Speculation has been swirling around the potential education of Prince George, with Eton College emerging as a likely choice. The nine-year-old was recently spotted visiting the renowned

school, which has a strong family connection. Not only did his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, study there, but George's Spencer relatives, including his uncle Charles, the ninth Earl, also attended.

Intriguingly, Kate Middleton, George's mother, has her own ties to Eton College. The Mail's Royal section has uncovered that two of the school's iconic buildings bear the name of her ancestors, adding to the allure of this historical institution situated in the shadow of Windsor Castle.

One of Kate's forbears, Catholic priest Dr. Roger Lupton, served as the provost of Eton during the 16th century. He was the chaplain to Kings Henry VII and VIII and continued in his role after Henry VII's passing in 1509. Dr. Lupton, who also served as the executor of the king's will, retired in 1535 at the age of 79. Following his death in 1540, he was laid to rest in the chapel, where a brass plate bearing his image can still be found.

Two iconic buildings at Eton College, Lupton Tower and Lupton Chapel, were named in honor of Dr. Roger Lupton. These buildings gained recognition not only for their historical significance but also for their appearance in the 1981 film "Chariots of Fire." The Lupton coat-of-arms, granted by Henry VII, features three wolves' heads, representing the surname "Lupton," and three lilies argent, which also appear on the Eton College coat-of-arms.

Furthermore, Kate's second cousin three times removed, Alan Lupton, attended Eton College from 1888 to 1892. During his time there, he boarded at the college and his house master was science master Dr. Philp Herbert Carpenter. After completing his studies at Trinity College, Cambridge, Alan married Mary, the sister of his fellow old Etonian Sir Merrick Burrell, in 1905.

Kate's family has a rich history intertwined with Eton College. Her great-grandmother, Olive Lupton, and her brother Francis, who were Alan Lupton's second cousins, attended Alan's wedding. Additionally, Kate's great-grandparents Noel and Olive Middleton watched her relative John Middleton play cricket against Eton in the 1914 Eton Match, despite John attending rival Winchester College.

Notable members of the royal family who also attended Eton College include Prince Edward, Duke of Kent; Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester; and Prince Michael of Kent. While Queen Elizabeth II was privately tutored, she studied constitutional history at Eton College.

Historian Michael Reed remarked, "People will assume that the reason that William and Kate are thinking of sending George to Eton is because it's his alma mater. But Kate's family has long had connections to the school too." The intertwining of family history and the school's prestigious reputation make Eton College an intriguing choice for the education of the next generation of royals. Photo by  Eton College, Lupton's Tower by Graham Horn, Wikimedia commons.