Prince George Is Going to Eton, and the Real Reason Will Make You See William Differently
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that Eton was a sentimental choice and has to do with strong family bonding.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are celebrating a significant milestone as parents, as Prince George's enrollment at Eton College has been confirmed. Kensington Palace issued a brief statement revealing the news, which read: "Kensington Palace can confirm that Prince George will attend Eton College from this September." This decision ends speculation about the 12-year-old prince's secondary education and follows in the footsteps of his father and uncle, Prince Harry. He is set to make this transition after completing his primary education at Lambrook School, where his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will remain. Though it may seem like a classic generational move, the reason to pass out from Eton has a deep emotional connection.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that Eton was a sentimental choice. She highlighted that the Prince and Princess of Wales believe Eton, near Windsor Castle, is a safe choice for their son, George, since they have considered several schools, including co-educational options like Malborough College, which Kate attended. However, Bond noted that it is because of William, who is drawn to Eton due to his positive experiences there during challenging times in his childhood, where it provided him a sanctuary from his family's public struggles, that the couple finally settled for the prestigious institution right next to their forever home. "The following years at Eton are ones he now looks back on fondly. His housemaster, Dr Andrew Gailey, became one of the most important figures in his adolescent life: someone he could confide in during a period of extreme pain after his mother was killed in Paris," Bond revealed, as per INews.
During his difficult time, William drew strength from his grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, while he was at Eton. This can be seen when he described it in his own words during a private tour of Windsor Castle for Eugene Levy while filming an episode of The Reluctant Traveler on Apple TV+, which aired in October 2025. In a clip from the interview uploaded on X, you can see the future king fondly recollecting his Eton days." So I was within a few miles of my grandparents," the Prince of Wales tells Levy in the beginning. He further highlighted that he would sneak out of Eton on weekends or during quiet evenings, and would visit his grandmother, the Queen, to enjoy some hot tea and chat about her well-being, family, and occasional work topics. "Mostly just to tell stories, really, about what I was up to," he added. "There was always laughter. There was always a family feel. And my grandparents loved having the family around them."
Hence, Bond also noted that the same reason is why the Prince and Princess of Wales believe their son will thrive at Eton, with a supportive family surrounding him. Although George will board, the school allows regular home visits and parental participation in events. This transition may be challenging for William and Catherine, who have created a loving environment for their family. However, Bond pointed out, "The school ensures that the boys can go home every two or three weeks, and their parents can take them out on Sunday afternoons. William and Catherine will also be encouraged to watch school sports, music, or drama, and take part in social events. So there’ll be plenty of chances to catch up with George."
