Prince George's Eton experience set to differ from Prince William's in one crucial way

Prince George, the future King, is just weeks away from beginning his education at Eton College — one of Britain's most prestigious institutions — at the age of 13.

The young royal will be treading the same path as his father, Prince William, who arrived at the renowned Berkshire school at the same age back in 1995, with Princess Diana by his side.

William's time at Eton, however, was overshadowed by profound personal loss. His parents' divorce cast a long shadow over his early years there, and just two years into his studies, Diana was killed in a Paris car crash.

George's journey through those storied halls will, by all accounts, begin under far more settled circumstances.

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Royal author Robert Johnson has offered a reassuring assessment of the young prince's readiness for boarding school life.

"George walks in from a settled home," he told the Daily Mail, noting that the young prince will not face the same difficulties that plagued his father's school years.

That said, Mr Johnson was keen to stress that George has not led a life free from hardship.

"He has not been spared pain. He watched his mother fight and beat cancer. He watched his grandfather live with it. He has emerged steadier," he observed.

The proximity of Eton to Windsor Castle will also prove a comfort, Mr Johnson suggested.

"Eton will be a challenge, but being close to home, in the shadow of Windsor Castle, will help."

He expressed confidence that the school's environment would nurture George just as it did William, who flourished during his years there.

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Unlike many boarding schools where pupils share dormitories or rooms with fellow students, Eton operates on a rather different principle. Every boy is allocated his own individual study-bedroom from the moment he arrives.

The college's own website makes this policy explicit, stating: "From the very beginning, each boy has his own study-bedroom: there are no shared rooms. Boys thus have their own private space and are required to organise themselves and to develop self-discipline in meeting tasks and deadlines."

George will be among roughly 260 boys entering the school at the same time, each navigating the transition to boarding life independently within this framework of structured self-reliance.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that Eton was "definitely the best choice," citing three key reasons behind the decision.

Along with the proximity, the security was noted as a "highly significant" factor. Given that both Harry and William attended the college during their youth, the institution is well accustomed to the security needs of high-profile individuals and royals.

Mr Fitzwilliams also explained the "excellent sporting facilities" would have undoubtedly played a role in the decision.

The college boasts multi-million-pound sports facilities, such as the Eton Sports and Aquatics Centre.

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