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.
