On 8 September 2026, Prince George embarked on a significant chapter in his life as he commenced his studies at Eton College, one of the UK’s most prestigious all-boys boarding schools. The 13-year-old prince arrived at the historic institution accompanied by his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton. Eton, renowned for its rigorous academic reputation and connections to British royalty, marks a critical milestone in young George’s education.
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Shortly after his arrival, Kensington Palace released a series of photos capturing Prince George in Eton’s distinctive uniform. Dressed in a black tailcoat, waistcoat, and pin-striped trousers with a crisp white collar, the imagery evoked fond memories of his father, who was similarly photographed at Eton during his own formative years. The location of these new photographs is significant as they were taken in the same spot where Prince William posed for his 18th birthday portrait.
Eton is steeped in history, with its founding tracing back to 1441, and the new’uniformed prince was pictured against the architectural backdrop of the esteemed Lower School. The portrait session, conducted by Matt Porteous, a familiar photographer of the Wales family, highlighted the strong familial connections that have always been a hallmark of Eton’s legacy. Both princes were seen leaning against the royal columns of the historic building, demonstrating a continuity of tradition within the family.
Reflecting on his own experiences at the school, Prince William had achieved a reputation as a “Pop,” a senior student entrusted with leadership responsibilities, by the time he reached his 18th birthday. This status allowed him to don a more colourful waistcoat for his official portraits, including a striking blue and gold ensemble, and another featuring the Union Flag. Both the story of his own time at the school and the emotional recollections associated with it lend a poignant context to Prince George’s arrival.
Interestingly, Prince Harry, who followed William to Eton three years later, has shared his own struggles with the school’s uniform in his memoir, “Spare.” He described the challenge of getting dressed in the morning while adhering to the rigorous uniform regulations. The combination of the black tailcoat, white collarless shirt, and intricately folded tie added to the complexity of his first morning, a sentiment many new students may resonate with.
While newer students like Prince George may initially face similar sartorial challenges, Eton does provide some support when it comes to the laundry. As outlined by Melanie Sanderson, managing editor at The Good School’s Guide, while boys are typically responsible for making their own beds, the institution handles the laundering of uniforms. Each student’s uniform is meticulously prepared ahead of time, with name labels hand-stitched and placed in their rooms, easing the transition into boarding life.
As Prince William has shared, his experiences at Eton were immensely beneficial, especially during a tumultuous time for the royal family. He joined the school at a point when his parents were navigating a public separation, which later culminated in their divorce in 1996. Tragically, the passing of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 further emphasised the significance of Eton in providing him a stable environment surrounded by a supportive peer group and devoted mentors.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith underscored the role that Eton played in forming who Prince William would become. She commented, “Eton was a much-needed haven for William. It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.” It seems that this sentiment is shared across generations, as George prepares to navigate the academic rigour that comes with being a pupil at such an esteemed institution.
As Prince George begins this new educational journey, all eyes will surely be on his development, both academically and personally. The legacy of the royal family’s connection to Eton continues, and Prince George’s experiences will likely incorporate the same mixture of challenge and camaraderie that shaped his father and uncle’s time at the same college. As he dons his uniform for the first time, the young prince steps into a world rich with tradition, expectation, and the opportunity for personal growth.