WINDSOR, England — Prince George has begun boarding school at Eton College, following his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, into one of Britain’s oldest and most influential schools.
The 13-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, arrived on September 8 with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Head Master Simon Henderson greeted him with the words: “Welcome. Good luck. Enjoy it.”
An umbrella turning inside out in the rain prompted laughter between George and his parents, creating an unexpectedly ordinary moment during a first day watched around the world.
George arrived in “home clothes,” but official portraits released later showed him wearing Eton’s traditional black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and stiff white collar.
What Prince George’s life at Eton will involve
Despite its name, Eton College is not a university. It is an independent boarding school for boys aged approximately 13 to 18. George will progress through five year groups, beginning as an “F Blocker” and eventually reaching B Block.
He will live in one of Eton’s 25 boarding houses, each accommodating roughly 55 boys. Every pupil receives a private room from the beginning, while a House Master and Dame oversee daily welfare. Older pupils also help new boys adjust to boarding life.
Reports have suggested George may live in Manor House, where William and Harry reportedly stayed, but neither Eton nor Kensington Palace has confirmed his house.
George must also learn Eton’s unusual vocabulary. Teachers are called “beaks,” lessons can be “Divs,” homework is “Extra Work,” and end-of-term examinations are “Trials.” New pupils also take a “colours test” covering the colours of all 25 houses and the locations of key buildings.
Some reports describe older mentors as “uncles” and mention a pupil “timelord” who helps younger boys follow Eton’s packed timetable. Those informal titles are not included in the school’s public glossary, although Eton confirms that older boys support new F Block pupils.
A centuries-old entrance book is another part of Eton tradition. William signed it in 1995, and George was expected to do the same, although no official confirmation or photograph of his signing has been released.
The move means George will spend longer periods away from his family, but Eton remains close to their Windsor home. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis will continue at Lambrook, marking the first time since 2022 that the siblings attend different schools.
The transition follows a year of increasingly visible family appearances, including George joining the royals at Trooping the Colour 2026.
Eton also has a venue called Rowland’s Tap. The school’s official glossary says it serves food and alcoholic drinks to C and B Block pupils—the two oldest year groups. George, as a 13-year-old F Blocker, would not be eligible for alcohol there, making descriptions of it as an “underage pub” misleading.
Discipline has its own vocabulary. A rule-breaking pupil may be placed on “the Bill” and called before a senior member of staff. A “chore” can involve work such as weeding a house garden, while a “rip” is issued for particularly poor academic work and must be signed by the pupil’s House Master and tutor.
Eton’s royal history and £65,673 annual cost
King Henry VI founded Eton in 1440 to educate 70 poor boys free of charge. Those pupils became the King’s Scholars, who still live in the boarding house known as College. Other boys became known as Oppidans, from the Latin word for town.
The school now offers 28 subjects, nine modern and classical languages and a large programme of sport, music, drama and debating. Its unusual sports include the Wall Game and Field Game, while its Dorney rowing lake hosted events during the 2012 Olympics.
Eton’s 2026–27 fee is £21,891 per term, including VAT, or £65,673 across three terms. Optional trips, music lessons and activities cost extra, although the school also provides means-tested financial assistance.
The school has educated 20 British prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as actors Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie.
William attended from 1995 to 2000, while Harry arrived in 1998. The choice broke with the path taken by King Charles III and Prince Philip, who both attended Gordonstoun in Scotland.
George’s first day also fell on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The date carries added meaning after Princess Kate’s Easter appearance paid tribute to the late Queen earlier this year.
For George, Eton begins five years of greater independence, demanding academics and highly visible preparation for a future constitutional role—all while attempting to experience school life like any other teenager.
Last updated: September 9, 2026.
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