Prince George will continue a long-standing royal family tradition after it was confirmed he will attend Eton College from September.
Kensington Palace announced that the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who turns 13 next month, will join the prestigious boarding school near Windsor.
The decision means Prince George will follow in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who attended Eton between 1995 and 2000, as well as his uncle, Prince Harry. The school is located just a short distance from the Wales family’s home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Prince George has been educated at Lambrook School since 2022 alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Both will remain at Lambrook for the coming academic year.
Eton College is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most prestigious independent schools. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, it has educated generations of politicians, writers, military leaders and members of the Royal Family.
Among its most notable former pupils are 20 British prime ministers, including Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Wellington, Harold Macmillan, David Cameron and Boris Johnson. Other famous alumni include author George Orwell, actor Damian Lewis, economist John Maynard Keynes and adventurer Bear Grylls.
The school currently charges boarding fees of around £63,000 per year and operates primarily as a full-boarding institution, although pupils can return home at weekends under certain arrangements.
Prince William’s own attendance at Eton marked a significant departure from recent royal tradition. His father, King Charles III, along with Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, were all educated at Gordonstoun in Scotland.
The choice of Eton allowed the young Prince William to remain close to Windsor Castle, where he frequently spent time with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have often spoken about the importance they place on family life and maintaining a degree of normality for their children. They are known for being actively involved in school routines and have emphasised the importance of their children’s wellbeing and development.
Eton’s motto, Floreat Etona, translates as “May Eton Flourish”. The school says its aim is to help young people develop their talents and prepare them to make a positive contribution to society.
The school’s current Head Master, Simon Henderson, is due to step down at the end of the next academic year after leading Eton since 2015.
Reports had suggested the Prince and Princess of Wales considered a number of schools before making their final decision, including Marlborough College and several leading day schools in London.
Prince George’s arrival at Eton will inevitably attract significant public interest, but the school already has extensive security arrangements in place and considerable experience in educating high-profile pupils.
His enrolment marks the latest chapter in a centuries-old institution that remains one of the most recognisable schools in Britain and one of the country’s most influential educational establishments.
