Prince George has embarked on a significant new chapter in his educational journey as he officially joined Eton College on September 8, 2026. The 13-year-old is following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who also attended the prestigious all-boys boarding school, starting his own experience there at the age of 13 in 1995.
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The first day at Eton was a momentous occasion for George, who was accompanied by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, marking a pivotal moment in their family life. This start at Eton signifies a notable shift for George, as he transitions from Lambrook School, where he has been educated alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, since 2022. In a departure from the family’s previous schooling arrangements, Charlotte and Louis will continue their education at Lambrook.
Eton College, renowned for its illustrious history and distinguished alumni, represents not just a change in geography but also a different educational environment for the young prince. While this will be George’s first experience as a full-time boarding student, he is no stranger to boarding life; William has previously mentioned that George has already spent some time away at Lambrook, indicating his readiness for this latest step.
Geographically, Eton’s proximity to Windsor enables George to maintain a close connection with his family. The Prince and Princess of Wales relocated their family from London to Windsor in 2022, ensuring that George is never too far from home. Similarly, William’s own time at Eton was characterised by regular visits to his late grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who resided at Windsor Castle, allowing for familial support during formative years.
The decision for George to attend Eton is steeped in royal tradition, harking back to generations of male royals who have been educated in elite institutions. His father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, notably diverged from the family norm of attending Gordonstoun School in Scotland, a place with a reputation for strict discipline and demanding curriculum. This choice was reportedly influenced by Princess Diana, whose familial ties to Eton facilitated George’s aspirations to attend the same institution as his father.
The historic institution, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, boasts an impressive fee of approximately £80,000 per year. Its illustrious legacy includes having educated multiple UK prime ministers and various leaders from around the globe. Alongside traditional customs, students like George can also find modern facilities such as a state-of-the-art sports complex, complete with a dojo, golf simulator, and rifle range.
Over the past year, George has shown increasing ease in public settings, demonstrating characteristics such as thoughtfulness and seriousness that mirror those of his father at a similar age. George’s adaptation to public scrutiny comes in stark contrast to the challenges faced by William during his youth, especially following the tragic passing of Princess Diana, which had a profound impact on his life.
However, George has not been shielded from difficulties of his own. In recent years, he and his siblings have rallied around their mother during her cancer treatment, showcasing a level of maturity and empathy that speaks to his upbringing in a stable family environment. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith comments on how Catherine’s illness has strengthened the familial bond, suggesting that these experiences have enriched George’s emotional development.
In the context of a royal child stepping into a prominent educational institution, George’s journey reflects both personal aspirations and familial legacies. As he immerses himself in the traditions and rigours of Eton College, he carries with him the histories of previous royal students while paving his own unique path in the public eye. Eton is set to provide a backdrop for his continued growth and maturation, alongside the support and love of his family.