder brother's footsteps.

Can Charles refuse to be king?

Under common law, Prince Charles automatically became King the moment the Queen died. Prince William could only become King if Prince Charles chose to abdicate. That would require legislation, as happened with the Declaration of Abdication Act 1936.

How many O levels did Prince Charles get?

Charles left Gordonstoun with five O-levels and two A-levels: a B in history and a C in French. He went on to Cambridge, graduating with a 2:2 in history. It is claimed Charles's bodyguard, who attended all his lectures, gained a 2:1.