Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince George will attend Eton College this September, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William. The decision ends months of deliberation by the Prince and Princess of Wales over the best educational path for their eldest son, who is second in line to the throne.
School Choice Announced
The palace released a statement at midday, saying: "Kensington Palace can confirm that Prince George will attend Eton College from this September." The Wales family had also considered Marlborough College, the co-educational boarding school in Wiltshire where Catherine excelled, but Eton's proximity to their Windsor home was a decisive factor.
Fees and Traditions
Eton's fees are currently £21,099.60 per term, totaling £63,298.80 per year. George's first day is expected to be documented traditionally, with a photograph of the 13-year-old signing the school's Entrance Book flanked by his parents.
Prince William, who attended Eton from 1995, is said to be "thrilled" that George will join his alma mater. William thrived at the school, becoming a prefect, captaining the swimming and house football teams, and enjoying water polo. He followed his mother's family tradition by attending Eton, which boasts alumni including 20 UK prime ministers, actors Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Eddie Redmayne, and author George Orwell.
Family Considerations
Prince Harry, who attended Eton three years after William, found his experience challenging, as detailed in his 2023 memoir Spare. However, William hopes George will enjoy Eton as he did, and both parents have reassured their son that they are nearby if needed.
William often walked the short 15-minute distance to visit Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle during his Eton years—a comfort after his parents' divorce and an education in constitutional duties. George is expected to return home regularly to Forest Lodge, where he will spend time with his parents and siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 7.
Impact on Family Life
The decision was influenced by Princess Charlotte, as the couple had considered schools where siblings could study together, like Catherine's experience at Marlborough with her siblings. However, George and Charlotte will attend separate secondary schools.
The Wales family moved to Forest Lodge on the Windsor Estate in November, described as their "forever home." This fresh start follows Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis and successful treatment; she is now in remission and has returned to royal duties. The couple remain focused on their children, who are "the centre of their universe," according to a source. Enrolling George at a nearby school allows the family to maintain close bonds after what William has called a "brutal" few years.
