It is a significant year for Prince George, who will soon transition from primary to secondary education. Over recent years, the future king's school choice has captivated public interest, with the central question being whether he will follow his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, to Eton College or choose a different path.
School Visits and Speculation
The uncertainty grew as his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, toured several prospective schools across the country. These included Marlborough College in Wiltshire, where Kate attended, as well as Eton. The couple also reportedly visited St Edward's School in Oxford, known as Teddies, and Oundle School in Northamptonshire. However, a local from Oundle later told Marie Claire that it was actually Princess Charlotte they were considering enrolling there.
Eton Confirmed
The wait appears to be over, as sources indicate that Eton College, with its annual fees of £63,000, is the chosen school for George. Royal broadcaster Richard Eden stated in the Daily Mail that he was told an announcement would be made next week confirming George's start at Eton in September. Eden also revealed that the young prince had sat and passed the common entrance exam for the school.
According to Eden, the final decision came down to Eton being an all-boys school, unlike the other mixed-gender options. A source told the Mail: 'We're in the smartphone era. Any picture of George with a girl could be around the world in a moment, however innocent the kiss might be.' Additionally, security and proximity to home were key factors. Eton is just a 12-minute drive from the Wales family's Forest Lodge in Windsor, their 'forever home' where they reside with George, 12, Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, and where they plan to stay even when William becomes king.
Kate's Reluctance
Despite the decision, Kate Middleton is reportedly 'heartbroken' at the prospect of her son attending the prestigious institution. In 2024, a royal insider told In Touch Weekly that Kate 'finally gave in' to the idea of Eton, which has produced 20 prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson. The source noted that she had 'long disagreed with her husband about sending him away' and that Eton being a royal tradition troubled her. The insider added: 'Kate thinks sending him to such a stuffy, upper-crust institution goes against all of their efforts to modernise the monarchy.'
