Prince George’s New Life at Eton Involves a Surprisingly Strict Yet ‘Welcomed’ Rule

**Prince George Embarks on New Chapter at Eton College Without Smartphone**

Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has recently begun his journey at the esteemed Eton College, stepping into a world steeped in tradition and academic excellence. However, one modern staple that will be conspicuously absent from his everyday life at the prestigious institution is a smartphone, in line with Eton’s policies prohibiting such devices.

Eton College has implemented a strict ban on smartphones for students starting in 2024, allowing only basic mobile phones devoid of internet access, primarily for calls and texts. This decision may come as a welcome relief to Prince William and Kate Middleton, who have openly expressed their concerns regarding the impact of excessive screen time and digital exposure on young minds.

Melanie Sanderson, managing editor at The Good Schools Guide, highlighted the positive response from parents regarding this policy. “The phone decision was very much welcomed by parents, and the boys are so busy, they don’t have time to be sat on their beds, scrolling TikTok,” she stated. This reflects a broader societal trend towards reconsidering how children interact with technology in their formative years.

Prince George, now 13, commenced his studies at the historic boarding school in Berkshire earlier this month, following in the footsteps of his father, who attended Eton from 1995 to 2000. The royal family’s proactive stance on digital usage suggests a continuation of their commitment to raising well-adjusted children in an increasingly connected world.

In previous statements, Prince William has candidly addressed his views on children and technology. “Our children don’t have phones. I think when George moves to secondary school, then maybe he might have a phone that has no internet access,” he shared in November 2025. His concerns about the potential dangers associated with unrestricted internet access underscore his desire to protect his children from content deemed inappropriate or unnecessary.

Despite being able to call home, it is unlikely that Prince George has had much opportunity to return home since starting at Eton. Once settled in, the young royal is expected to engage in a comprehensive induction programme designed to help new students, known as “F Blockers,” bond with their peers and adapt to the unique environment of the school.

The induction process is implemented to foster camaraderie among students and immerse them fully in school traditions. Eton has its own distinct culture, including Latin-inspired slang terms; for instance, academic terms are referred to as “halves,” while lessons are known as “divs,” and report cards are whimsically called “threepenny bits.” New students will need to embrace these eccentricities as part of their schooling experience.

As Prince George adjusts to life at Eton, his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are likewise adapting to their new routine. “It’s not a drop-off, it’s a handover—and that’s a massive transition for parents,” Sanderson remarked, noting the emotional weight that comes with entrusting one’s child to a new educational environment. As George embarks on this significant phase of his education, William and Kate continue to fulfil their royal duties, attending various engagements, including events such as the recent world premiere of the film “Digger” in London’s Leicester Square.

Sending a child to boarding school is a substantial shift for any parent, especially within the royal family, where such moves are scrutinised closely by the public and the media. “It’s massive,” Sanderson added, reflecting the emotional complexity involved in this transition, not only for the child but also for the parents.

As Prince George embraces this new chapter of his life, his experience at Eton College will be marked by both academic pursuits and personal growth, shaped significantly by a unique environment designed to equip him for the future—all while navigating the complexities of growing up in the public eye without the distractions of modern technology.