Prince William and Kate Middleton’s decision to send Prince George to Eton College drew plenty of attention. Now, a royal historian has shared why the couple ultimately chose the prestigious boarding school.
The reasons behind Prince George’s Eton school choice
According to People, Prince William and Kate Middleton chose Eton College for Prince George because it offered familiarity, tradition, and privacy. Royal historian Amanda Foreman told the outlet the decision was a “flight to safety.” “They had wanted a fresh look, but this is trusted, tried and true, and they know there will be absolute discretion,” Foreman said. “They don’t have to reinvent any protocols.”
Before the announcement, some royal watchers believed the Prince and Princess of Wales might choose Marlborough College, Kate’s former school. That would have allowed George to potentially study alongside Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in the future. Instead, the couple selected Eton College, where both Prince William and Prince Harry attended secondary school.
A source close to the family also said that George had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. William, Kate, and George arrived at Eton on September 8 for his first day. Headmaster Simon Henderson and provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge welcomed them before they toured the historic campus. Royal author Simon Vigar said that George appeared “relaxed and happy” during the visit. The move marks a significant milestone for the Wales family. It is the first time all three children are no longer attending the same school.
Royal author Russell Myers told the magazine the family spent much of the summer preparing for the transition. He said the months were centered on spending quality time together before George began boarding school. A friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales also said that William’s “overriding ambition” has always been to give his children as normal a childhood as possible. According to those close to the family, the choice of Eton reflects a balance between royal tradition and creating a stable environment for the future king.
