Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is set to begin a new chapter in his academic journey this September by enrolling at the prestigious Eton College. Kensington Palace confirmed the news on June 16, bringing an end to the speculation surrounding where the twelve-year-old would continue his education after leaving Lambrook School.
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The decision to choose Eton follows a long-standing tradition within the British royal family. Both Prince William and his brother Prince Harry attended the renowned all-boys boarding school located in Windsor, where a number of royals and notable British figures have also been educated. A spokesperson from Kensington Palace stated, “Kensington Palace can confirm that Prince George will attend Eton College from this September.”
Prior to this announcement, the Prince and Princess of Wales had considered various educational options for their son. However, sources revealed that “all roads lead to Eton,” suggesting that the allure of the school was strong. In June 2023, just before his tenth birthday, George was noticed visiting Eton with his parents, indicating that preparations for his enrollment were underway.
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College has evolved from its initial purpose of providing free education to poor boys into one of the world’s most esteemed educational institutions. Today, the school accepts boys between the ages of 13 and 18 and has a rich history of producing numerous notable alumni, including 20 former British prime ministers, celebrated authors, and prominent international figures.
Prince George’s lineage ties him closely to past Etonians. His family connections include both his father and uncle, as well as his late grandmother’s relatives. Princess Diana’s father, John Spencer, along with her brother, Charles Spencer, also attended Eton, further embedding George within the illustrious traditions of the school.
Currently, around 1,350 students are enrolled at Eton, all of whom live in one of 25 boarding houses, each accommodating no more than 55 boys. The boarding school experience is designed to foster independence through individual living spaces, which cultivate self-discipline and responsibility in young men. Eton’s unique uniform, consisting of a black tailcoat, waistcoat, and pinstriped trousers, is a well-recognised symbol of its educational ethos.
Academically, Eton strikes a balance between rigorous studies and extracurricular activities, providing a well-rounded education that encourages personal and professional development. The school has adapted over the years, now focusing on inclusivity, and has implemented a competitive application process. Interested students must now go through interviews, tests, and provide references rather than having their names registered at birth, as was the practice in the past. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the fees are estimated to be around £80,000.
For Prince George, Eton is conveniently located approximately a 15-minute drive from the family’s primary residence at Forest Lodge. This proximity will no doubt ease the transition to boarding school life as he embarks on this significant shift in his education.
In a recent interview, Prince William hinted at George’s upcoming change, mentioning that he had “boarded last night” at Lambrook, suggesting preparations for school were already in motion. This statement led to speculations that George’s enrollment at a boarding school was imminent.
As Prince George steps into this significant role at Eton, he does so as a direct heir to the British throne, following in his father’s footsteps. His education at such a prestigious institution heralds the continuation of a legacy that has shaped many leaders and public figures in the UK and beyond. As he begins this new adventure, all eyes will be on him as he navigates his studies and activities at one of the most esteemed schools in the world.