Prince George has begun a new chapter in his education by starting at Eton College, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William.
The 13-year-old is joining the prestigious independent school in Berkshire as a boarder. Eton, which charges fees of around £65,000 a year, has educated 20 British prime ministers.
George, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is second in line to the British throne.
Prince George follows royal family tradition
There had been considerable speculation over which school George would attend after completing his education at Lambrook, an independent preparatory school in Berkshire.
Several private schools were reportedly considered, but the decision ultimately followed a long-standing family connection with Eton.
Prince William attended the school, as did his younger brother, Prince Harry. Their great uncle, Earl Spencer, was also an Eton pupil.
George’s move means he will now experience boarding life at the historic institution.
Life as a boarder at Eton
Eton has 25 boarding houses, each accommodating approximately 55 pupils. Residential staff, led by a house master, oversee the students.
The school is also relatively close to the Wales family’s home in Windsor, meaning George will remain near his family despite becoming a boarder.
The Good Schools Guide describes boarding at Eton as an experience to which some pupils quickly adapt, while others require more time to settle.
Each boy is provided with a private single room.
Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of the Good Schools Guide, described Eton as having impressive facilities and extensive grounds while maintaining a modern and progressive approach despite its historic buildings.
She said George faces a particularly unusual future compared with most boys starting at the school because of his position within the royal family.
Prince William also attended Eton
Prince George’s arrival at Eton echoes his father’s experience at the school.
Prince William began attending Eton in 1995. When he was 18, he spoke positively about his time there and said he enjoyed being able to experience school life as an ordinary student.
William’s time at Eton also created a strong connection between the school and the modern British royal family.
Prince Harry later followed his brother to the school, beginning his studies there in 1998.
Eton has educated politicians and celebrities
Eton has a long history of producing prominent figures in British public life.
Among recent politicians who attended the school are former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, as well as Kwasi Kwarteng and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The school has also produced a number of well-known actors, including Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston.
For Prince George, however, his education at Eton will carry additional significance because of his place in the line of succession.
A major step for the future king
Starting at Eton represents another important stage in George’s childhood as he grows up under intense public attention.
While his school years are expected to provide a degree of normality, his position means his education will inevitably be viewed through the lens of his future role.
As second in line to the throne, George is expected to undertake increasing royal responsibilities as he gets older.
His first day at Eton therefore marks not only the beginning of his boarding education but another milestone on the path towards his future as a senior member of the royal family.
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