After a long period of speculation that kept royal watchers and the public in suspense, Kensington Palace has finally issued an official statement regarding the future of Prince George’s education. On June 16, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed to PEOPLE magazine: “Kensington Palace can confirm that Prince George will attend Eton College from this September.”

From Rumors to a Final Decision

The decision to enroll the young prince at Eton College—one of England’s most prestigious all-boys schools—has officially put an end to months of intense debate and conjecture. Previously, many royal experts and close sources speculated that Prince William and Princess Kate might break with tradition by choosing a coeducational institution, specifically Marlborough College, which is the Princess of Wales’s alma mater.

The appeal of Marlborough College lay largely in its potential to offer a convenient educational path for all three royal siblings: Princess Charlotte (10) and Prince Louis (7) could potentially have followed their eldest brother there. However, despite the various possibilities, one insider famously noted, “All roads lead to Eton.” History has ultimately proven this statement to be true.

The Heir’s Educational Journey

Prince George, who will celebrate his 13th birthday this July, is currently a student at Lambrook School in Ascot, alongside his siblings. The trio began their studies there in September 2022, just one day before the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Prior to this, both George and Charlotte were educated at Thomas’s Battersea in London. Even earlier, the young prince began his schooling at a Montessori preschool in Norfolk during the time the family resided primarily at Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate.

Eton College: A School Steeped in History

Attending Eton College is not merely an academic milestone but a continuation of a royal tradition. With centuries of history, the school currently hosts approximately 1,350 students across its 25 distinct boarding houses. It is the same institution where both Prince William and Prince Harry were educated during their teenage years.

Although Eton is a boarding school, its proximity to Forest Lodge—the current home of the Prince and Princess of Wales in Windsor—is a significant advantage. This setup mirrors Prince William’s own experience, as he famously made his way from the school to Windsor Castle to enjoy Sunday lunches with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth. With this official announcement, Prince George is set to embark on a promising new chapter, carrying forward his family’s educational legacy while maintaining close ties to his home in Windsor.