Prince George of Wales, second in line to the British throne, is currently enrolled at Lambrook School, though his eventual transition to Eton College remains a point of significant public interest. The Prince and Princess of Wales have maintained a private approach to their children’s education, yet the historical precedent of the royal family’s schooling choices consistently draws global attention to institutions like the Berkshire-based boarding school.
Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, has served as the academic training ground for generations of British royalty and political leaders. While Kensington Palace has not released an official timeline regarding Prince George’s secondary education, the school is widely regarded by royal correspondents as the most probable destination, given that both his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry, were educated there, according to reporting by the BBC.
The Royal Connection to Eton College
The tradition of royals attending Eton was firmly established in the late 20th century. Prince William became the first senior member of the British royal family to attend the school, enrolling in 1995. His decision to attend Eton marked a departure from the tradition of his father, King Charles III, who attended Gordonstoun in Scotland. The school’s proximity to Windsor Castle is often cited by historians as a logistical advantage for the family, allowing for closer contact between the students and their parents during the term.
Beyond the royal family, the institution holds a unique position in British social and political history. The school has produced 20 British Prime Ministers, including notable figures such as David Cameron and Boris Johnson, as documented in the official historical records of Eton College. This legacy of educating the nation’s political elite has made the school a subject of ongoing scrutiny regarding social mobility and the influence of independent education in the United Kingdom.
Academic and Institutional Context
Eton College operates as a selective boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18. Admission is highly competitive, requiring prospective students to undergo a rigorous assessment process, often years in advance of their entry date. While the school maintains a reputation for academic rigor and a broad extracurricular program, it also faces periodic debates in the UK regarding its charitable status and the demographics of its student body. The Charity Commission for England and Wales oversees the regulatory framework for such institutions, ensuring they meet the “public benefit” requirement necessary for their status.
For Prince George, the transition to secondary school typically occurs at the age of 13. Currently, the Prince attends Lambrook, a preparatory school near Ascot, which he joined in September 2022 following the family’s move to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. The choice of Lambrook was seen by royal analysts as an attempt to provide a more conventional upbringing for the young prince, balancing his royal duties with a standard private school curriculum.
What Happens Next for the Prince
Official announcements regarding the education of the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children are traditionally issued by Kensington Palace only when necessary. There is no statutory requirement for the royal family to disclose schooling plans in advance of enrollment. As of late 2024, the household has not confirmed any changes to the current academic arrangements for Prince George.
The next major milestone for the Prince’s educational journey will likely be the entrance examination process, which typically takes place when students are in Year 6 or Year 7. Royal observers suggest that any decision will be made with a focus on the privacy and stability of the children, as Prince William has frequently emphasized the importance of a “normal” childhood despite the unique nature of their public roles. Updates regarding the royal household’s official schedule can be found on the official website of the British Royal Family.
Readers interested in the latest developments regarding the royal family’s public engagements and private milestones are encouraged to follow official statements released by the Kensington Palace press office. We invite you to share your thoughts on the evolution of royal education in the comments section below.