Teacher at the Princess of Wales’ old private school Marlborough College faces police probe over ‘sex attack’ in the 1980s

Police have launched a ‘sex assault’ investigation into a teacher who used to work at the boarding school attended by the Princess of Wales.

A man in his 80s has been arrested on suspicion of a ‘non-recent sexual assault’ at Marlborough College in Wiltshire, The Times reported.

The alleged offence is believed to have occurred in the 1980s and reportedly involved the C1 boarding house, or a teacher connected to the house.

The suspect has been bailed while ‘inquiries continue’ and detectives are understood to be writing former students to for their assistance in the investigation.

Marlborough College, which charges tuition of £47,000 per year, told the newspaper it is taking the allegations ‘extremely seriously’ and that the ‘wellbeing and welfare of our pupils and staff always remain our top priority’.

Kate and Prince William are reportedly considering the school for their eldest son Prince George, 10, and took him there for a visit last year.

Police have launched a ‘sex assault’ investigation into a teacher who used to work at Marlborough College (pictured) in Wiltshire. A man in his 80s has been arrested on suspicion of a ‘non-recent sexual assault’ and has been bailed while ‘inquiries continue’

The Princess of Wales attended Marlborough College from 1996 to 2000. She William are reportedly considering the school for Prince George, 10, and took him there for a visit last year. Kate and George are pictured outside Lambrook School, near Ascot, in September 2022

Wiltshire Police launched the investigation into the alleged sexual assault following a report from a member of the public.

One former schoolboy reportedly received a message from police requesting that he help with their investigation.

‘Wiltshire Police are investigating offences which took place at Marlborough College in the 1980s. We have been informed that you were a student at the College around this time,’ the message read, according to the newspaper.

‘You are not suspected of committing any criminal offences however you may be able to assist us as a witness. You are not legally obliged to take part in this investigation unless you choose to do so.’ 

Marlborough College is ‘aware’ of the investigation into the ‘former member of staff’ and is in ‘close contact with the police as they continue their inquiries’.

‘We take any allegation of this nature extremely seriously, no matter how long ago it is said to have occurred,’ a College spokeswoman told The Times.

‘The College places safeguarding at the heart of everything it does and the wellbeing and welfare of our pupils and staff always remain our top priority.’ 

MailOnline has approached Wiltshire Police and Marlborough College for comment. 

Kate attended Marlborough from 1996 to 2000 and is said to have ‘flourished’. She excelled academically and performed well at sports, including hockey and tennis.

Speculation is growing that George will follow in his mother’s footsteps and also be attend the school, which provides education to pupils aged 13 to 18.

The Princess of Wales toured the co-educational school in December, the second time in as many months, accompanied by her husband and eldest son. 

Kate Middleton moved to Marlborough College aged 14, staying there until it was time for her to attend St Andrew’s University. She became a keen hockey player. Pictured: Kate in the middle, back row with her hockey team outside the College

Although it is understood that no firm decision has yet been made about what school George will attend, the Princess took him and William to her alma mater on December 1, having previously visited alone in October.

They also all toured Eton in June last year. The college, which is a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, provided a haven for William and Harry, who boarded there during the most turbulent years of then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana‘s marriage. 

But while William found solace there after his mother’s death, Harry lamented in his memoir Spare that it was not the right choice for him.

George is currently at co-educational prep school, Lambrook, along with his sister Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old brother Prince Louis. Close to the home of their Middleton grandparents, it educates pupils up to the age of 13, meaning George will have to move on in 2026.

George started at Lambrook last year and is currently in Year 6. He has recently been sitting exams that could influence his future education.

But if he continues at a mixed-sex school like Marlborough, he could later be joined by his siblings. The Princess of Wales was similarly educated alongside her younger sister, Pippa, and brother James.

Founded in 1843, Marlborough’s former pupils also include Princess Eugenie, Lady (Samantha) Cameron and comedian Jack Whitehall.