Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are reportedly considering a "gentleman's agreement" with the British press to safeguard their eldest son, Prince George, during his time at Eton College. This potential agreement aims to navigate the challenges posed by smartphones and social media, which experts say could amplify intrusions into the young royal's life.
Prince George, who turned 13 in July, will attend the prestigious boarding school his father and uncle, Prince Harry, previously attended. The decision for him to attend Eton, founded in 1440, was announced in June. Royal author Simon Vigar noted that a similar informal agreement protected William and Kate's early relationship when they were students at the University of St. Andrews.
Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," commented that while the palace cannot completely control the environment, clear boundaries can be established with the press. She emphasized the distinction between legitimate coverage of public engagements and intrusive photographs of a teenager's private school life. Schofield suggested the press can choose not to create a market for such intrusive images.
Eton College, known for educating leaders including 20 British prime ministers, also counts many children from influential families among its students. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich suggested that within these elite circles, there are unwritten rules, and exposing a student to the media risks social ostracization. She also pointed out Eton's proximity to Windsor Castle as a factor in its selection, allowing George to remain close to his parents.
Royal broadcaster Helena Chard noted that the current era of smartphones means anything can become international news quickly. She believes positive changes in how the press interacts with royals have occurred since the death of Princess Diana, moving away from aggressive paparazzi tactics towards a more controlled approach.
Historically, an informal truce allowed William and Harry privacy during their school years, provided they focused on their studies. This enabled William and Kate to develop their relationship away from public scrutiny for nearly two years before it became public knowledge. Their marriage took place in 2011.
Experts believe William and Kate wish to extend this level of privacy to all three of their children, potentially setting a precedent for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Chard stated the "gentleman's agreement" is crucial now, acknowledging that school friends with smartphones can inadvertently act as paparazzi. She added that Prince George needs space to grow and be a teenager without undue burden.
As Prince George navigates adolescence, his parents are also adapting. During the Commonwealth Games, Prince George humorously declined an invitation for his parents to cycle on a tandem bike, stating they embarrassed him enough.
Schofield anticipates that William and Kate will be highly protective of George, especially if he enters into romantic relationships. She stressed the importance of common sense from the media, distinguishing a teenage romance from an official royal courtship and urging that George be given personal space. Schofield also noted that William understands the pressures of royal life and aims to allow George a genuine adolescence, which she believes is crucial preparation for his future role as king. This approach aims to help him develop into a grounded adult who understands both the institution and the people he will one day serve.
Ian Pelham Turner suggested William might advise his son against causing "mischief" at Eton, given his own experiences. Turner believes George's generally agreeable nature will likely continue, and he will benefit from guidance from family and school mentors.
William and Kate are reportedly focused on allowing George to enjoy his school years and develop personal interests independently of his future royal duties. Schofield emphasized that George needs opportunities to make his own decisions and discover passions outside of his destiny as king, balancing public curiosity with the need for a normal upbringing. The gradual introduction to royal life, rather than overwhelming him, allows him to remain a schoolboy first, shaping him into a confident and grounded individual.