The short version
- Prince George has started his first day at Eton College as a boarding student.
- The decision aligns him with the educational paths of Prince William and Prince Harry.
- Observers suggest the choice reflects a strategy to prepare him for modern royal responsibilities.
Prince George, the eldest child of Prince William and Catherine, has commenced his studies at Eton College. The thirteen-year-old, who is second in line to the British throne, will reside on campus as a boarder. This move marks a distinct phase in his upbringing, transitioning from independent preparatory schooling at Lambrook in Berkshire to one of the United Kingdom's most prominent private institutions.
The selection of Eton represents a continuation of a specific familial pattern regarding education. Prince William attended the school beginning in 1995, and Prince Harry followed in 1998. The institution also educated Earl Spencer, George’s great-uncle. By choosing this path, the royal family reinforces a tradition that links several generations of the Windsor lineage to the historic Berkshire campus.
Eton College is known for its rigorous academic standards and high costs, with annual fees reaching approximately £65,000. The school has a long history of educating influential figures, including twenty British prime ministers. Recent political alumni include David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Beyond politics, the student body has included notable actors such as Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, Damian Lewis, and Tom Hiddleston.
As a boarder, Prince George will live in one of the school’s twenty-five boarding houses. Each house accommodates roughly fifty-five pupils under the supervision of residential staff led by a house master. The institution provides private single rooms for students. This living arrangement is designed to foster independence and community among the boys, a structure that has remained consistent despite updates to facilities.
Educational analysts note that the transition to boarding school can vary significantly for adolescents. Some students adapt immediately, while others require time to adjust to the new environment. The Good Schools Guide describes Eton as having spectacular facilities and spacious grounds, balancing its ancient architecture with a modern, progressive outlook. The proximity of the school to the royal family’s home in Windsor may also offer some logistical convenience.
The decision to enroll Prince George at Eton appears calculated beyond mere tradition. Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of the Good Schools Guide, suggested that while most thirteen-year-olds cannot predict their adult lives, Prince George faces a unique and predetermined future. She noted that his parents, who had access to an unrivaled selection of schools, likely viewed an Eton education as the optimal preparation for his role as a modern working royal.
Prince William has previously expressed satisfaction with his own time at the school. In an interview conducted when he was eighteen, he remarked on the value of being able to navigate the campus as just another student. This perspective may inform the current approach to George’s education, emphasizing normalcy within the constraints of his public status.
Speculation regarding Prince George’s secondary education had circulated prior to this announcement, with various private schools considered potential options. The final choice underscores a preference for established institutions with deep historical ties to the monarchy. As he settles into boarding life, the focus will likely remain on his academic development and personal adjustment during this formative period.
The start of the school year at Eton is a significant event for the royal family, signaling another step in Prince George’s maturation. While details about his specific curriculum or extracurricular activities have not been widely disclosed, the framework of his education is now set. The coming years will determine how he navigates the pressures of public life alongside his academic responsibilities.
Observers will watch closely to see how this educational chapter unfolds. The choice of Eton places Prince George in a lineage of powerful and influential alumni, setting expectations for his future conduct and leadership. As he integrates into the school community, the royal family continues to balance tradition with the demands of contemporary public service.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Prince George set for first day at Eton College
