Prince George officially commenced his journey as an Etonian on September 8, 2026, marking a significant milestone in his education. The 13-year-old prince arrived at the prestigious all-boys boarding school, accompanied by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton. The family received a warm welcome from the headmaster, Simon Henderson, and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the provost of Eton, known for leading the governing body.
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For the initial greeting, Prince George was dressed in casual attire but soon appeared in Eton’s iconic uniform, a striking ensemble that includes a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pin-striped trousers, and a stiff white collar. Renowned photographer Matt Porteous captured this moment, resulting in a series of portraits that highlight the young prince’s transition into this storied institution.
George’s father, Prince William, shared similar experiences when he attended Eton from 1995 to 2000, a period that overlapped with the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana. The royal family has maintained a long-standing connection with the school; indeed, George’s uncle, Prince Harry, also attended, beginning in 1998. In his memoir, Spare, Harry reminisced about the challenges of mastering the school’s strict dress code, recalling that getting dressed felt like a daunting task on his first morning there.
As George settles into school life, he faces an array of challenges that come with being a new student. If he progresses well, he has the chance to become a “Pop,” a senior student with a leadership role, which would allow him to don a more decorative waistcoat as part of his uniform—a privilege his father enjoyed in the form of a Union Jack-themed waistcoat.
The moment echoed the past, with images reminiscent of Prince William’s own first day at Eton. On that occasion in 1995, both Princess Diana and Prince Charles were present, despite their separation, to support their son as he began his journey. Prince Harry was also by his brother’s side, creating a poignant picture of family unity during a landmark moment.
Notably absent from the significant day were Prince George’s siblings, Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and Prince Louis, aged 8. After their formal introduction, the family proceeded to the fourth-form passage, where they participated in settling George into his new room, an essential step for new students, referred to as “F Block” at Eton.
Prince George expressed a distinct desire to follow in his father’s footsteps, believing that Eton would provide him with a rigorous education vital for his future responsibilities as a royal. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith previously highlighted how Eton offered a crucial support system for Prince William, especially in light of the difficulties he faced following his mother’s death.
As George embarks on this new chapter, he is likely to have received guidance from his father regarding the intricacies of school life, including navigating the specific terminology used at Eton. William may have even imparted tips on the “colours test,” a quiz that assesses students on the official colours of Eton’s 25 boarding houses and the locations of key buildings across the campus.
While George will reside at Eton during the week, he will return home on designated weekends, where he can engage in family life and attend various school events. The convenience of Eton’s location, just 15 miles from the family’s residence at Forest Lodge, ensures that George can enjoy regular family interactions, which may help ease the transition into boarding school life.
Reflecting on his own school days, Prince William fondly remembered the treasured moments spent with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, during visits to Windsor. He shared stories of enjoying “the best teas” with her when he had the opportunity to step away from his academic responsibilities.
As Prince George sets off on his exciting journey at Eton College, he embodies a legacy that is rich with history and familial connections, and the world watches with keen interest as he begins this pivotal chapter in his life.