Prince George is set to follow in his father Prince William's footsteps by attending Eton College this coming September, but royal experts suggest his experience will be markedly different due to his upbringing. Unlike Prince William, who began his studies at Eton amidst his parents' public divorce and marital strife, Prince George will be entering the school from a stable home environment with both parents actively involved in his life.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson told the Daily Mail that the difference is significant. "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's entry into Eton in 1995, at the age of 13, coincided with a period of intense personal difficulty. His mother, Princess Diana, had separated from King Charles, and their divorce became public a year later. Jobson recounted being present when William arrived at Eton with his parents for a photograph, noting that the young prince was already carrying a heavy burden. Following Princess Diana's death two years later, the school became a sanctuary for William, with a housemaster, Dr. Andrew Gailey, providing crucial emotional and educational support.
In contrast, Prince George, who turns 13 on July 22, is entering Eton with the full support of his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The couple reportedly agreed to his request for weekly boarding at Lambrook school, which helped him become part of a collective. They have been actively involved in preparing him for this new academic chapter.
According to Jobson, Prince George is academically inclined, with his father noting his son's superior historical knowledge. He also participates in sports like football and hockey and supports Aston Villa, mirroring his father's interests. 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 from these experiences with greater steadiness.
The decision for Prince George to attend Eton, a boarding school costing approximately £63,000 annually, was reportedly a long-held intention. The Mail previously reported over four years ago that the Waleses had put his name down for the school, describing it as their "number one choice." Its proximity to Windsor Castle, where the family has established their home at Forest Lodge, is seen as a significant advantage.
Prince William and Catherine explored various educational options for their eldest son before ultimately deciding on Eton, with the final decision reportedly solidified after Prince George completed his Common Entrance Exams earlier this month. His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will continue their education at Lambrook.
The choice of Eton for the Wales children marks a departure from the tradition of attending Gordonstoun in Scotland, where both King Charles and Prince Philip were educated. While Prince Philip found Gordonstoun to be a positive experience, King Charles described it as a difficult time, suffering bullying. Princess Diana was reportedly keen on Eton due to its proximity to her and the wider family.
Prince William reportedly thrived at Eton, becoming a prefect and a member of the exclusive 'Pop' group. He also benefited from the school's sports programs and maintained friendships formed there. His grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was also living at Windsor Castle, allowing him to visit her regularly for lunch.
Eton College, described on its website as a "modern, forward-thinking school that embraces innovation," is recognized as one of the country's top-achieving boarding schools. The Prince and Princess of Wales have prioritized creating a supportive environment for Prince George as he transitions to this new phase of his education.