Prince George has begun his first day at Eton College, starting a new chapter of his education at the prestigious Berkshire boarding school on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The 13-year-old future king arrived with his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as he left behind Lambrook School and followed in his father’s footsteps at Eton.
George, who is second in line to the British throne, was welcomed by Eton head master Simon Henderson and provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge after arriving at the historic school in wet weather.
Henderson greeted the prince with the brief message: “Welcome, good luck, enjoy it.”
George initially arrived wearing a dark blazer, shirt, tie and chinos before changing into Eton’s distinctive formal uniform in keeping with school tradition. The move marks his first experience at a full boarding school.
Prince George follows William to Eton
The decision continues a family connection with Eton.
Prince William attended the school from 1995 to 2000, becoming the first senior member of the Royal Family to study there. Prince Harry later attended between 1998 and 2003.
William’s first day in September 1995 was considerably more public. He was photographed arriving with his parents, the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, as well as Prince Harry.
George’s parents have taken a more controlled approach to publicity surrounding their children’s schooling. Only limited media access was provided for his arrival, reflecting William and Kate’s efforts to allow their children to continue their education away from constant public attention.
The 13-year-old previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.
Charlotte and Louis remain at Lambrook, meaning George’s move to Eton also marks the first time in several years that the three children will attend different schools.
NewDailyPrime has previously reported on members of the British Royal Family, including Prince Harry’s departure as patron of Sentebale.
What life at Eton will be like for George
Eton College was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 and remains one of Britain’s best-known independent schools.
It is a full boarding school, meaning pupils live at the school during term time rather than attending only during the day.
Eton says all boys are placed in one of 25 boarding houses, with approximately 55 pupils in each house. Every student has his own room from the beginning, while house masters and other staff provide pastoral support.
Pupils normally return home periodically, including during weekends known as Short Leave and during half-term breaks. George’s family home at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park is only a short journey from Eton.
The school is also expensive.
For the 2026/27 academic year, Eton lists fees of £21,891 per term, including VAT, with three terms in the school year. Extra activities can add further costs. The school also offers means-tested financial assistance to qualifying families.
Among Eton’s former pupils are 20 British prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson, as well as writers, actors and other prominent public figures.
George’s arrival therefore places him in an institution closely associated with Britain’s political and social establishment.
NewDailyPrime has also covered events involving the monarchy and Windsor, including security preparations around Windsor Castle ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit and David Beckham receiving his knighthood from King Charles III.
A major step for the future king
George turned 13 in July and is second in the line of succession after his father, Prince William.
His move to Eton comes as he begins taking occasional higher-profile roles alongside other members of the Royal Family, while his parents continue to keep much of his childhood and education private.
The milestone also fell on 8 September, the fourth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
What readers should know
Prince George has officially started at Eton College as a full-time boarder, following the same educational path as his father, Prince William, and uncle Prince Harry. He will live at the school during much of the term but remains close to his family home in Windsor. Although his status as a future king guarantees public interest, William and Kate are expected to continue seeking privacy for their son during his school years.
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