Brenda Brown, age 13, of Haggerstown, Md., for her question:

WHAT SCHOOLS DID PRINCE CHARLES ATTEND?

Prince Charles, heir apparent to the British Throne, became the first in royal history to receive most of his education away from the palace. His father, Prince Phillip, wanted to break tradition and expose the boy to life outside the palace.

From the age of eight, Charles went to private schools rather than having tutors at home. In 1956 (he was born in 1948) he attended day classes at Hill House in London. From 1957 to 1962, he went to Cheam, a preparatory school near London.

In 1962 Charles enrolled at Gordonstoun, a strict school in the Scottish Highlands. He spent six months in 1966 at Timbertop, an Australian school that stresses rugged outdoor life.

He returned to Gordonstoun in 1967 where he supervised student activities and chores and helped settle student disputes.

In 1967 Charles entered Trinity College at Cambridge University and specialized in history. He acted in the drama society, took part in polo and cricket, played the cello and flew his own airplane.

He entered the Royal Air Force College in 1971 and graduated from its advance flying course. Later in 1971 Charles joined the Royal Navy.