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Harry's Eton Heartbreak: William's Shocking Request
26 Jun
Summary
- Prince Harry felt heartbroken by Prince William's request to ignore him at Eton.
- Harry enrolled at Eton in 1998, one year after Princess Diana's death.
- Prince George will follow his father and uncle to Eton starting this September.

Prince Harry has recounted a deeply painful moment from his early days at Eton College, revealing that his older brother, Prince William, asked him to ignore him upon arrival. Harry joined the prestigious boarding school in 1998, a year after the death of Princess Diana. He had hoped for support from William in the unfamiliar environment but was instead met with a request to "pretend I didn't know him."
Harry described the experience as a "profound shock," noting that Eton became William's sanctuary as he forged his own life. While understanding William's desire for independence, Harry admitted this rejection was agonizing. Sport eventually became his refuge, helping him cope with social and academic pressures.
These reflections have resurfaced as Eton prepares to welcome Prince George this September. Following in the footsteps of his father and uncle, George's enrollment continues a royal tradition at the esteemed school. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith noted Eton's significance as a "much-needed haven" for William and anticipates it will provide George with a rigorous education.