Prince George’s school protected by drones and SWAT

Their decision to send him to the Posy Institute ends years of speculation about where George would continue his education and follows the consideration of several options, including Marlborough College, Kate’s former school.

While Eton’s academic reputation, royal connections and proximity to the family’s home in Windsor played a major role in the decision, sources say security concerns were also central to the discussions due to George’s status as second in line to the throne.

A source with knowledge of royal protection planning said: “Security measures surrounding George’s enrollment include drone monitoring and SWAT-style teams deployed to the roofs of the school and surrounding perimeter.

“The security presence will be particularly strong in his first few months at Eton.”

Another insider has told us: “George is a hugely high-profile target for kidnapping and terrorism, and there will be a ring of steel thrown around Eton, especially when he first attends.”

They added: “This was one of the most important parenting decisions William and Kate have faced, and they approached it with enormous care. They understood that George’s next school would define an important period in his life, so they examined every aspect of the decision in detail, including the practical realities of protecting a child who will one day be king.”

Safeguarding planners have reportedly spent months assessing the balance between safeguarding and normal school life.

Another insider familiar with the safeguarding arrangements surrounding George said: ‘The challenge is to give the young prince enough independence to enjoy school, while ensuring any foreseeable risk is addressed. The security will be exceptionally robust, but the aim is to make it as unobtrusive as possible for George and the other students.”

The decision to enroll George at Eton is said to have been largely decided by the start of the current academic year, although William and Kate continued to assess alternatives before reaching a final conclusion.

According to sources familiar with the family’s thinking, Eton’s proximity to Windsor was a deciding factor.

The school’s long history of educating members of the royal family and other high-profile students was also seen as a significant advantage.

A royal source said: ‘Throughout the process, William and Kate kept asking what would be best for George as a son, and not just as a future monarch. They wanted him to have opportunities to grow and thrive while remaining close to his family and support network.”

Another source familiar with royal security matters said: “Every time a future king enters a new environment, protection planning becomes extremely detailed. George is one of the most recognizable children in the world, and extensive measures will inevitably be put in place to ensure his safety while minimizing disruption to school life.

“Eton has extensive experience of dealing with high-profile pupils, but George’s profile is unique. It is expected that robust safeguards will surround his time at the school, not because of any specific threat, but because of the position he holds within the Royal Family.”

The increased focus on safety comes as Eton faces continued scrutiny over historic safeguarding failures and abuse scandals that have cast a shadow over one of Britain’s most famous educational institutions.

Among the most serious allegations were claims linked to former principal Anthony Chenevix-Trench, who led the school in the 1960s and later faced numerous complaints of sexually predatory behavior toward students. Although he died without prosecution in 1979, former students later filed civil claims.

More recently, former teacher Matthew Mowbray was jailed in 2020 after being convicted of sexual activity with a child, voyeurism and making indecent images of children.

And earlier this year, former Eton teacher Jacob Leland, 37, was sentenced to three years and three months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a male pupil.

George, who turns 13 in July, will join Eton in September, while his siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8, will remain at Lambrook School in Berkshire.