Prince George began the next stage of his education Tuesday, September 8, with his first day at Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry, both of whom attended the prestigious school outside London.
How the Day Unfolded
George, 13 and second in line to the British throne, appeared in good spirits despite the gloomy fall weather as he made his way to his new school accompanied by his parents, William and Catherine. He arrived dressed in a jacket, shirt, tie, and dark trousers, before changing into Eton's traditional uniform — a black tailcoat, waistcoat, and pinstriped trousers with a stiff white collar. The family crossed the historic institution's School Yard, a cobblestoned quad centered around a statue of King Henry VI, who founded the school in 1440, before being greeted by the school's principal, Simon Henderson, and provost, Nicholas Coleridge.
Following in Family Footsteps
George's arrival at Eton continues a family tradition: Prince William attended the school starting in 1995, while Prince Harry began in 1998. Prior to starting at Eton, George attended Lambrook School, a private preparatory school near Windsor, alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
A School With an Extraordinary Alumni List
Eton is widely regarded as one of Britain's most famous and prestigious fee-paying schools, with an alumni roster that includes 20 of the UK's 59 prime ministers. Notable former students include Boris Johnson, who led the UK from 2019 to 2022, and David Cameron, prime minister from 2010 to 2016 — both Conservative leaders who passed through the school before entering national politics. Beyond politics, Eton's list of famous alumni extends into entertainment, including actors Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston, and Eddie Redmayne.
The Cost of an Eton Education
Eton remains one of the most expensive schools in the country: fees for the current 2025/26 academic year stand at £63,298.80, roughly $84,900 — a figure that underscores the institution's status as an elite, fee-paying establishment reserved for a small fraction of British students.
What This Means for George's Path Forward
As second in line to the throne behind his father, George's education has drawn close public attention as part of the broader narrative around the monarchy's future. His enrollment at Eton places him on a similar educational trajectory to his father and uncle, at an institution deeply woven into British political and cultural history — a notable milestone in his upbringing as he continues preparing, in the long term, for an eventual future role within the royal family. For continuing coverage, see the full CNN report.