Prince George Set to Attend Eton College in 2026: A Royal Tradition Continues

After much speculation, Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince George will attend Eton College starting September 2026. This decision adheres to royal tradition, which generally favors this prestigious boarding school for the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales during the latter part of adolescence. Amid this anticipation, there were hints that Eton may not have been the only contender. Kate Middleton, who herself attended Marlborough College, reportedly showed interest in this institution, along with various other schools in the UK that might suit their firstborn. Ultimately, however, Eton emerged as the preferred choice. Sources suggest that while both parents considered various options, Prince William seemed more inclined than Kate towards having their son follow in his footsteps at Eton. Eton College, known for its esteemed reputation, is located conveniently close to the family residence at Forest Lodge in Windsor. This boys-only boarding school typically charges around £63,000 annually, which roughly translates to $72,000. The school's uniform includes a black tailcoat, waistcoat, white shirt, tie, and pinstriped trousers—essentially a formal attire that complements its historic prestige. Prince George's enrollment marks a departure from Gordonstoun, the school where King Charles III experienced difficulties during his formative years. As the future king, Prince George's education mirrors that of other royal males, including both his father and his uncle, Prince Harry. His predecessors at Eton include notable figures like the Duke of Kent, and the Gloucester brothers, William and Richard. Notably, however, none of Queen Elizabeth II's children attended Eton, as her husband, Prince Philip, had a strong preference for Gordonstoun, a school in Scotland where he himself was educated. This preference reflected Prince Philip's desire for his sons to share a similar experience, and Queen Elizabeth II acquiesced, resulting in Charles, Andrew, and Edward’s attendance there instead. The influence of Charles III's experience at Gordonstoun was palpable; he famously described his time there as hellish, citing the bullying and humiliation he faced from peers. When it was time for William and Harry to attend school, Charles opted for Eton, valuing its proximity to home for family visits. Both of his sons flourished at Eton, which the current Prince and Princess of Wales now hope Prince George will emulate. In the realm of public figures, David Attenborough, a centenarian naturalist and celebrated communicator of science, recently unified the royal family with his significant contributions to nature and education. He has been acknowledged at the Royal Albert Hall for reaching his centennial mark, underscoring his impact and relevance through generations. Members of the British royal family have conveyed their congratulations, further establishing the intertwining of tradition, education, and societal leadership within the royal narrative. As Prince George prepares for his transition to Eton, it is a pivotal moment reflecting not only his personal journey but also the evolving legacy of the British monarchy in education and tradition. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2