Prince George has officially begun his secondary education at Eton College, marking a significant milestone as he joins the prestigious institution. The 13-year-old future King arrived on campus on September 4th, accompanied by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to commence his boarding experience. This move places him in the esteemed company of his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry, both of whom are alumni of the historic school.
Prince George’s First Day at Eton
Arriving punctually at 10:30 AM, Prince George was greeted by Eton’s headmaster, Simon Henderson. The young royal was dressed in the school’s traditional “home clothes,” which for his first day consisted of a smart dark blazer, a crisp shirt, tie, and chinos, complemented by brown suede shoes. He emerged from beneath Lupton’s Tower, a 16th-century gatehouse, and walked across the cobbled school yard, a historic area adjacent to the school chapel.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with Prince George, paused by a bronze statue of Eton’s founder, King Henry VI, situated in the center of the quadrangle. There, they formally met Simon Henderson and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the Provost of Eton College and chair of its governing body. Headmaster Henderson welcomed Prince George, offering words of encouragement: “Good luck. Enjoy it.”
The family navigated the initial moments of settling in, with Prince William carrying an umbrella against a light drizzle, while Catherine, Princess of Wales, also held one. They were then guided into the fourth form passage within the original school building, a section believed to contain one of the world’s oldest functioning classrooms. The Princess of Wales was observed placing a supportive hand on her son’s back as they entered.
New first-year students at Eton are known as “signs” and are housed in “F Block.” Like other families, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to assist Prince George in settling into his new dormitory. Other students, from higher years, were scheduled to return to Eton later in the week, with the academic term commencing on Wednesday.
A Legacy of Royal Education at Eton
Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, boasts a long-standing connection with the British royal family. Both Prince William and Prince Harry attended the boarding school, which is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and its role in shaping future leaders. The annual fees for Eton are substantial, with costs approaching £63,000 for the upcoming academic year.
Prince William’s time at Eton reportedly included periods where he would visit Windsor Castle for afternoon tea with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. The choice of Eton for Prince George follows a period of consideration, with speculation about his educational path after completing his studies at a preparatory school in Berkshire. While other institutions, including Oundle School and Marlborough College (where the Princess of Wales was educated), were reportedly considered, the traditional route of attending Eton, located conveniently near the family’s Windsor residence, was ultimately chosen.
Eton’s Esteemed Alumni and Educational Philosophy
Beyond royalty, Eton College has educated a remarkable array of distinguished individuals. Its alumni network includes prominent figures from various fields, such as actors like Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, and Eddie Redmayne; politicians like former Prime Minister Lord David Cameron; writers including George Orwell and Ian Fleming; and adventurer Bear Grylls. The school has educated 20 British Prime Ministers, underscoring its influence on national leadership.
Eton’s educational approach emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of character and leadership skills. The curriculum is designed to challenge students intellectually while fostering a sense of community and responsibility. The school’s historic setting, combined with its modern facilities, provides a unique environment for learning and personal growth.
Royal Family Context and Future Engagements
Prince George’s first day at Eton coincides with a period of renewed public focus on the royal family. The return of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to the UK for a brief period earlier in the month has generated considerable media attention. While the Sussexes reportedly aimed to maintain a low profile during their visit, focusing on their children before the start of their new school year, their presence has inevitably led to discussions about the broader royal family dynamics.
Sources close to the Prince and Princess of Wales suggest they are committed to their “service and duty” and plan to continue with their public engagements despite any potential distractions. Both William and Catherine have maintained a demanding schedule of royal duties, particularly in the past year. Prince William has continued his work as a working royal, supporting his father, King Charles III, and his wife through their respective health challenges. Catherine, Princess of Wales, has also been actively returning to public life following her own health issues, undertaking numerous high-profile engagements both domestically and internationally.
With Prince George now settled at Eton, the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to resume a full program of royal duties following the summer break. This new chapter for their eldest son marks a significant step in his journey towards fulfilling his future role within the monarchy.
It is worth noting that there had been some speculation regarding Prince George’s schooling, with some reports suggesting the Princess of Wales might have preferred a different type of institution. These reports alluded to her own experiences at Downe House, an all-girls boarding school, and a potential preference for co-educational or different boarding environments. However, the decision to send Prince George to Eton aligns with a long-established tradition within the royal family.
