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".
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.
-
Buddhist monks’ US walk for peaceUnder the Radar Crowds have turned out on the roads from California to Washington and ‘millions are finding hope in their journey’
-
American universities are losing ground to their foreign counterpartsThe Explainer While Harvard is still near the top, other colleges have slipped
-
How to navigate dating apps to find ‘the one’The Week Recommends Put an end to endless swiping and make real romantic connections
-
Why is Prince William in Saudi Arabia?Today’s Big Question Government requested royal visit to boost trade and ties with Middle East powerhouse, but critics balk at kingdom’s human rights record
-
Will Beatrice and Eugenie be dragged into the Epstein scandal?Talking Point The latest slew of embarrassing emails from Fergie to the notorious sex offender have put her daughters in a deeply uncomfortable position
-
Norway’s scandal-hit royalsIn the Spotlight Rape trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of the crown princess, adds to royal family's ‘already considerable woes’
-
Prince Andrew: is the royal family doing enough?Today’s Big Question King Charles faces calls for tougher action against Andrew after latest allegations about Virginia Giuffre and Jeffrey Epstein
-
What will William be like as king?Today's Big Question Prince of Wales said he won’t be ‘restricted’ by history when he takes the throne
-
Prince charming: Harry’s tea with King sparks royal reconciliation rumoursTalking Point Are the royals – and the UK public – ready to welcome the Duke of Sussex back in?
-
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
