Prince George: Locals lash out at school's 'chaotic mob'
17 January
In a letter to Kensington and Chelsea Council, neighbours of the Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School in Notting Hill, which counts Prince William and Prince Harry among its alumni, say the play area encourages "intolerable" behaviour from "screaming children".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
They also describe the pupils as a "chaotic mob".
"The rap sheet, according to letters sent to the local council, includes under-eights 'hurling and bouncing balls and playing other games', making 'nuisance levels of noise' that make local gardens no-go areas for four hours a day and destroying flowers and plants with 'various missiles' that go astray," reports the Daily Telegraph. "No fewer than nine netballs – and a hula hoop – have landed in one local garden in recent weeks."
One man who lives on the prestigious Pembridge Square described the school's use of a leaf blower as a "daily ordeal at a time when I might hope to enjoy a quiet breakfast before school activity begins, listen to music and compose my thoughts for the day".
Others complained that PE lessons in the playground bring the additional noise of "whistle-blowing and shouting instructors".
The Telegraph says the school could be ordered to dig up the playground's blue surface and replace it with something else.
A spokesman for the school said it had been consulting locally about the surface of its playground and is "pleased to engage with our neighbours about any concerns they may have".
It had been expected that Prince George would start at the £6,865-a-term school in September. However, the Sunday Express this weekend claimed Prince William and Kate Middleton might send their three-year-old son to Wetherby's Kensington branch instead.
The smaller school is "much more discreet" and attracts less photographers, according to the newspaper's source.
-
Brooklyn vs. the Beckhams: trouble in paradiseIn the Spotlight Scion of the Beckham clan and billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz staged an elaborate vow renewal – and none of his family were on the guest list
-
August 21 editorial cartoonsCartoons Thursday's political cartoons include AI-driven water shortages, Sharpie-corrected slavery, and airstrikes on Washington, D.C.
-
Alien: Earth – a 'bold' prequel to the space horror classicThe Week Recommends Set two years before Alien, new Disney show pays 'homage' to the original
-
Forest Lodge: William and Kate's new home breaks with royal traditionIn the Spotlight Wales' said to hope move to 'forever home' in Windsor Great Park will 'leave unhappy memories behind'
-
King Charles and Prince Harry: peace in our time?Talking Point Leaked images of a secret meeting between royal aides suggest a dialogue is beginning to open up
-
King Charles and the Sovereign Grant: how UK taxpayers fund the monarchyThe Explainer Royals received £86.3m from government last year – and they are in line for a 50% increase
-
Is Prince Harry owed protection?Talking Point The Duke of Sussex claims he has been singled out for 'unjustified and inferior treatment' over decision to withdraw round-the-clock security
-
The Sentebale row: a blow for Prince HarryTalking Point Duke of Sussex made 'devastating' decision to stand down as Aids charity's patron, following 'power struggle' between its trustees and new chair
-
The princess and the PR: Meghan Markle's image problemTalking Point A tough week for the Sussexes has seen a familiar tale of vitriol and invective thrown the way of the actor-cum-duchess
-
Is the royal family a security risk?Today's big question A Chinese spy's access to Prince Andrew has raised questions about Chinese influence in the UK
-
The Duchy Files: how bad is the scandal for King Charles?Today's Big Question Making millions in rent from the NHS and armed forces a 'PR disaster' for royal family
