Prince George is set to begin his studies at Eton College this September, a milestone that royal experts suggest will offer a vastly different emotional landscape than the one his father, Prince William, navigated upon starting at the prestigious boarding school. Unlike Prince William, who began at Eton just two years before his parents' divorce and his mother Princess Diana's death, Prince George will benefit from a stable home environment with both parents actively involved in his upbringing.
Robert Jobson, a royal commentator, told the Daily Mail that the key difference lies in the foundational security Prince George will experience. "William walked into Eton carrying his parents’ marital war. George walks in from a settled home," Jobson stated. "Two parents, together, who built him a base and guard it fiercely. Confidence is not taught. It is absorbed."
Prince William enrolled at Eton in September 1995, at the age of 13. His father, King Charles, and mother, Princess Diana, were separated at the time, and the divorce was finalized a year later. Shortly after William began his time at Eton, his mother died in a car crash. Jobson noted that Dr. Andrew Gailey, William's housemaster, became an emotional and educational anchor for him, with the school serving as a sanctuary.
In contrast, Prince George, who turns 13 on July 22, is entering Eton from a supportive family unit. William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have reportedly gone to great lengths to support their eldest son's transition. George has been an occasional boarder at Lambrook, his current co-educational school near Ascot, Berkshire, in preparation for the move.
"He is smart. He loves history. Standing before Henry VIII’s armour last October, his father said it plainly. 'George, my son, is way better in history than I am, and I have to check with him now on my dates,'" a report noted. George also participates in football and hockey and supports Aston Villa, mirroring his father's football allegiance.
Despite not being spared personal pain, having witnessed his mother's battle with cancer and his grandfather's illness, Prince George is described as emerging steadier. The proximity of Eton to Windsor Castle, where the Wales family has established their "forever home," is expected to provide additional comfort.
Kensington Palace confirmed George's attendance at Eton earlier this summer. The Mail had reported over four years ago that the Prince and Princess of Wales had put his name down for the £63,000-a-year school, which was reportedly their "number one choice." The decision was reportedly finalized after George completed his Common Entrance Exams this month.
His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will continue their studies at Lambrook. Prince William's attendance at Eton, along with his brother Prince Harry, marked a departure from the royal tradition of attending Gordonstoun in Scotland, a school where King Charles was reportedly bullied. Princess Diana was reportedly keen on Eton due to its proximity to her and the extended family.
William reportedly thrived at Eton, excelling academically and becoming a prefect. He also participated in sports and formed lasting friendships. The decision to send George to Eton aligns with the Wales family's long-term plan to reside near Windsor Castle.