In a notable change for the royal family, Prince George has officially begun his studies at Eton College, marking the first time that he and his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will attend different schools. This new chapter in the siblings’ educational journey comes after they spent the last four years together at Lambrook School, following the family’s move from London to Windsor.
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On 8th September 2026, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, accompanied their eldest son, now 13, as he stepped into the prestigious all-boys boarding school for the first time. The trio was spotted walking across the Eton quadrangle to meet the school’s headmaster and provost. However, Charlotte, aged 11, and Louis, aged 8, were notably absent from this significant moment. Although no specific reason was provided for their non-attendance, it is likely that they were focused on preparations for their own return to class at Lambrook School.
The change in schooling represents a significant milestone for the royal siblings, who had been enrolled at the same institution since 2022. With George’s transition to Eton, Charlotte and Louis will continue their education at Lambrook. Notably, Charlotte is unable to join George at Eton due to the school being exclusively for boys. As an alternative, there are suggestions that she may pursue her education at Marlborough College, a co-educational boarding school previously attended by her mother, the Princess of Wales, as well as her cousin, Princess Eugenie.
Historically, the royal family has shared some of the larger educational milestones of their children, though they do not consistently release photographs each school year. Prince George has been documented at various stages of his education, including his first day at nursery school in 2016 and at Thomas’s Battersea the following year. Similarly, Princess Charlotte’s first day at Thomas’s was celebrated with much fanfare, while a notable photo was released for Prince Louis’s preschool commencement in 2021, coinciding with his third birthday. The last such images featuring all three siblings were taken in September 2022 as they began their term at Lambrook.
As Prince George embarks on his journey at Eton, it is worth noting that he has already experienced some aspects of boarding life. Prince William has previously revealed that George has undertaken some boarding at their current school, Lambrook. Fortunately, Eton’s proximity to Windsor allows him to maintain a close connection with his family, which resides at Forest Lodge. This geographical advantage means that he can spend quality time with his parents and siblings when school permits.
Prince William has fond memories of his own experiences at Eton, having enjoyed close ties with his family during that time. He often visited his grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, at Windsor Castle for tea. This background may provide comfort to the Prince of Wales as George adjusts to full-time boarding life.
Sources close to the family indicate that Prince George has long aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps by attending Eton. “George has always wanted to continue the family tradition,” a source shared with PEOPLE. The significant institution, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, has become synonymous with elite education, annually costing around £80,000. It has produced numerous leaders, including 20 Prime Ministers.
Eton is renowned not only for its long-standing traditions, such as the distinctive uniform and unique vernacular that students must learn, but also for its modern amenities. The school boasts a state-of-the-art indoor sports complex, which features a dojo, golf simulator, and a rifle range, ensuring that students have access to a broad array of learning and physical activities.
As both George’s and Charlotte’s educational journeys evolve, the royal family will undoubtedly continue to face the challenges and changes that come with such transitions. The pride of Prince William and Catherine is evident as their eldest son takes this substantial step forward, while Charlotte and Louis continue to create their own paths at Lambrook.