The eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate will mark his 13th birthday on Wednesday, only weeks before he is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the prestigious school.
Kensington Palace has confirmed the move, which will bring a significant change to George’s daily routine and place fresh attention on how the young royal adjusts to life among new classmates.
While careful planning is reportedly taking place around his security, one of the main concerns for his parents is how he will build friendships and interact with other pupils while remaining aware of his unique position within the royal family.
A close friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales said George behaves much like other young people when he is away from public duties, although he already understands that his future will carry major responsibilities.
According to the family friend, George is “just like any other teen” behind closed doors but takes his role “very seriously”.
“He’s not an extrovert or a show-off,” the pal told The Sun. “In fact, he’s quite a sensitive soul who’s very into conservation, like his father and grandfather, and music.”
The friend suggested that George’s personality and awareness of his public status could shape the way he approaches school life. Meeting new people may prove difficult because he knows that some may be interested in his royal identity rather than in forming a genuine friendship.
“George is very aware of who he is, and that has made him extremely cautious with friendships,” he revealed. “You have to feel for him really, it’s a very difficult thing to know you will be the future King of England.”
Despite those pressures, George is said to be approaching the next stage of his life with maturity. His move to Eton will continue a family tradition while also giving him an opportunity to develop greater independence away from the more controlled environment of royal engagements.
The transition is likely to be closely managed by his parents, who have sought to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible while gradually introducing them to public responsibilities.
For George, the coming weeks will bring several milestones at once: entering his teenage years, starting at a new school and becoming more conscious of the role he may one day inherit.
The family friend said he has not yet fully confronted the scale of that future, but he already shows a strong sense of duty.
The friend added, “He hasn’t faced up to the enormity of his future, but he does take his position seriously.”