Prince George celebrated his 13th birthday with a rare, intimate video released by the Royal Family—offering a quiet glimpse into his daily life. The footage, shared by Kensington Palace, marked a tender moment in the young prince’s coming-of-age journey.
A Historic School Choice
Alongside the celebration came confirmation of one of the most consequential decisions for George’s future: starting this September, he will attend Eton College—the historic boarding school where his father, Prince William, studied. The choice carries deep symbolic weight, linking George to generations of British leadership—and to his father’s own formative years.
A Months-Long Deliberation
According to Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, the decision wasn’t made lightly. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, spent months weighing options for their eldest son—who is second in line to the British throne. While William championed Eton from the outset, citing its academic excellence and emotional significance, Catherine reportedly had reservations. She viewed Eton as highly traditional and closely tied to Britain’s elite—and considered alternatives, including Marlborough College, the co-educational school she attended herself.
For William, Eton represented more than prestige. After the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, he found stability and continuity there. Its proximity to Windsor Castle also allowed him regular time with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II—a factor that resonated deeply in their discussions about George’s upbringing.
No Special Treatment
In a notable reflection of the family’s emphasis on fairness and grounded expectations, George underwent the same admissions process as every other applicant. As Nicholl reported, he sat the same entrance exams and faced the same evaluations—with no special accommodations or exceptions. “There was no special treatment. He sat the exams and passed, just like everyone else,” she noted.
The decision underscores a broader balancing act: preparing George for immense constitutional responsibility while nurturing his sense of normalcy, resilience, and personal identity.