Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly preparing for one of the most emotional changes in their family life so far, as their eldest son, Prince George, gets ready to take a major step toward independence.
According to a source quoted by New Idea, the transition is expected to be both exciting and daunting for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince George, who turns 13 on July 22, is reportedly preparing to attend Eton College, the same school his father attended.
“This is a massive step for George,” the source said. “He’s hardly spent a night away from home, and now he’ll be living at Eton for most of the term.”
Although the school is close to the family’s Windsor home, the change would still mark a significant adjustment for George and his parents.
“It’s just down the road from Windsor, so home won’t be far away, but it’s still pretty daunting,” the insider added.
William and Kate are said to be doing everything they can to prepare their son without placing additional pressure on him. However, as the future heir to the throne, George already faces a level of public attention and expectation that most children his age will never experience.
The source pointed to his recent appearance at Wimbledon, where he appeared slightly nervous in front of the cameras.
“You could see at Wimbledon that he’s still quite nervous in the spotlight,” the insider claimed. “School is only going to bring a whole new level of attention because every boy there will know exactly who he is.”
As the eldest child of William and Kate, George is expected to become king after his father. That future responsibility is likely to become more noticeable as he grows older and takes on a more public role.
“There’s a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, and that’s only going to grow as he gets older,” the source said.
The change may also feel especially significant because George’s younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will remain at their current school. He will therefore be taking this next step without them.
For William and Kate, the reported move represents more than a change in their son’s education. It is also the first time one of their children will begin spending long periods away from home.
“They can’t help but worry about how he will cope with it all,” the insider said. “It’s also a huge milestone for them. Their first child is leaving home.”
The moment is also said to be a reminder of how quickly their children are growing up, particularly after the difficult period the family has faced since Kate’s cancer diagnosis.
Before long, all three children will be moving toward greater independence, making George’s next chapter an emotional turning point for the entire family.
