I very much disagree with the argument that royals don't need a thorough education. That may have been the case 50-60 years ago, but today royals needs to be educated to the limit of their abilities IMO.
The reason is very simple, being a senior royal today doesn't just mean cutting ribbons, delivering speeches and do some small talk about the weather and horses.
Today royals are expected to know what they are talking about when they do small talk - the weather doesn't suffice anymore. They are also required to give interviews and answer questions from the press on the run so to speak, so they have to be in the know about all sorts of topics relating to economy, politics, culture, society, export, environmental issues, communication, social issues and so on. So that they say the right thing and more importantly; don't say the wrong things!
There can hardly be anything more embarrassing than a royal on a state visit being caught flatfooted not having a glue about the main topic in question whatever that may be. Nor is it fortunate if the royal isn't cultured. Being culturny (spl?) as the Russians put it does matter a lot in many countries! The royal may not be expected to discuss Kirkegaard in detail, but he/she should at least know who he is and not mistake him for a talkshow host.
Another thing is that royals now give extensive interviews prior and after foreign visits. Again it's a good idea if they can point out the country on a map and perhaps remember a couple of cities and know a little history - otherwise the foreign journalists aren't going to be impressed.
QEII can dodge that one due to her routine and huge experience and because she rarely gives interviews. And because she's done it her way since forever. William won't have that luxury. He'll end up being ridiculed on the front page if he goofs.
Another reason why royals should have as well rounded education as possible is that most are patrons of international causes, for which they advocate - preferably competently! And that's something they are expected to do in an international setting, mingling and networking. Sometimes doing that, not only with the blessing but with the active encouragement of their government.
As for languages. I often hear the argument that everybody speaks English, so why bother learning other languages?
No, everybody does not speak English. And by learning a foreign language for real you are forced to learn about the culture and the history, otherwise a lot of nuances will be lost.
So if a royal has the ability to learn at least one foreign language well, it should be done. Being able to switch to one or more languages is a skill that is very much appreciated by foreign departments in every monarchy, that I'll state without hesitation.
Does that mean that a senior royal that doesn't not master several languages, have a university degree and a broad general knowledge can't do his job? No, he can do well, with help and good advisors. But he will be at a severe disadvantage.
