As the second-in-line to the throne celebrates a historic birthday, Prince George, the Prince and Princess of Wales’s eldest son, is anticipating a year of significant changes.
He’s been growing up away from the spotlight, only joining his parents the Prince and Princess of Wales for the most important of royal events. But 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for future King Prince George – with a seismic change ahead. Not only will Prince William and Kate’s eldest son enter secondary school next September, his next birthday in July will see him officially turn a teenager when he hits 13. It comes as the second-in-line to the throne appears to be ever so slowly and gently being introduced more and more to his royal life ahead of him.
He currently attends Lambrook school with his younger siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, with his parents dropping sweet snippets about his life when out and about on royal duties such his love of planes and Airfix models and joining dad William at Aston Villa matches.
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However, there is roiling now about where George will continue his education once he turns 13 in September. William and Kate have so far chosen two schools, including his father’s former school Eton and Marlborough College, with top picks believed to be their plans, keeping their cards close to their chest.
Previously, George and his parents had been spotted visiting Eton College, while Marlborough College is considered one of the UK’s top boarding schools, catering for both boys and girls. But wherever he ends up continuing his education, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells the Mirror that she is sure George will have had a say in his next move.
She stated, “Williams began his secondary education at Eton College when he was 13 years old. As he was welcomed by his housemaster, Dr. Andrew Gailey, who became a significant figure in the young Prince’s life, I can recall standing a few yards away from him. Although his parents were present, they had already been legally separated by that time.
William and his brother had endured years of painful marriage breakdown. Being in boarding school eventually served as a refuge for William. George, who was raised in a loving and harmonious family, experiences a completely different situation.
If that is the decision his parents have made, it might be harder for him to suddenly find himself residing in a boarding school. However, I’m certain that the decision was made by the family, not by the young prince.
However, it seems that William and Kate are faced with a significant decision regarding George’s education as well as with a new set of challenges that parents across the country face.
William made it known earlier this year that none of his children were permitted smartphones, but he later acknowledged that his oldest son was struggling with this view. In an interview with Brazilian TV, he said, “Maybe George will have one with limited access when he transitions to secondary school.”
It’s getting to the point where it’s starting to get a little tense. However, I believe he comprehends why we communicate our disagreements. Jennie continued, “I’m sure George will have a big question when he finally has access to smartphones.” George and his parents are known to be at odds with one another over this contentious subject.
“My money is on him getting a brick phone so he can at least stay in touch with his family and friends, like so many young people of his age, but he won’t be able to do that for a while.” Although they are still scarce, he has made two of his most notable public appearances to date in the past year.
In May, he joined his parents in chatting to Second World War heroes at a Buckingham Palace tea party on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. He won praise as he listened intently to their important stories and asked questions about their experiences. Then just last month, he joined mum Kate at the annual Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall to pay his respects to the nation’s war dead.
George swiveled a little in his seat between musical performances as veteran tributes to their fallen friends and comrades and emotional videos of veterans spoke.
Meanwhile, just earlier this month, George joined his father to don an apron and help with Christmas lunch preparations at a shelter for the homeless. The father and son wore The Passage charity’s aprons as William poured Brussels sprouts onto an oven dish and George laid Yorkshire puddings out onto a tray ahead of cooking.
The Prince of Wales, who assisted in Victoria, central London, in 2023 and 2024, has a tradition of coming to the shelter during Christmas. When he was 11 years old, he took his 12-year-old son with him to follow in his footsteps and made the first trip to the charity with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Many people are optimistic that more well-known royal engagements might be forthcoming as the young prince continues to mature quickly. However, Wiliam and Kate are known for being extremely protective of each of their children and forging as close as they can to provide them with a normal education.
Jennie continued, “But I don’t believe it will result in any significant increase in his public appearances.” He needs to adjust to his new circumstances, knuckle down and begin studying for crucial exams, and enjoy his academic experience. So, in my opinion, his parents will keep him safe from the glare of the future while doing everything they can to protect him.
