Prince George Not Following Key Royal Tradition as Eton Journey Begins

Prince William and Princess Kate eldest son Prince George gets ready to begin his education at Eton College with the future King reportedly not following the key royal tradition of attending the same school as his father.

George is expected to walk through the gates of the prestigious school next week, following in the footsteps of his father Prince William, who attended Eton alongside his younger brother Prince Harry during their teenage years.

However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes George’s move should not simply be viewed as another royal tradition being passed between generations. Instead, the decision is reportedly centred on what is considered best for the young Prince himself.

The transition could also represent a bigger personal adjustment for George than it was for William. Despite having considerable resources and support available to him, the future monarch will face the challenge of moving away from the everyday comfort of his family home.

“This isn’t about William. It’s about George and where he will be happy and safe – particularly in this age when everyone has a camera phone,” Bond told The Mirror while discussing the Waleses’ decision.

Privacy and security are particularly important considerations given George’s position as second in line to the throne. Unlike previous generations, he is growing up in an era when photographs and videos can be captured and shared almost instantly through smartphones and social media.

Bond believes Eton’s experience with royal pupils should help provide the necessary environment. “Eton protected and nurtured William and Harry. It will do the same for George, and probably, eventually, Louis,” she explained.

Nevertheless, the move remains “much more of a big step for George,” according to the royal commentator. Until now, the Prince has enjoyed the security of living alongside William, Kate, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis while attending school relatively close to home.

George will now experience greater independence as he begins the next stage of his education. However, several factors could make the transition easier, including the reported presence of friends who will be moving from his current school to Eton alongside him.

The Wales family’s “forever home,” Forest Lodge, is also nearby, meaning George will not be separated from his parents and siblings by a considerable distance and could potentially return home more easily when circumstances allow.

Bond expressed confidence that William and Kate would not have selected Eton simply because of the family connection. She believes their decision would have depended heavily upon whether George himself felt comfortable and enthusiastic about attending the school.

“And I’m certain William and Catherine wouldn’t send him to Eton unless George was completely happy with the idea,” Bond said, emphasising the importance the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly place on their children’s individual needs.

She added that several of George’s school friends are expected to join him, giving the young Prince familiar faces during the transition. Like William, Bond suggested, George could also develop friendships at Eton that remain with him throughout his life.

While George will inevitably be compared with his father as he begins at the same prestigious school, his journey is ultimately his own. Rather than merely keeping a royal tradition alive, his move to Eton represents a carefully considered new chapter as the future King takes another major step towards independence.