World
Prince George Begins Boarding Life at Eton College
Prince George is set to start his first day at Eton College, following the same path as his father, the Prince of Wales, who also studied at the historic Berkshire school. The 13-year-old, who is second in line to the throne as the eldest child of Prince William and Catherine, will become a boarder at the prestigious institution, where annual fees are approximately £65,000. Eton has educated 20 British prime ministers throughout its history.
Speculation had surrounded which school Prince George would attend after completing his studies at Lambrook, an independent prep school in Berkshire. Several private schools were rumored as possibilities, but the family ultimately chose a familiar option. Prince George now follows his father, uncle Prince Harry, and great-uncle Earl Spencer in attending Eton College, which is conveniently located near the family's home in Windsor.
As a boarder, Prince George will join one of Eton's 25 boarding houses, each accommodating around 55 pupils under the supervision of residential staff led by a house master. According to the Good Schools Guide, every student is provided with a private single room, though adjusting to boarding school life varies from student to student.
Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of the Good Schools Guide, described Eton as having "spectacular facilities and spacious grounds" while maintaining "a modern school with a progressive outlook" despite its historic buildings. She noted that most 13-year-old boys starting at the school in September have little idea what their futures hold, but acknowledged that Prince George faces a distinct path. She added that his parents, despite having access to numerous elite schooling options, determined that an Eton education would best prepare him for his future role as a working royal.
Eton's alumni include several prominent politicians, such as Lord David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Kwasi Kwarteng, and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, along with celebrities like Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, Damian Lewis, and Tom Hiddleston.
Prince William himself spoke fondly of his time at the school in a 2000 interview at age 18, saying he appreciated being able to move around campus "as just another student."