Prince George is preparing for one of the biggest milestones of his life, and it appears the decision has been just as meaningful for him as it has been for his parents. While Prince William and Kate Middleton carefully weighed their options, a source close to the family says George had one clear wish.
As he gets ready to join Eton College this fall, the young royal is following a path that his father once walked, marking the beginning of a journey that could shape his future as King. Scroll for more information.
Prince George Always Wanted To Follow Prince William’s Royal Path
Kensington Palace confirmed on June 16 that Prince George will attend Eton College this fall, ending years of speculation about where the future King would continue his education. While many expected Prince William and Kate Middleton to choose a different school, they ultimately selected the same boarding school William attended.
The decision was not only important to the Prince and Princess of Wales. According to a source close to the family, “George has always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
George even toured Eton with his parents in 2023 before his 10th birthday, making it clear that the prestigious school had become a leading choice long before the official announcement.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith believes Eton remains the right fit for the future King. “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.”
Why William And Kate Backed George’s Choice
Prince William and Princess Kate spent years giving George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis a normal childhood, leading many people to believe they would choose a coeducational school instead. They even visited Marlborough College, Kate’s former school, before making their final decision.
However, Queen Elizabeth’s former press secretary Ailsa Anderson said the couple carefully considered every option. “Both William and Catherine carried out a lot of research to make the right decision,” she said. Anderson also praised the way they have introduced George to royal life, adding, “They have been very careful not to pressure any of them to appear on the public stage too often. It’s been a gentle introduction to royal life, which has let Prince George build his confidence.”
Bedell Smith also believes Eton has changed with the times. “Yes, Eton stands for tradition, but it has moved with the times and now has a more diverse student body than it had, even in William’s day. I think their decision hinges on the school’s academic excellence and the many ways it develops its students for leadership roles.” Prince William has often spoken fondly about his years at Eton, where he found stability during one of the most difficult periods of his childhood.
He built lifelong friendships there, and Bedell Smith believes George will enjoy similar support. As George prepares to walk through the royal Eton’s gates this September, he is doing more than starting a new school. He is following a path that inspired him from an early age and taking one of the first important steps toward the role he has been preparing for since birth. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Royal news and updates.