Prince George of Wales began his first day at Eton College on Tuesday, marking a significant step in his education as he enters one of the United Kingdom’s most renowned boarding schools. The 13-year-old, who turned 13 in July, follows in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who attended Eton from 1995 to 2000. The royal family’s focus on George’s first day comes amid a busy period, as Prince William is scheduled to attend the funeral of King Harald V of Norway in Oslo on Wednesday.
Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, is located in Windsor, England, and is known for its rigorous academic environment and distinctive traditions. George will board at the school until he turns 18, a departure from the typical British schooling experience where most students do not board. His enrollment at Eton also continues a break from royal tradition; while his grandfather, King Charles III, and great-grandfather, Prince Philip, attended Gordonstoun in Scotland, Prince Charles has described his time there as difficult.
Eton’s traditions and structure
Eton operates under a unique system that distinguishes between scholars and non-scholars. The school’s scholars, a small group of students selected for academic excellence, reside in College, the original 15th-century building. The remaining students, known as Oppidans, live in one of 24 boarding houses. George will reside in one of these houses, though the specific house has not been publicly disclosed.
The school’s terminology reflects its long-standing customs. Lessons are referred to as "divs," teachers as "beaks," and mid-morning breaks as "chambers." Sports fields are divided into "Agars" and "Dutchman’s," with "Dry Bobs" playing on firm ground such as cricket pitches and "Wet Bobs" engaging in rowing. New students are expected to pass the Colours Test, an assessment of their knowledge of the school’s history, traditions, and symbols, including the names of buildings and the colors associated with each house.
Academic expectations and royal comparisons
Eton is widely regarded as one of the most academically challenging schools in the UK. Prince William has spoken positively about his experience there, though Prince Harry, in his memoir Spare, described struggling to keep up with the academic demands. George’s enrollment at Eton places him in an environment where he will be separated from his parents for extended periods, as boarding schools require students to live on campus during term time.
The school’s academic rigor is complemented by its emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and debate. Eton’s Fourth of June celebrations, a historic event marking the anniversary of the school’s founding, are among its most notable traditions. The event includes a procession of students in formal attire and is attended by notable figures from British public life.
Historical context and royal precedents
Prince William’s first day at Eton on September 6, 1995, was a notable moment in royal history. He arrived in a suit and tie, accompanied by his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as his younger brother, Prince Harry. The choice of Eton over Gordonstoun marked a shift in royal educational preferences, with Prince Charles later expressing dissatisfaction with his time at Gordonstoun, famously comparing it to a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp.
Eton’s proximity to Windsor Castle, the royal family’s primary residence, has made it a practical choice for royal education. The school’s reputation for academic excellence and its role in shaping future leaders have solidified its place in British culture and history.
What lies ahead for Prince George
George’s time at Eton will span five years, during which he will complete his secondary education and prepare for potential future roles in public life. The school’s environment, with its blend of academic rigor, tradition, and social expectations, will present both opportunities and challenges. As he navigates this new chapter, George will join a long line of students, including future monarchs, who have passed through Eton’s halls.