Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly feeling the same emotions as many parents ahead of a major milestone in their child's life.
As Prince George prepares to begin boarding at Eton College next year, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be particularly concerned about how well their eldest son will settle into his new environment and build friendships.
Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools Guide, told People that Eton has its own traditions and unique way of doing things.
"Eton has its own language. They call year groups different things," Sanderson explained. "It's from a bygone era, but when your dad has been through that system, it's probably been part of his everyday language for most of his life. Parents naturally talk about their school days, so I'm confident George will be very well prepared."
Sanderson also pointed out that Prince George's current school, Lambrook, has extensive experience preparing students for the transition to Eton.
"Lambrook is really used to sending boys off to Eton," she said. "It's a regular feeder for Eton College, and many boys have followed that path before. It's nothing new. As a prep school, its purpose is to prepare pupils for the next stage of their education."
Despite that preparation, Sanderson believes William and Kate's concerns are perfectly understandable.
"I'm sure, like any parents, Catherine and William will be concerned that he's going to find his place, make the right kind of friends, and thrive," she added.
Prince George is expected to begin his studies at Eton in 2027, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who attended the prestigious boarding school as a teenager.
