As the new school year approaches, Prince George prepares to embark on his educational journey at Eton College, following in the footsteps of both his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry. At just 13 years old, George is set to face the unique challenges and traditions associated with the prestigious institution, including mastering the school’s distinctive vocabulary.
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Prince Harry, now 41, recalled his own experience of starting at Eton back in 1998. It was a time marked by significant change in his life, following the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana. In his 2023 memoir, “Spare,” Harry described entering the hallowed halls of Eton as a “profound shock,” noting the overwhelming nature of the school’s environment and the steep learning curve that lay ahead.
He emphasised the initial bewilderment he faced, particularly in adapting to the school’s renowned uniform requirements and learning to navigate a new language filled with Eton-specific terms. Harry noted that, at Eton, lessons weren’t merely classes but referred to as “divs,” while instructors became “beaks” and even mid-morning meetings were called “Chambers.” The complexity of terms extended to seemingly simple concepts, leaving Harry feeling disoriented and in need of adjustment.
Eton College is not just aware of its distinctive lingo; it has compiled a “Glossary” on its official website to assist new students in acclimatising to the school’s culture. Prince George will enter F Block, which corresponds to Year 9 in other educational settings, and will need to navigate through peculiar labels like “Dinner” for lunch and “Extra Work” for his homework assignments.
Beyond the academic adjustments, Harry shared a personal anecdote about the emotional challenges of starting at Eton. He revealed that, at his brother’s request, he was asked to “pretend I didn’t know him” as William sought to establish his own identity within the school. This, Harry admitted, was a difficult experience made easier by channeling his energy into sports.
Harry found solace in athletics, particularly rugby, which served as a critical outlet during what he described as a tumultuous time. Reflecting on his school years, he remarked, “Sport held me together… If it wasn’t for the sports field and the amount of sports that were on offer, there’s no way I would have stayed in school.” This affirmation of sport’s importance highlights both his struggles and triumphs during his formative years at Eton.
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, Eton College has garnered a reputation for nurturing some of the most influential figures in British history, including 20 UK Prime Ministers. The traditions that have shaped its legacy remain strong, yet the school has evolved, making strides towards inclusivity and diversity that differ from the experiences had by previous generations.
In considering Prince George’s upcoming transition to Eton, a source with ties to the royal family shared that the young prince has always aspired to follow in his father’s educational footsteps. They noted that, while Eton is steeped in tradition, it has also adapted to modern times with an increasingly varied student body.
Royal author Sally Bedell Smith elaborated on the family’s decision, noting that their choice for George’s education at Eton is grounded in the school’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence and its focus on preparing students for future leadership roles. As George gears up to embark on this new chapter, he joins a storied lineage of students who have walked the same paths, bringing their own hopes and aspirations along with them.
For Prince George, the experience ahead promises to be both enriching and challenging, as he embarks on a journey shaped by Eton’s unique traditions and expectations. While he is sure to encounter the same sense of novelty that his father experienced decades earlier, he will do so with the support of his family, guiding him through the complexities of identity and the academic environment awaiting him at this revered institution.