The journey from shy nursery schoolboy to future king is gathering pace for Prince George. In September 2026, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales is expected to take a major step—beginning life as a boarder at Eton College, the elite school his father once attended.
This autumn will mark George’s final year at Lambrook School, where he studies alongside Princess Charlotte. The move to Eton is more than a change of uniform—it signals the start of his formal preparation for royal duties to come.
According to palace sources, George has already been assigned a house at Eton, though its name remains under wraps. The decision forms part of a carefully choreographed transition designed to give him confidence as he steps into a more independent chapter.
For Princess Catherine, the milestone is bittersweet. Deeply involved in her children’s daily lives, she has always championed a grounded, hands-on upbringing. Friends say she is quietly bracing herself for the moment her eldest lives away from home, even if Eton is just a short drive from Windsor.
Prince William, by contrast, is said to be looking forward to sharing his own positive memories of the school, offering guidance and reassurance to his son. The proximity of Eton to the family’s home is seen as a comfort to Catherine, allowing for regular visits and a sense of closeness despite the change.
Eton’s reputation is storied—its alumni include British prime ministers and generations of royals. But the school has also faced recent turbulence. Headmaster Simon Henderson, nicknamed “Trendy Hendy” for his progressive reforms, is currently on leave amid what is rumored to be a leadership shake-up.
Before the new school term, the Wales family enjoyed a private summer getaway in the Greek islands. Travelling in secrecy, they arrived in Kefalonia via private jet, transferred discreetly to a luxury van, and soon boarded the $450 million superyacht Opera. Local security was notably heightened during their brief stay.
One anecdote from the trip has already sparked amusement among royal watchers: while sailing between Kefalonia and Zakynthos, George reportedly requested something “off menu,” leading to speculation that the young prince may have triggered an impromptu food run. Some fans found the story charming, others skeptical—but it offered a rare glimpse of George’s personality away from the public stage.
Beyond the lighthearted moments, William and Catherine’s parenting choices reveal a deeper strategy. Determined to provide emotional security, they resist the old royal habit of singling out “the heir” for special treatment. Charlotte and Louis are being raised with the freedom to choose whether to take on royal roles or pursue private careers—an approach far more flexible than in previous generations.
In doing so, the couple is steering the monarchy toward a future that blends tradition with adaptability. For George, that future begins in earnest next year—not in a palace, but in the historic halls of Eton.
