After much speculation, Kensington Palace has officially announced that Prince George is set to begin his secondary school education at Eton College in September. The eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales will be following in his father’s footsteps by attending the prestigious all-boys school, located just a short 12-minute drive from their residence at Forest Lodge.
While there were initial rumors suggesting other potential school choices for Prince George, such as Marlborough College, the decision to enroll him at Eton College was influenced by various factors. According to former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the proximity of Eton to their home and Prince William’s positive experience at the school were significant considerations for the Wales family.
Reflecting on William’s time at Eton from 1995 to 2000, where he boarded at Manor House, Jennie emphasized the school’s role as a sanctuary during challenging periods in his life. She highlighted the supportive environment and close friendships that William developed at Eton, suggesting that Prince George is likely to have a similarly enriching experience.
With regards to maintaining family connections, it is anticipated that Prince George will have opportunities to visit home regularly, engage in extracurricular activities, and participate in social events while attending Eton College. Despite discussions about modernizing the monarchy in the future, the decision to send Prince George to Eton was primarily driven by ensuring his happiness and security during his formative years.
Jennie emphasized that while Eton College is an elite institution with substantial fees, the focus remains on providing Prince George with a nurturing and protective environment, akin to the experiences of his father and uncle, Prince Harry. She concluded by suggesting that exposure to different life perspectives will be part of Prince George’s upbringing, ensuring a well-rounded understanding beyond the confines of privilege.
