Eton College, renowned for its long-standing tradition of educating the elite, has recently implemented a new technology policy concerning the use of smartphones among its youngest students. Starting in September, Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, will be among those first-year pupils who are prohibited from possessing smartphones while at the prestigious boarding institution.
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In lieu of smartphones, Eton College will provide its Year 9 students—Prince George included—with basic “brick” phones that lack internet access. This decision allows students to stay in touch with their families through calls and texts but restricts access to the broader online world. The move is part of a reassessment of the college’s technology policy, aimed at finding a balance between the benefits and challenges that new technology presents in an educational setting.
Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have maintained a firm stance on their children’s usage of smartphones, extending the same rule to Prince George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and Prince Louis, aged 8. Prince William discussed this topic last year during an appearance on the Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler, where he revealed that none of their children have access to mobile phones, emphasising the family’s strict adherence to this principle.
The topic resurfaced during the Prince of Wales’ trip to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize awards in November 2025, where he candidly acknowledged the challenges of shielding his children from potential dangers posed by social media. He noted, “It’s really hard” to navigate these issues, pointing out the considerable risks children may encounter online. However, the prince expressed a willingness to consider allowing Prince George a basic phone without internet capabilities.
Eton College’s decision is likely welcomed by the royal couple, reflecting their household policies. The Prince remarked that he believes “children can access too much stuff they don’t need to see online.” As such, the introduction of non-internet enabled mobile phones is seen as a sensible compromise, maintaining communication while providing a safeguard against inappropriate online content.
In preparation for his new school environment, Prince George has also engaged in preliminary boarding experiences at Lambrook School, where he has been living away from home alongside his siblings. Reports suggest that the prince himself suggested this arrangement, which aided in his transition to a boarding school setting.
Prince George’s academic journey at Eton will include passing the so-called “colours test,” a rite of passage for new entrants that evaluates their knowledge of the school’s various boarding houses and locations. Royal commentator Hugo Vickers has recounted his own experiences at the school, noting that this test can catch students off guard with questions on more esoteric Etonian trivia.
While many educational options were considered for Prince George, it appears that he has always aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps by attending Eton. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, the school has a distinguished history of educating numerous influential figures, including 20 British prime ministers and a host of royals.
Eton’s reputation for fostering leadership and academic excellence continues to thrive in the modern era, signifying a commitment to evolve while preserving its traditional ethos. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith observed that the school has adapted to become more inclusive than in previous generations, ensuring that its educational offerings remain relevant and diverse.
As Prince George prepares to don Eton’s signature black tailcoat and pin-striped trousers this coming September, he steps into a role rich with history and expectation. The move underscores the royal family’s values in providing a grounded upbringing for their children amid the pressures of royal life. The blend of tradition and modern policies may well equip the young prince for the leadership roles that lie ahead.