Prince George starts at Eton College: Why his school choice matters for the future King
Prince George will stay at the boarding school, which takes pupils from the age of 13. PA MEDIA
Prince George has begun a new chapter at Eton College, following a royal family tradition that links his education directly to his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry.
The 13-year-old Prince of Wales arrived at the prestigious boarding school on Tuesday with his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The family was greeted by Eton headteacher Simon Henderson, with footage showing the royals smiling and appearing relaxed during George’s first day.
George’s move to Eton is significant beyond the prestige attached to the school. As the second in line to the British throne, his education is closely watched, and his choice places him on a path that mirrors the one taken by his father.
The timing also carried royal symbolism: George began at Eton on the fourth anniversary of the death of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of his grandfather, King Charles III.
Why Prince George Is Going to Eton College
Eton has been part of the education story of Britain’s political and social elite for centuries.
Founded by King Henry VI in 1440, the all-boys boarding school is located close to Windsor Castle, where the royal family has strong ties. George previously attended Lambrook School near Windsor alongside his younger sister, Princess Charlotte, and younger brother, Prince Louis.
His move to Eton places him in the same institution attended by both Prince William and Prince Harry.
That family connection makes George’s school choice particularly notable. It means the future king is following a route already taken by his father, rather than adopting the educational path chosen by his grandfather.
Prince William Was the First British Royal to Attend Eton
George’s decision continues a relatively recent royal precedent.
Prince William became the first British royal to attend Eton, choosing the school while his father, King Charles, had taken a different route.
Charles attended Gordonstoun, the Scottish private school also attended by his father, Prince Philip. Charles has previously described aspects of his experience there as difficult.
William, by contrast, has spoken positively about his time at Eton.
He previously recalled being able to visit Windsor Castle at weekends for tea with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth. The proximity of Eton to Windsor therefore gave William an unusual connection between his school years and his royal family life.
George’s decision suggests that William’s own experience at the school has influenced the next generation.
Prince Harry Also Attended Eton
George will not be the only member of his immediate family with memories of Eton.
His uncle, Prince Harry, also attended the school, making it a particularly familiar institution within the current generation of the royal family.
For George, that means entering a school environment where his father and uncle have already left their mark.
It also places him within a tradition that has connected the monarchy with Eton for decades, even as other senior royals have chosen different schools.
What Makes Eton So Prestigious?
Eton is one of Britain’s best-known independent schools and has educated generations of prominent figures.
The school has produced 20 British prime ministers, including former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron.
Its alumni also include actors such as Hugh Laurie, Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston.
Its reputation extends beyond academic achievement. Eton has maintained distinctive traditions that make it unlike many modern schools.
Pupils traditionally wear tailcoats, waistcoats and gowns, while teachers are referred to as “beaks.”
Those customs have survived alongside a modern education, giving the school a strong sense of institutional identity.
For George, that combination of tradition, elite education and proximity to Windsor makes Eton a particularly consequential setting for his teenage years.
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How Much Does Eton College Cost?
Eton is also one of Britain’s most expensive schools.
The annual fees are reported at about $88,000 for the all-boys boarding school.
The cost reflects the school’s boarding structure and extensive educational facilities, but George’s attendance also highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding royal education.
The prince is growing up with the expectation that he will eventually become Britain’s monarch. His schooling is consequently likely to attract considerably more public attention than that of an ordinary teenager.
George’s School Choice Continues a Royal Pattern
The royal family’s educational history is not uniform.
Charles followed his father’s path to Gordonstoun. William later broke with that tradition by becoming the first British royal to attend Eton. Harry then followed his brother there.
George’s arrival extends the Eton connection into another generation.
That makes the choice more than a simple decision about where a teenager should study. It also reflects how the modern royal family balances inherited traditions with individual choices.
William and Kate could have chosen another prestigious school for their eldest son. Instead, they selected the institution where William himself spent his teenage years.
Why George’s Eton Years Could Matter for the Monarchy
George is currently second in line to the throne, behind his father.
His education will form part of the preparation for a future role that could eventually involve representing the monarchy in Britain and overseas, supporting charitable organisations and carrying out constitutional duties.
That does not mean every aspect of his schooling is designed around becoming king. Eton is also a conventional school environment in which George will study, form friendships and develop away from his public responsibilities.
Still, the choice of school inevitably carries symbolic weight.
His arrival comes as the monarchy moves into a new generation. King Charles is now on the throne, William is heir apparent, and George represents the generation that will follow him.
His education at Eton creates a direct link between William’s teenage years and the future king’s own upbringing.
George Starts Eton on a Significant Royal Anniversary
There was another layer of symbolism surrounding George’s first day.
His arrival at Eton coincided with the fourth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and the accession of King Charles.
Elizabeth died four years ago, beginning the transition from the Elizabethan era to the reign of her eldest son.
George’s first day at a school so closely associated with his father and uncle therefore came on a date already significant to the monarchy.
It marked a personal milestone for the young prince while also underscoring the generational transition taking place within the royal family.
What Happens After George Starts at Eton?
George is expected to spend his teenage school years at Eton, where he will receive a boarding-school education alongside other pupils.
His move marks the end of his time at Lambrook, where he studied with Charlotte and Louis.
The change will also give George a degree of independence from his younger siblings, who are not following him to Eton.
That separation is another significant feature of the transition. For the first time, the three Wales children will have different school experiences, even though their family home remains close to Windsor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince George and Eton College
How old is Prince George?
Prince George is 13 years old and is second in line to the British throne.
When did Prince George start at Eton?
George started at Eton College on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Why is Prince George attending Eton College?
George is following the educational path taken by his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry. Eton is also located close to the royal family’s Windsor connections.
Did Prince William attend Eton?
Yes. Prince William attended Eton and became the first British royal to do so.
Did Prince Harry go to Eton?
Yes. Prince Harry also attended Eton College.
Did King Charles attend Eton?
No. King Charles attended Gordonstoun in Scotland, following the school tradition of his father, Prince Philip.
Where did Prince George go to school before Eton?
George previously attended Lambrook School near Windsor with his sister Charlotte and brother Louis.
Is Eton College a boarding school?
Yes. Eton is an all-boys boarding school.
How much does Eton College cost?
The article reports annual fees of approximately $88,000.
What is Eton College famous for?
Eton is known for its long history, elite alumni, royal connections and distinctive traditions. It has educated 20 British prime ministers as well as prominent actors and other public figures.
What do Eton students wear?
Traditional Eton dress includes tailcoats, waistcoats and gowns.
What do students call teachers at Eton?
Teachers at Eton are traditionally known as “beaks.”
Is Prince George the future king?
George is currently second in line to the British throne, behind his father, Prince William. His position means he is expected to become king if the current line of succession remains unchanged.