Prince George's godfather has offered some words of wisdom for the 12-year-old ahead of his transition to Eton College this September. Last month, Kensington Palace confirmed that the eldest of the Prince and Princess of Wales' three children will be following in his father's footsteps by attending the prestigious Berkshire school, where annual fees are reported to be around £63,000.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton's Advice
While promoting his new book, Beyond the Edge of Light, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton spoke about his godson's upcoming new chapter. Appearing on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, he revealed: "I'm not saying this to lecture poor old George, but I'm saying if anybody goes to that sort of place, then you've got to take the opportunity to live it."
"And actually, dare I say, you've got to then realise how lucky you've been, and you've got to pay back in some way. Whether it's through public service, the military or whatever, you've got to pay back. But it is a great privilege, and you don't want to waste it," he added.
Reflections on Eton's Evolution
Having attended the school himself in his younger years, Jamie also reflected on how the institution has evolved over time. "It's probably changed a lot since I went. Actually, it certainly has. And in many ways, it's changed for the better," he said. "My son was there too, so I've seen it quite recently. You're very, very privileged to go there and there are all sorts of amazing things you can do."
Prince William's Time at Eton
The Prince of Wales was a pupil between 1995 and 2000 but, according to his former schoolmate, he wasn't as conspicuous as many might imagine, despite his royal status. The ex-pupil, who chose not to reveal his identity while speaking to The Telegraph, also suggested William was referred to by a two-word nickname.
"You have to remember that at Eton, he never stood out that much," he revealed. "There were boys from even richer families than his, and also boys from very old English aristocratic stock, who could trace their lineage back thousands of years, and who would tease William for being an upstart German. We weren't in awe of William, and I don't think he would have wanted us to be."
Handling Personal Challenges
Throughout the future King's period at the institution, the divorce of his parents King Charles and Princess Diana dominated the tabloid headlines. Nevertheless, according to his former schoolmate, the topic was seldom mentioned amongst students. The year after, following his mother's tragic death in a car crash, hundreds of pupils apparently wrote to William to express their condolences. Yet few were prepared to broach the matter with him face to face.
George's Final Day at Lambrook
Last week saw George's concluding day at Lambrook, a private preparatory institution for youngsters aged three to 13 that provides flexible boarding options, which is also where his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, are educated. Children between the ages of seven and 13 can stay overnight for anything from one night occasionally to five nights weekly. The school's website states there are two boarding facilities: Lambrook House for girls and Westfield for boys. Each facility is managed by a house parent and assisted by tutors.
