Prince George's decision to attend Eton College was about far more than choosing one of Britain's most prestigious schools. According to those close to the Wales family, the future king was determined to continue a family tradition that means a great deal to him.
The 12-year-old will begin classes at Eton this September after years of speculation over where he would continue his education. Although Prince William and Princess Kate reportedly explored several options, including the coeducational Marlborough College, George ultimately knew exactly where he wanted to go.
© Max Mumby/IndigoRoyal commentator Charlotte Griffiths believes William ultimately played a significant role in the decision.
"I think that on this one, William was pushing hard for Eton, and they did flip-flop over the issue of where to send George," she said. "Ultimately, it will have been a joint decision, but William always wanted Eton and thinks it's the right place for George. It breeds leaders."
She added, "William and George are very close, and William will be making sure George is well prepared."
© Ken R. GoffA source close to the family told People that George "has always wanted to follow in his dad's footsteps," with his close bond with Prince William playing a major role in choosing his father's alma mater.
The choice also carries practical advantages. Located just minutes from the Wales family's home at Forest Lodge near Windsor, Eton allows George to experience boarding school while remaining close to his parents and siblings.
According to Vanity Fair, the young prince is already eagerly anticipating the milestone.
© Tim Graham"He has been to see the school more than once and loved it. He was very chuffed to be offered a place and is excited about getting fitted for a new uniform," a source told the publication.
The decision comes after William and Kate carefully evaluated multiple schools before settling on Eton.
"Both William and Catherine carried out a lot of research to make the right decision," Queen Elizabeth II's former press secretary Ailsa Anderson told People.
© Ken R. GoffGrace Moody-Stuart, consultancy director at The Good Schools Guide, echoed that sentiment, explaining that William did not simply choose his former school out of tradition.
"I think that's what's interesting about them as a couple, is that they've really thought about it carefully in the way that you'd hope every parent would, and they have the ability to send them to a private school, an excellent private school, and they thought about it hard," she said.
She also noted that creating an environment where George feels comfortable was a significant consideration.
© Chris Jackson"A huge factor in William and Kate's decision is the ability for their children to 'feel safe and feel able to be themselves without feeling that they stand out a huge amount,'" Moody-Stuart said. "They're always going to stand out a bit, but not a huge amount."
"They know their child," she added of the Prince and Princess of Wales and George. "And they've done the really thorough research you'd expect of them."
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith believes William's own positive memories of Eton also helped shape the family's decision.
© Anwar Hussein"Eton was a much-needed haven for William," she told People. "It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role."
She added, "I think their decision hinges on the school's academic excellence and the many ways it develops its students for leadership roles."
According to Anderson, William's own experience also gave him confidence that the school would suit his eldest son.
© Mark Cuthbert"He loved his time at Eton, but he would have thought about what school would be best for George's strengths, qualities, and personality," she said.
For William, Eton represented much more than academic excellence. When he enrolled in 1995, he became the first direct heir to the British throne in generations not to attend Gordonstoun in Scotland. Instead, the school offered him stability close to Windsor Castle during one of the most difficult chapters of his life.
As his parents' marriage publicly unraveled and following the death of Princess Diana in 1997, Eton became a refuge where William could experience a sense of normalcy.
© Tim GrahamBritish media agreed to a privacy arrangement that allowed him to move around campus without constant paparazzi attention, giving him the freedom to live much like any other student.
He also benefited from a close support network. Former Welsh Guards officer Captain Mark Dyer regularly visited Eton to take William out for lunch while helping him navigate his future, including plans for his gap year.
Because the college sits just across the River Thames from Windsor Castle, William also frequently visited Queen Elizabeth II for private afternoon teas that became an important source of comfort throughout his teenage years.
© Max Mumby/IndigoWhen Prince Harry enrolled three years later, William was determined to maintain the independence he had built.
Harry later wrote in Spare that his older brother asked for space so he could continue developing his own friendships without always being accompanied by his younger sibling.
William also excelled academically. He completed 12 GCSEs before earning an A in Geography, a B in Art History and a C in Biology at A-Level, achievements that later inspired him to study Geography at the University of St Andrews.
© Max Mumby/IndigoBeyond the classroom, William immersed himself in school life.
He served as a prefect, earned a place in the prestigious student society known as "Pop," and became House Captain of Games.
He also competed in swimming, water polo, rugby and the traditional Eton Field Game.
© SOPA ImagesOne of his rugby teammates was future Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, who later joked that opposing players were often more interested in tackling the prince than winning the match.
Today, William's positive experience at Eton appears to have come full circle.
With George preparing to begin the same journey this fall, the future king will follow a path that helped shape his father into the royal he is today.
