Prince George marks his 13th birthday today, and a recent revelation from his uncle, Prince Harry, offers a potentially exciting connection to his upcoming schooling. During an appearance on a popular television show, Prince Harry discussed his own experiences with football, or ‘soccer’ as it’s sometimes called, at Eton College, the prestigious institution Prince George is set to attend in September.
Prince Harry’s Eton Football Past
In a segment of his interview with host James Corden, Prince Harry, who is 41, shared anecdotes about the sports he played during his time at Eton College. The conversation touched upon whether he was a fan of football, with Corden humorously questioning if such an elite school would even permit the sport. Prince Harry quickly clarified, engaging with the terminology by asking, “Why are you calling it soccer?” He then elaborated on the school’s diverse sporting options, explaining, “It was such a posh school that everything was an option.”
Eton College’s own website confirms a wide array of sports available to its students, including hockey, football, rowing, cricket, fencing, swimming, squash, martial arts, and water polo. This extensive offering means that students have a broad range of athletic pursuits to engage in.
A Boost for Prince George’s Football Fandom
This insight into Eton’s sporting culture is particularly relevant for Prince George. The young royal is known to be an enthusiastic football fan and frequently accompanies his father, Prince William, to watch their favoured team, Aston Villa, play. The prospect of participating in football at Eton, where his uncle also played, is likely to be a welcome piece of news as he prepares to begin his secondary education there this September.
Prince George’s Milestone Birthday Portrait
Prince George’s 13th birthday was also marked by the release of a new official portrait. This year’s photograph presented a more formal image compared to previous years, perhaps signaling his transition into adolescence and his impending move to secondary school. Taken by photographer Matt Porteous at Kensington Palace following the Trooping the Colour event, the image shows a visibly grown-up Prince George standing on the palace stairs. The portrait was shared publicly with a caption wishing him a “Happy 13th birthday, George!” accompanied by a celebratory emoji.
As second in line to the throne, Prince George’s education at Eton College, a school renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance, will be closely watched. The institution, which boasts a history of educating numerous former Prime Ministers, comes with a substantial annual fee of £65,000. The birthday portrait was complemented by footage of Prince George enjoying himself on a beach in Cornwall during the Easter break, capturing a moment of celebration as he reached this teenage milestone.
Prince Harry’s Broader Media Engagements
Prince Harry’s appearance on James Corden’s show was part of a series of recent media engagements. He has also featured on other platforms, including a podcast hosted by Joe Marler. During his conversation with Corden, the Duke of Sussex also offered his thoughts on England’s performance in a past World Cup semi-final match against Argentina. He reflected on the team’s mindset, suggesting that a “slight shock value” and an “immediate temptation to fall into defence” may have contributed to the outcome, rather than a deliberate tactical shift.
In a lighter vein
