Prince George starts at Eton, where his father William and uncle Harry studied

At 13, Prince George begins a new chapter away from home, surrounded by traditions that long predate his family's place in modern Britain. His first day at Eton links him to his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, while marking the beginning of an experience distinctly his own.

In Short

• William and Kate accompanied George as headteacher Simon Henderson welcomed him warmly
• He changed into Eton's formal tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and white collar
• Founded in 1440, the Windsor boarding school charges about £65,000 annually

Prince George has followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, beginning his education at Eton College, the elite Windsor boarding school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry. George, 13, arrived at Eton on Tuesday accompanied by William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

He was greeted by headteacher Simon Henderson, who wished him luck and encouraged him to enjoy his first day. George will live at the school as a boarder after leaving Lambrook, where he studied alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as reported by Reuters.

AN ELITE SCHOOL WITH A LONG HISTORY

Founded by King Henry VI in 1440, Eton College is an all-boys boarding school in Windsor, close to Windsor Castle and the Wales family's home. The school has long been associated with Britain's political and cultural elite. Twenty British prime ministers have attended Eton, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron.

Its alumni also include actors Hugh Laurie, Damian Lewis, Tom Hiddleston and Eddie Redmayne, as well as writers such as George Orwell and Ian Fleming.

WHY GEORGE’S CHOICE OF ETON MATTERS

George's decision to attend Eton was announced by Kensington Palace in June, ending months of speculation. Other schools, including Kate's former school Marlborough College and co-educational schools in north London, were reportedly considered.

The choice means George is following in the footsteps of his father, William, and uncle, Harry, who both attended the elite school. William joined Eton in 1995, while Harry followed in 1998.

George's move also marks a break from the educational tradition of his grandfather, King Charles III, who attended Gordonstoun in Scotland. Unlike Lambrook, where he studied alongside Charlotte and Louis, Eton means George will live away from his family during term time.

His first day began in the historic School Yard, overlooked by Lupton's Tower and centred around a statue of Eton's founder, Henry VI.

A SYMBOLIC DATE FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY

George's first day at Eton fell on September 8, exactly four years after Queen Elizabeth II's death and King Charles III's accession, adding a layer of royal significance to the milestone.

As second in line to the throne, his education is closely watched. Yet his arrival also marks a familiar teenage transition, starting boarding school, meeting classmates and adjusting to life away from home. For George, however, the setting is deeply connected to his family's history.

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