Prince George is preparing to begin one of the biggest milestones of his young life, and his parents have chosen a path that closely mirrors Prince William’s own upbringing. After years of speculation surrounding where the future king would continue his education, Kensington Palace confirmed that George will attend Eton College this fall, becoming the latest royal to enroll at the prestigious boarding school just outside Windsor. The decision marks a full-circle moment for Prince William, who first arrived at Eton alongside his mother, Princess Diana, nearly 30 years ago.
Prince George Will Attend Eton This Fall
On June 16, Kensington Palace confirmed that Prince George, who turns 13 on July 22, will begin attending Eton College this September. The announcement ends years of speculation about where Prince William and Princess Kate would send their eldest son for secondary school.
Many royal watchers had expected the couple to choose a coeducational school, particularly Marlborough College, where Kate was educated. Instead, they opted for the all-boys boarding school that played such a significant role in William’s own childhood.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith said the decision makes sense given George’s future responsibilities. “Eton was a much-needed haven for William,” she told PEOPLE. “It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.”
George reportedly toured the campus with his parents in 2023, when he was approaching the age prospective students traditionally register.
Why William And Kate Chose Eton
Although Eton has long been associated with the Royal Family, those close to the Prince and Princess of Wales say the decision wasn’t based solely on tradition.
“They have been very careful not to pressure any of them to appear on the public stage too often,” Queen Elizabeth II’s former press secretary, Ailsa Anderson, told PEOPLE. “It’s been a gentle introduction to royal life, which has let Prince George build his confidence.”
Anderson added that William and Kate carefully evaluated all of George’s options. “Both William and Catherine carried out a lot of research to make the right decision,” she said.
According to a source close to the family, George himself also played a role in the decision: “George has always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
Prince William Found Stability At Eton
For Prince William, Eton represented far more than an elite education. He arrived at the school in 1995 during one of the most difficult periods of his childhood as the marriage between King Charles and Princess Diana unraveled under intense public scrutiny. Just two years later, Diana died in a car crash in Paris, making Eton an important source of stability during an unimaginably difficult time.
William also developed a close relationship with his housemaster, Andrew Gailey, who became an important mentor, while many of the friendships he formed at Eton remain among his closest today. “George will benefit from a group of friends who will remain close and loyal,” Bedell Smith said.
Anderson added, “William loved his time at Eton, but he would have thought about what school would be the best for George’s strengths, qualities and personality.”
George Will Remain Close To Home
One advantage Eton offers is its proximity to the Wales family’s home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. Located just 15 minutes away, the boarding school allows students to maintain close relationships with their families through designated weekends at home, along with regular sporting events, performances, and school activities attended by parents.
William recently revealed that George had already begun easing into boarding life through overnight stays at Lambrook School, helping prepare him for the transition. It’s a gentler introduction than William himself experienced, having started boarding school at just eight years old.
Prince George Has Been Preparing For A Bigger Royal Role
George’s transition to Eton comes as he has gradually become more comfortable carrying out public duties alongside his parents. Over the past year, the young royal has appeared at Wimbledon, on the Buckingham Palace balcony, and at several official engagements.
Outside royal life, George shares many of his father’s interests, including a love of soccer as an avid Aston Villa supporter. He’s frequently accompanied William to matches and has also developed a passion for music, with Princess Kate recently revealing he enjoys listening to AC/DC and learning guitar.
Prince George’s First Day Could Mirror Prince William’s
When William first arrived at Eton in 1995, cameras famously captured him signing in alongside then-Prince Charles, Princess Diana, and Prince Harry. Three decades later, royal watchers expect history to repeat itself when Prince William and Princess Kate accompany George on his first day.
While much has changed since William first walked through Eton’s historic gates, the school continues to represent an important step in preparing future leaders, and, for George, one of the first defining chapters of the role he has been destined to inherit since birth.