The Royal Education Dilemma: Eton, Privilege, and the Future King
When the news broke that Prince George would be attending Eton College, it sparked a flurry of debates—some predictable, others surprisingly nuanced. Personally, I think this decision is about far more than just education; it’s a statement about tradition, privilege, and the evolving role of the monarchy in modern Britain. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it forces us to confront the tension between preserving royal heritage and adapting to a society that increasingly demands accessibility and relatability.
Eton: A Symbol of Elite Tradition
Let’s start with Eton itself. At £63,298 per year, it’s not just a school—it’s an institution synonymous with the upper echelons of British society. Twenty former Prime Ministers walked its halls, and now, so will the future King. From my perspective, this choice reinforces the monarchy’s ties to the establishment. It’s a nod to continuity, a way of saying, ‘We are who we’ve always been.’ But here’s the rub: in an era where the royal family is under scrutiny for its relevance, does this decision risk widening the gap between the crown and the people?
One thing that immediately stands out is the argument made by Sir Anthony Seldon, who claims Eton will allow George to grow up ‘unhassled and unfussed.’ While I understand the desire to shield a child from the pressures of public life, this raises a deeper question: Should the future monarch be shielded, or should they be immersed in the realities of the world they’ll one day lead? What many people don’t realize is that other European monarchies often send their heirs to state schools. Sweden’s Princess Estelle, for instance, attends a public school. It’s a subtle but powerful way of saying, ‘We are of the people, not above them.’
The Relatability Factor
This brings me to the heart of the debate: relatability. A detail that I find especially interesting is the comment from a HELLO! reader who argued that Eton will ensure George ‘never knows what most people experience.’ If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a critique of privilege—it’s a concern about the monarchy’s ability to connect with its subjects. In an age where social mobility and equality are central to public discourse, sending George to a state school could have been a bold statement of inclusivity.
But let’s be honest: the monarchy isn’t just about relatability. It’s also about preparing its heirs for a unique role. Eton, with its history and network, offers something state schools can’t—a blueprint for leadership in the highest echelons of society. What this really suggests is that William and Kate are prioritizing tradition and preparation over modernity and accessibility. Is that the wrong choice? Not necessarily, but it’s a calculated one.
The Broader Implications
Here’s where it gets really interesting: the decision to send George to Eton isn’t just about his education—it’s about the monarchy’s identity. By choosing Eton, William is doubling down on the royal family’s historical role as a pillar of the establishment. But in doing so, he’s also forgoing an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a modern monarch. What if, instead of shielding George from the ‘real world,’ they had used his education as a way to bridge the gap between the palace and the public?
This raises another point: the monarchy’s survival depends on its ability to adapt. Look at the Dutch or Scandinavian royals—they’ve thrived by embracing accessibility and humility. By contrast, the British monarchy often seems stuck in its ways. Sending George to Eton feels like a missed opportunity to signal change.
Final Thoughts
So, was Prince William right to send George to Eton? In my opinion, it depends on what you think the monarchy should be. If you believe its strength lies in tradition and continuity, then Eton is the perfect choice. But if you think the monarchy needs to evolve to stay relevant, then this decision feels like a step backward.
What makes this particularly thought-provoking is how it reflects broader societal debates about privilege, education, and leadership. Eton isn’t just a school—it’s a symbol. And by sending George there, William has made a statement about the kind of king he wants his son to be. Whether that’s the right kind of king for 21st-century Britain is a question we’ll all have to answer in the years to come.
