Prince George has begun his first day at Eton College, arriving at the prestigious boarding school with his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, on Tuesday 8 September.
The 13-year-old, who is second in line to the throne, was welcomed by headmaster Simon Henderson before entering the school for the start of his new term. Mr Henderson told him: “Welcome, good luck, enjoy it.”
George arrived in a dark blazer, shirt, tie and chinos, while official portraits released by Kensington Palace showed him later wearing Eton’s traditional uniform of a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and stiff white collar.
The portraits were taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous and offered a carefully controlled glimpse of the future king’s first day. The family had opted for a low-key arrival, with limited media access as George settled into life at the school.
His move to Eton follows a decision announced by Kensington Palace in June, ending months of speculation that he might attend Marlborough College, where his mother was educated.
William and Harry both attended Eton, with the Prince of Wales beginning there in 1995. William’s arrival was a far more public affair, with members of the royal family and a large media presence gathered to mark the occasion.
George travelled the short distance from Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park to the school, which stands close to Windsor Castle. He will board during term time alongside pupils beginning their first year at the college.
Founded by King Henry VI in 1440, Eton is one of Britain’s best-known independent schools. Its former pupils include 20 prime ministers, as well as actors Hugh Laurie, Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston.
George previously attended Lambrook School in Berkshire with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He will now take part in Eton’s long-established boarding routine and its centuries-old academic and social traditions.
