Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, alongside his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children, was recently seen attending a church service at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral Castle. The family outing took place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as the royals continued their summer break at their beloved Scottish estate.
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The family consisted of their eldest son, Prince George, aged 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8. Prince George, dressed formally in a suit and tie, was captured in a car driven by his father, with his mother seated in the passenger position. The church visit forms part of a cherished summer tradition for the royals, who have been visiting Balmoral since the time of Queen Victoria.
At Balmoral, members of the royal family engage in a variety of outdoor pursuits typical of the Scottish Highlands, including hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, making for joyful and leisurely summer days. Margaret Rhodes, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, fondly reminisced about these times, likening them to “a life of picnics and paddling around.”
This year’s visit to Balmoral carries special significance for Prince George, as he is on the threshold of a new chapter in his life, set to start at Eton College in just a few weeks. Following the family legacy, George will join the prestigious all-boys boarding school that has long been associated with the royal family and British leadership, just like his father, Prince William.
Established by King Henry VI in 1440, Eton College has educated a number of prominent figures, including 20 British prime ministers. While the choice of school was influenced by tradition, it is reported that the young prince has had a strong desire to emulate his father’s educational journey. A source close to the family mentioned that George had always aimed to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Royal author Sally Bedell Smith remarked that although Eton is steeped in tradition, the institution has also adapted over the years to reflect a more diverse student body compared to previous generations. She highlighted that the decision to enrol Prince George at Eton stems from the school’s academic excellence and its commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in society.
As Prince George embarks on his educational journey at Eton, he will face various challenges, with one of the initial hurdles being the school’s “colours test.” This test quizzes students on the official colours associated with the 25 boarding houses and various locations around the college. Eton alumnus Hugo Vickers shared insights about the significance of this rite of passage, recalling how he was subjected to the test upon his arrival at the school, which he described as a traditional yet amusing experience.
Enrolled in one of Eton’s 25 boarding houses, each accommodating around 55 boys, George will have a personal room within this vibrant community. Eton College places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive environment that prioritises kindness and empathy. According to the school’s description, the aim is for students to develop a robust sense of self and an understanding of their capabilities in a safe and inclusive atmosphere that promotes respect and courtesy among peers.
Part of the integration process involves older boys welcoming newcomers into their houses, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This nurturing environment is essential for personal growth, and it allows students to thrive both academically and socially. While each house maintains unique characteristics reflecting the personalities of its residents, they collectively embody the principles of honesty, integrity, and mutual respect.
Both Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, spent their formative years in Manor House, one of Eton’s boarding houses, establishing a personal connection with the institution that Prince George will now experience. As the young prince prepares for this significant transition, the royal family appears to be expertly balancing the weight of tradition and personal aspiration during this crucial time in George’s life.
As the summer continues, it remains to be seen how Prince George will adapt to his new surroundings at Eton. The weeks ahead will certainly be filled with anticipation as the royal family enjoys their vacation while also preparing for the next chapter of Prince George’s education – a journey that carries not just personal significance, but a broader connection to the lineage of British royals and future leaders.