Prince George is expected to follow in the footsteps of his
father and uncle by attending Eton College from September, bringing
an end to years of speculation over where the future king would
continue his education.
According to reports, the Prince and Princess of Wales have
opted for the prestigious Berkshire boarding school after
considering a number of alternatives, including Marlborough
College, St Edward’s School in Oxford and Oundle School in
Northamptonshire.
Royal commentator Richard Eden reported that an announcement
confirming George’s place at Eton could be made as early as next
week. He also claimed that the 12-year-old had successfully passed
the school’s entrance examination.
The decision means Prince George is set to join a long line of
royals educated at Eton, including his father, Prince William, and
uncle, Prince Harry.
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College is one of
Britain’s most famous independent schools and has educated
generations of politicians, aristocrats and public figures. Among
its former pupils are former prime ministers Sir Robert Walpole,
the Duke of Wellington, David Cameron and Boris Johnson.
For the Royal Family, the school holds particular significance.
Prince William enrolled at Eton in 1995, becoming the first direct
heir to the throne to attend the college. His younger brother,
Prince Harry, followed two years later.
William’s attendance was seen as a break from royal tradition.
Their father, King Charles III, attended Gordonstoun in Scotland,
as did Prince Philip. At the time, the then Prince and Princess of
Wales opted for Eton because of its academic reputation and its
proximity to Windsor, allowing William to remain close to home
during his teenage years.
Similar considerations are understood to have influenced the
Waleses’ decision for George.
Eton lies just across the River Thames from Windsor and is only
a short drive from Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate, where
the family live with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. The
location would allow George to board while remaining close to his
parents and siblings.
According to reports, security concerns also played a role in
the decision-making process. Sources cited by the Daily Mail
suggested that Eton’s status as an all-boys school was viewed as an
advantage in an era dominated by smartphones and social media.
The prospect of George attending Eton has long fuelled debate
among royal watchers. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is understood
to have favoured a co-educational school, with some reports
suggesting she was keen for her eldest son to attend Marlborough
College in Wiltshire, where she was educated.
The Princess has also been linked to efforts to modernise
aspects of royal life and was said to have reservations about
sending George to what critics describe as one of Britain’s most
traditional institutions.
Nevertheless, Eton’s combination of academic prestige, extensive
security arrangements and proximity to Windsor appears to have won
out.
Should the reports prove correct, George will become the latest
royal pupil to pass through the college’s historic gates as he
begins preparing for a future role as king.
The move marks a significant milestone for the young prince, who
is second in line to the throne behind his father, and comes as he
prepares to leave Lambrook School after completing his primary
education.
While Kensington Palace has not commented on the reports,
confirmation of George’s next educational chapter is expected in
the coming days.