Prince George, 13, embarked on a significant new educational chapter today, September 8, 2026, as he was accompanied by his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to his first day at the prestigious Eton College in Berkshire, England. The occasion marked a return to the historic all-boys boarding school for Prince William, who attended Eton three decades ago.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, joined their eldest son for the milestone event. George, not yet in his full uniform, was dressed in a dark blazer, chinos, a light blue shirt, navy tie, and brown suede shoes, an outfit similar to his father’s. Princess Kate wore a dark green dress, with both parents holding umbrellas against an early autumn drizzle.
Upon their arrival, the family was greeted by Simon Henderson, the school’s headmaster, and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, Eton’s provost. They were then escorted into the fourth-form passage, where Princess Kate was observed placing a hand on her son’s back. As is customary for new students, Prince George’s parents will assist him in settling into his room, which features a single bed, a desk, and shelves. His accommodations are expected to expand in size as he advances through the school.
A Legacy of Royal Education
Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, holds a deep tradition of educating notable figures, including 20 British prime ministers and numerous members of the royal family. Prince George’s attendance continues a family legacy, mirroring his father’s enrolment in September 1995 when Prince William, also 13 at the time, was accompanied by his parents, Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles, despite their earlier separation. Prince Harry, then 10, also joined his brother for that occasion, later enrolling at Eton himself in 1998, as reported by the BBC.
Prince William’s time at Eton, from 1995 to 2000, was described by author Simon Vigar as a ‘good time,’ and it notably provided refuge for him after Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith highlighted Eton as a ‘much-needed haven’ for William, where he found stability, formed a close bond with his housemaster, Andrew Gailey, and established lifelong friendships. The school, which costs approximately $80,000 annually, is expected to offer Prince George a similar supportive environment and a loyal group of friends, according to Bedell Smith.
Significance for the Royal Family and Beyond
This event underscores the enduring tradition within the British royal family and their choices for the education of future generations, a matter of interest to an international readership given the global prominence of the monarchy. Eton’s reputation for shaping leaders means the choices made for royals like Prince George can be seen as reflecting broader institutional values and the continuity of a globally recognized public role.
The Prince and Princess of Wales carefully researched options for their eldest son, with a family source informing People.com that George had always expressed a desire to ‘follow in his dad’s footsteps.’ While the family does not release back-to-school photos annually, they have shared moments from other significant educational milestones, including Prince George’s first day of nursery school in 2016 and his first day at Thomas’s Battersea in 2017. His siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, will continue their education at Lambrook School, marking the first time in four years that the three siblings are attending separate schools. Princess Charlotte, upon reaching 13, will not attend Eton as it is an all-boys institution, with Marlborough College being a potential option, a school her mother, Princess Kate, also attended.
As Prince George begins his five-year journey at Eton, he is expected to receive guidance from his father on school traditions, including the recognizable uniform and specific terminology. He will also undertake a ‘colours test,’ memorizing the official colors of Eton College’s 25 boarding houses and various building locations. The progression of his time at this historic institution will likely be a continued point of public observation.
Image: People.com
Sources consulted
- CNN: Prince George arrives for first day at Eton College
- BBC: William, Harry and George: Royals’ first days at Eton through the years
- People.com: Kate Middleton and Prince William Drop Off Prince George for His First Day at Eton College
Adrian Velk is a global affairs journalist focused on breaking news, geopolitics, and societal trends. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, he delivers timely reporting that helps readers understand the fast-moving world around them. His work blends factual depth with clear storytelling, making complex events accessible to a broad audience.
