Prince George starts Eton

Prince George of Wales began his studies at Eton College today, being welcomed alongside his parents, William and Catherine. 

The future King of the United Kingdom, Prince George of Wales, officially began secondary school today. The 13-year-old will spend time at one of the most prestigious institutions in the land, which has educated members of his family and some of the country’s leading figures. For today, it was a monumental first step into life away from home for the young Prince.

Prince George was joined by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they emerged from Lupton’s Tower at Eton on a rain-drizzled morning. The three were welcomed by Headteacher Simon Henderson as well as Provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge.

The Prince will have his own bedroom in “F block”—one of 25 boarding houses—where students are placed during their time at the college. Older boys will help younger pupils adjust to their new environment. Prince George, as does every newcomer, will have an assigned “uncle” who will help guide him throughout his studies. While every housing block is essentially the same, the boys inside and how they interact with one another create each block’s distinct character and their own identities.

Prince George’s time at Eton is expected to remain private. The Prince and Princess of Wales have gone to great lengths to ensure their son’s time at Eton can remain as “normal” as one could be at such a historic institution. Various signs have been spotted in the community reminding people not to photograph pupils as they leave lessons or walk about during their private time.

The very short distance from Eton to the Wales family’s Windsor home will also offer a great deal of comfort to George, as he can receive visits from his parents on Sundays or go home on select weekends or during school breaks.