The royal rumor mill can finally take a break because the big question has officially been answered! After years of speculation over where Prince George would continue his education, Kensington Palace has confirmed that the future King will be heading to Eton College this fall. And yes, that means he’s following the very same path his father, Prince William, took more than three decades ago. The tradition continues!
It’s a full-circle moment for the royal family. Thirty years after a young William famously arrived at Eton alongside his late mother, Princess Diana, it’s now George’s turn to walk through those historic gates.
But while plenty of royal watchers believed William and Princess Catherine might choose a more modern route for their eldest son, they’ve ultimately decided that tradition still has plenty to offer.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith explained the significance of the choice to People for their new cover story this week, saying:
“Eton was a much-needed haven for William. It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.”
The decision may not come as a total surprise, though. George toured Eton with his parents back in 2023, around the age when prospective students typically begin the registration process. Ever since then, many suspected the prestigious boarding school was leading the race.
Still, there was plenty of curiosity because William and Kate have spent years trying to give George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis as grounded and private a childhood as possible. They’ve deliberately kept their children away from the spotlight whenever they can while building a family life in Windsor instead of central London.
Queen Elizabeth‘s former press secretary Ailsa Anderson told the mag about that:
“They have been very careful not to pressure any of them to appear on the public stage too often. It’s been a gentle introduction to royal life, which has let Prince George build his confidence.”
Many had wondered whether the Prince and Princess of Wales might instead choose Kate’s former school, Marlborough College, allowing George to remain in a coeducational environment alongside his siblings in the years ahead.
Instead, they opted for the school that has deep ties to both the monarchy and William’s own life. As Anderson put it:
“Both William and Catherine carried out a lot of research to make the right decision.”
And perhaps the biggest clue of all came from someone close to the family, who added:
“George has always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
Awww!!
Eton certainly comes with plenty of history. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, the school has educated generations of influential figures, including numerous British prime ministers and members of the royal family. Prince Harry also attended, too.
And so, this coming September, George will officially become the latest royal student to wear Eton’s iconic uniform. According to Bedell Smith:
“Yes, Eton stands for tradition, but it has moved with the times and now has a more diverse student body than it had—even in William’s day. I think their decision hinges on the school’s academic excellence and the many ways it develops its students for leadership roles.”
For William, Eton represented much more than academics. He arrived during one of the most difficult chapters of his childhood as his parents’ marriage publicly unraveled. Following the devastating loss of Princess Diana just two years later, the school became a place of stability, lifelong friendships, and trusted mentors.
Bedell Smith believes George could enjoy similar benefits, saying:
“George will benefit from a group of friends who will remain close and loyal.”
Anderson added:
“William loved his time at Eton, but he would have thought about what school would be the best for George’s strengths, qualities and personality.”
Another major advantage is that George won’t be far from home. Eton sits just minutes away from the family’s Windsor residence, making it possible for him to enjoy the traditional boarding school experience while still seeing his family regularly. That’s a very different experience from William’s early boarding school years, which began at a much younger age.
Related: Why Prince William Is A WAY Bigger Problem For King Charles Than Harry Ever Was!
There’s also a symbolic aspect that royal fans won’t miss. Decades ago, cameras captured William arriving at Eton with then-Prince Charles, Diana, and Harry. This fall, many expect William and Kate to make a similarly memorable appearance as they drop off their eldest son, marking another generational milestone for the House of Windsor.
And now, as George prepares to leave behind the school he has shared with Charlotte and Louis, he’s stepping into one of the biggest milestones of his young life.
If history is any indication, this should be the beginning of an incredibly important new chapter for the future King. And judging by everything we’ve heard so far, it sure sounds like George couldn’t be more ready for it!
Reactions, y’all?? Share ’em (below)!
[Image via MEGA/WENN]