Royal Family Prepares for Major Shake-Up as Key Member 'Will Be Missed'
The British royal family is preparing for a major shake-up, as Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest son, Prince George, is heading off to boarding school in a few months.
In September, the future king, 12, will begin secondary school, a milestone that royal author Robert Jobson told Hello! magazine will be an "emotional time" for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Still, boarding school is a great opportunity for Prince George as he continues his education and one day become king. "It's a chance for him to spread his wings and take part in things in the afternoons and evenings instead of going home to Mum and Dad," Jobson explained.
She continued, of Prince William and Middleton, "Both of them know what it was like; they both boarded, so they know how it works. William used to go to visit the late Queen [Elizabeth II] and Duke of Edinburgh [Prince Philip] at Windsor while he was at Eton College, but that has to be organised. You can't just pop home when you want to."
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As Prince George embarks on this new chapter of his education, his two younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, almost 11, and Prince Louis, almost 8, will remain at Forest Lodge on the Windsor Estate with their parents.
"They are such a tight family unit; George will be missed," Jobson speculated. "It will be like having an empty seat at the table."
In other recent royal news, on April 5, all five members of Prince William's family stepped out for the Easter Service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor for the first time in three years.
Other exciting upcoming events include Prince William and Middleton celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary on April 29. Prince Louis' 8th birthday is also coming on April 23, followed by Princess Charlotte's 11th birthday on May 2. Meanwhile, Prince George will turn 13 on July 22.
Next: Prince William & Kate Middleton Share "Beautiful" News After Anniversary Trip
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 7:26 AM.