In just two short months, the world will witness a momentous milestone as the future king of the British Royal Family—Prince George, now a 12-year-old young man—officially steps through the gates of Eton College. On June 16, Kensington Palace put an end to all speculation by confirming that George will begin his journey at his father’s alma mater this coming September. Eton is not only the cradle that shaped Prince William and Prince Harry, but it also boasts the registered names of King Charles III and 20 former British prime ministers.
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Yet, behind this final decision lies a deeply emotional and agonizing psychological journey of a mother. Few know that Princess Kate originally held a firm preference for her son to attend her own alma mater—Marlborough College—or another co-educational institution so that the three siblings, George, Charlotte, and Louis, wouldn’t have to be separated. Royal expert Katie Nicholl once shared:
“Kate’s preference is for George to be at a co-education school, so he can be with his siblings, which is what Kate experienced at Marlborough with her sister, Pippa, and brother, James.”
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The Princess’s hesitation was so profound that royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths described it to Vanity Fair in early June: “Eton was always the obvious choice for George, but Catherine has changed her mind many times and I’m told she’s ‘been like a yo-yo.’ This is to her credit, as she knows how important it is to get the decision right for the future king.” Ultimately, maternal love balanced with the immense responsibility toward the crown guided Kate to her final choice, leaning toward Eton.
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This autumn, as George leaves his siblings at Lambrook School to embark on this boarding journey, he will not be alone. He is set to recreate a deeply moving, historic scene from 1995—the day Prince William was dropped off at the school by Princess Diana and King Charles. Clad in the classic Eton uniform, George will proudly put pen to paper to sign the school’s historical pupil registration book, under the proud and doting eyes of Prince William and Princess Kate.
Choosing Eton may have required Kate to sacrifice her dream of keeping her children under one school roof, but in return, it opens up a proud new chapter for George. The moment the three members of the Wales family stand together beside that historic registration book this September will serve as a powerful testament to a tight-knit royal family, where ancient traditions are carried forward through the unconditional love of parents.
