Prince George, aged 13, is poised to commence his secondary education at the prestigious Eton College next month, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William. As he prepares for this significant transition, the school has implemented new measures to enhance privacy, including the installation of “no photography” signs across the campus and its vicinity. This initiative aligns with the royal family’s desire to provide George with a level of protection from public scrutiny.
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Eton College, which has a storied history dating back to its founding in 1440 by King Henry VI, boasts an annual tuition of approximately £80,000. The institution has a reputation for educating many prominent figures, including 20 British prime ministers. While George will join a roster of distinguished students, his status as the future king of England positions him as one of the school’s most high-profile attendees when the term begins.
The decision for George to attend Eton reflects Prince William and Kate Middleton’s commitment to maintaining a sense of normalcy for their children. Despite their royal status, the couple has made efforts to shield Prince George, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, from excessive public attention. This approach has seen George make only sporadic appearances at official engagements over the past year, allowing him to gradually adapt to royal responsibilities.
Former press secretary Ailsa Anderson highlighted the couple’s sensitive approach, stating that they have not exerted undue pressure on their children to engage with the public too frequently. This gradual introduction aids in building George’s confidence, preparing him for his future role within the royal family.
The Eton community is expected to provide a supportive environment for George, similar to the experience his father had as a pupil. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted the importance of Eton as a secure haven for William, allowing students to flourish academically and socially. For Prince George, the institution will offer not only rigorous academic training but also the chance to forge enduring friendships.
Eton’s proximity to the royal family’s residence in Windsor plays a critical role in maintaining family ties. The college is situated merely a 15-minute drive from Forest Lodge, enabling George to return home on designated weekends and allowing family members to support him at school functions such as sports events and performances.
A source close to the family shared insights, noting that George has long aspired to emulate his father’s educational journey. The photography ban is just one aspect of Eton’s commitment to preserving the privacy of its students. Beginning in 2024, first-year pupils will be prohibited from owning smartphones, with Eton opting to provide basic “brick” phones instead. This policy aims to ensure that students can communicate with their families without unrestricted internet access, mitigating potential distractions from their studies and personal development.
Eton College defended this policy change as a necessary step to manage the complexities introduced by technology in educational settings. While the absence of smartphones may present challenges for new students, George is unlikely to find this requirement burdensome, as his parents have previously restricted him from having a smartphone.
In a discussion with Luciano Huck during the 2025 Earthshot Prize awards in Brazil, Prince William acknowledged that the topic of mobile phone usage had become a contentious issue as George grows older. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that George understands the rationale behind their decision. The Duke of Cambridge emphasised his concerns regarding internet access and its potential volume of inappropriate content for children, advocating for the benefits of using simpler, traditional phones for interactions with family.
As Prince George embarks on his new chapter at Eton College, he does so with the loving support of his family and the knowledge that he is part of a long tradition of leadership and education. This next step represents not only an important milestone in his education but also a crucial period for personal growth as he navigates the complexities of life as a royal.