For years, speculation surrounded Prince George's next major step: where the young future king would attend secondary school. The guessing game has now ended. Kensington Palace has announced that Prince George will begin his studies at Eton College this year, following in the footsteps of both his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry.
Royal observers view this decision as both a nod to tradition and a strategic move. Eton is not merely a prestigious British school; it is an institution deeply intertwined with royal history. For George, who is second in line to the throne, enrolling at Eton represents more than a simple educational choice — it is part of his preparation for a life in the public eye.
Upholding a Royal Tradition
The decision for Prince George to attend Eton College brings the family full circle. In 1995, Prince William became the first senior royal to forgo the traditional route of Gordonstoun in Scotland in favor of Eton. His brother, Harry, followed a few years later. Now, it is George's turn.
Prince George, who will turn 13 in July, is completing his final year at Lambrook School in Berkshire, where he studies alongside his sister Charlotte and brother Louis. According to Reuters, the Waleses — William and Kate — considered other options, including Kate's alma mater, Marlborough College. However, Eton's family ties and its proximity to their Windsor home solidified their decision to choose Eton.
About Eton College: What to Know?
What makes Eton College distinctive? Not much has changed since King Henry VI founded it in 1440. Located across the Thames from Windsor, Eton educates approximately 1,300 boys aged 13 to 18. Over the centuries, its alumni include 20 prime ministers, along with actors, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and many of Britain's most influential figures. Eton's traditions are serious: students wear black tailcoats, waistcoats, and pinstriped trousers, and teachers are called "beaks." As for cost, tuition is about £63,000 per year — nearly $85,000 annually — making it a significant financial commitment.
What Will Prince George Study, and When Does He Start?
Details about George's specific courses have not been made public, but Eton's curriculum is broad, covering English, mathematics, science, languages, politics, and the arts. Students gradually specialize as they progress toward GCSE and A-Level examinations. William studied geography, biology, and art history, but George's interests remain unknown. At his age, the focus will likely be on building a strong academic foundation before selecting subjects for advanced study.
What is certain is that George will be immersed in a packed schedule of sports, societies, music, debating, service projects, and leadership training — the kind of well-rounded experience that shapes public figures. Kensington Palace has announced that Prince George will start at Eton College in September 2026.
What’s Next?
Moving to Eton will likely be the most significant change George has faced. Although it is a boarding school, he will be only a short drive from his family in Windsor, allowing him to maintain a balance of independence and closeness. This factor likely contributed to William and Kate's comfort with the choice. The school also offers a degree of privacy; when William attended, systems were implemented to ensure quiet and as normal a school life as possible. The same is expected for George.
