Afua Hagan is a contributor to CTVNews.ca, focusing on the Royal Family. Based in London and Accra, Hagan is a regular commentator on the royals across a variety of international outlets, and is a leading voice on diversity in Britain.
Prince George has always stood in a unique position in the Royal Family. On one hand he’s just a normal child growing up and going through all the stages of childhood. But at the same time, he’s also the future king of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, with a life planned out since the day he was born.
Now that Kensington Palace has announced the 12-year-old will attend Eton College in September, it’s one of the clearest signs yet that George’s path to becoming king is beginning. On the surface, this looks like a simple decision on schooling.
But behind the headlines, it’s a big royal moment. It gives a glimpse behind the gilded curtain into how Prince William and Catherine are getting their oldest son ready to face the duties that lie ahead.
This choice puts an end to years of speculation about where George would go for his next step in school. Some royal watchers thought the Prince and Princess of Wales might break away from old traditions and pick a different direction – such as Marlborough College where his mother went to school.
Catherine has often expressed her wish to raise her kids with as much of a normal upbringing as possible, and it was widely thought that would influence their choice.
In the end, William and Catherine decided to go with a school that is connected to Britain’s traditions and royal history. King Henry VI established Eton College in 1440, and since then, it has educated numerous politicians, diplomats military officials, and aristocrats.
Its pupils still wear the famous black tailcoats and pinstriped trousers that have become synonymous with the institution, while student leadership bodies such as the prestigious “Pop” society help cultivate confidence and public-facing leadership skills.
Illustrious alumni
With annual fees exceeding £63,000 (C$118,000) and a distinguished list of alumni that includes 19 British Prime Ministers among its alumni, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, countless Cabinet ministers and two future kings, Eton has long been viewed as one of Britain’s most influential launchpads into public life.
For a future monarch, it offers not only academic education but immersion in the traditions, networks and expectations that have shaped generations of national leaders. Many see it as one of the most important educational institutions in the U.K. shaping leaders who influence public life across Britain.
Eton also holds a unique place when it comes to the Royal Family. Prince William joined the Berkshire boarding school in 1995, becoming the first future royal heir to study there. A few years later, Prince Harry also attended.
People often view William’s time at Eton as a key moment in his journey giving him a chance to gain some independence while still staying near Windsor and his family. Harry had a difficult experience at the school, which he joined in 1998 just a year after his mother Diana died.
“I was in way, way over my head,” he wrote in his memoir Spare. “Willy told me to pretend I didn’t know him. For the last two years, he explained, Eton had been his sanctuary. No kid brother tagging along, pestering him with questions, pushing up on his social circle. He was forging his own life, and he wasn’t willing to give that up.”
It’s no coincidence that George is about to step into the same hallowed halls as his dad and his uncle. There is also the advantage of being so close to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate, where his family are living before their move to Forest Lodge on the same estate.
It means George can experience the perks of boarding school while staying near his parents and siblings. This setup brings together the old-school traditions with a touch of modern family dynamics, which clearly appeals to William and Catherine.
Still, Eton is about more than just being convenient. Eton gives George the perfect place to grow and develop the skills he’ll need when he steps into his future role at the heart of national and global events. The school’s emphasis on debating, leadership, public speaking, politics, service and networking means it has long been regarded as a place where future national leaders are formed.
Their choice also carries a deeper symbolic meaning. As the monarchy tackles questions about its significance, its future leaders, and its role in a modern Britain, George’s actions are a reminder that royalty always plans far ahead.
Royal Family keeps its focus on the years and decades yet to come. Right now, King Charles leads in shaping the present. Prince William gets ready to take over in the near future. Beyond that, George symbolizes what awaits in the distant years ahead.
What awaits George after Eton is a path unlike that of any of his classmates. University will almost certainly follow, perhaps accompanied by military service, charitable work and an increasing number of public duties, mirroring the route taken by both his father and grandfather.
But beyond the milestones of education and career lies an even greater responsibility. One day, George will become Prince of Wales and, ultimately, King.
First major stepping stone
Every stage of his life from this point forward will involve balancing personal ambition with public duty, modernity with tradition, and individual identity with the expectations of the Crown. Eton may be the next stop on his journey, but it is also the first major stepping stone towards a role that will require him to embody the continuity of the British monarchy in a rapidly changing world.
That said, George is still just a young boy. His main worries are likely friendships, sport, homework and settling into a new school environment.
People should be careful not to burden him with too many expectations. He deserves to enjoy childhood without facing constant pressure.
But still, moments like this tend to get noticed. They give people a rare glimpse into what the monarchy’s future might look like. Selecting a secondary school marks an important step in life for many families, but when it comes to the Royal Family, this decision also sends a message about what lies ahead.
Prince George’s move to Eton is not merely the next chapter in his education. It is the first visible step on the long road towards kingship, a reminder that while the monarchy may be evolving, preparations for the next generation are already well underway.
