Kate Middleton Had to Change Schools When She Was 14 Because She Was Bullied
She reporedtly broke out in a rash from the stress of the bullying.


Kids can be cruel. It's a universal truth that even the practically-perfect-in-every-way Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton (opens in new tab), had to deal with. As a kid, Kate was bullied (opens in new tab)—so intensely, in fact, that she had to change schools when she was 14 to get away from the torment.
In 1996, Kate attended the all-girls private school Downe House, but left to transfer to another school in the middle of the year due to the bullying she endured (opens in new tab) from other students. By the time she left Downe House, Kate was an "emotional wreck," (opens in new tab) her classmate Jessica Hay told The Sun (opens in new tab).
Kate moved to another boarding school farther away from home, but also well out of reach of her bullies (opens in new tab). The future royal (opens in new tab) eventually settled in at Marlborough College in Wiltshire, a school she reportedly loved.
"Apparently she had been bullied very badly and she certainly looked thin and pale," Kate's former Marlborough classmate Gemma Williamson told the Daily Mail of the transfer. "She had very little confidence."
The bullying at Downe was so bad, apparently, that Kate developed eczema (opens in new tab) from the stress (opens in new tab) of it, her Marlborough house tutor, Joan Gall, told the Daily Mail. She added that Kate was pretty shy (opens in new tab) when she first arrived at her new school (which is, you know, understandable, considering the circumstances), but that she felt at home right away.
"When she arrived she was very quiet. Coming into a big school like Marlborough was difficult, but she settled in quickly," Gall said (opens in new tab). "It was like a big, happy family. We would do things like bake cakes and watch videos."
So why was Kate (opens in new tab) the target of bullies in the first place? According to Hay, it was literally because she was too perfect.
"She was picked on because she was perfect, well turned-out and lovely," Hay explained (opens in new tab).
Thankfully, Kate found a great fit at Marlborough. In fact, she enjoyed her time there so much that she and Prince William (opens in new tab) are reportedly (opens in new tab) considering sending Prince George and Princess Charlotte (opens in new tab) there for school when the time comes.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Sex Toys For Partner Play
If you thought toys were just for me-time, think again.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The Cast of 'Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area': Your Guide
Meet Netflix's new cast of thieves.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Lawmakers, Activists, and Allies Are Reacting With Fury to 'Roe' Being Overturned
Thousands are taking to Twitter to express their grief and anger.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
How Princess Diana and Duchess Camilla's Birth Charts Predicted Compatibility With Prince Charles: Astrologer
Diana and Camilla share the same sun sign.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Is "Frantically" Trying to Repair Princes William and Harry's Bond, Reportedly
Good for her!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Can't Recognize Prince Harry, As Relationship Reportedly Suffers Irreparable "Damage"
This is so so sad.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Drank Beer and Played Soccer After a Kind of Uncomfortable Portrait Unveiling
They looked uncharacteristically nervous.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Cambridges Shine in Cambridge on Official Visit to Their Dukedom
A new portrait of the couple is being unveiled.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why Kate Middleton Wore White to Mark Windrush Day: Body Language Expert
It shows discretion and humility.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Know When to Show PDA—And When to Hold Back: Body Language Expert
It depends what the engagement consists of.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Acknowledged the Great Contributions of Caribbean People Who Came to the U.K. in Windrush Day Speech
He also denounced the still prevalent problem of racism in the U.K. today.
By Iris Goldsztajn