Prince George reportedly secured his place at Eton College by completing the same assessments and entrance exams required of other applicants. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl said there was “no special treatment” for the future king.
The reported decision settles a closely watched family debate over where Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, would send their eldest child. Kensington Palace has announced that George will attend the renowned boarding school in September.
A School Choice With Royal Significance
George, who turns 13 on July 22, is expected to follow his father and uncle, Prince Harry, to Eton. The school’s proximity to Windsor Castle and its long experience protecting high-profile pupils were reportedly among the practical considerations.
| Royal | School Connection | Reported View or Context |
|---|---|---|
| Prince George | Will begin at Eton in September | Completed assessments and exams |
| Prince William | Former Eton pupil | Reportedly strongly favored Eton |
| Prince Harry | Former Eton pupil | Followed his brother to the school |
| Catherine, Princess of Wales | Attended Marlborough College | Was initially reported to have reservations about Eton |
Nicholl, a Vanity Fair royal correspondent, said Eton had long appeared to be the leading option, though the choice was not immediate. Catherine was reportedly considering her coeducational alma mater, Marlborough College, while William saw Eton as the right fit for his son.
Royal expert Charlotte Griffiths said the decision would ultimately have been made jointly, despite William’s apparent preference. She said the Prince of Wales believes Eton “breeds leaders.”
Why Eton Carries Personal Weight for William
For William, Eton is linked to a difficult period in his life as well as his education. People magazine previously reported that the school gave him stability after the 1997 death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
William also formed a close relationship with his housemaster, Andrew Gailey, and remains close to several friends from his Eton years. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich told www.foxnews.com that the school also allowed William to walk to Windsor Castle for informal visits with Queen Elizabeth II.
Fordwich said that access gave William a natural setting in which to receive guidance from his grandmother. She suggested William and Catherine may value the ability to remain similarly close to George while he boards nearby.
George Reportedly Welcomes the Move
Nicholl said George was eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and was proud of the place he earned. The family is expected to spend time together in Norfolk before his move to the school, according to Griffiths.
Eton was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and has educated 20 British prime ministers. People magazine reported that attendance costs about $80,000 a year.
The school is widely associated with Britain’s political and social establishment, a tradition that reportedly gave Catherine pause during the selection process. Yet for George, the choice now combines a demanding admissions process, family history and preparation for the public role that awaits him.