A new chapter has begun for Prince George: The 13-year-old began his first day at Eton College on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Prince William and Princess Kate, who took him to the grounds of the historic school.
In photos, George was seen wearing dark trousers, a jacket, a shirt, and a tie. Later, he was also photographed in his school uniform, consisting of a black tailcoat, a vest, pinstriped trousers, and a white collar. The future king will live at Eton as a boarding student, having previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire.
The Headmaster Welcomes George With Three Brief Sentences
At the entrance, the royals were greeted by Headmaster Simon Henderson and Provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge. “Welcome, good luck, enjoy it,” Henderson said to George, according to the BBC. The group then briefly discussed the rainy weather before heading toward a historic part of the school.
The visit was a short one, as George arrived from nearby Windsor, where the family lives at Forest Lodge. What stood out most was how high-spirited Kate, William, and George appeared, all three beaming from ear to ear. George himself, now almost as tall as his parents, looked genuinely proud.
Prince William Himself Attended Eton for Five Years
By choosing Eton, George is following a clear family tradition. William attended Eton for five years starting in 1995. During his time there, he served as house captain and a school spokesperson before moving on to the University of St Andrews. Prince Harry also attended Eton later on, as did George’s great-uncle, the Earl Spencer. William’s own first day at the school was a public event at the time, with Charles, Diana, and Harry by his side.
Eton Requires Entrance Exams, High Tuition, and Independence
Admission to the school is considered rigorous. Applicants must pass challenging entrance exams, while annual tuition is reportedly around £65,000, according to the BBC. Eton has 25 boarding houses, each accommodating approximately 55 students aged 13 and older.
In addition to classes and sports, daily life at Eton involves a high degree of self-organization, with students expected to take care of many tasks independently. According to The Independent, the school is known for fostering independence and leadership skills.
From Tom Hiddleston to David Cameron
Eton has long been one of Britain’s most prestigious private schools. Its alumni include 20 British prime ministers, among them David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The list also includes figures from the worlds of culture and entertainment, such as Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, and Damian Lewis. Other notable alumni include writers George Orwell and Ian Fleming, as well as adventurer Bear Grylls.
