Prince George Begins Eton College as Boarding Student, Following Royal Tradition

Prince George is embarking on a significant milestone in his adolescence as he prepares to start at Eton College, one of Britain's most prestigious independent schools. The 13-year-old heir to the throne will join the institution in September 2026 as a full-time boarder, continuing a family legacy that spans generations of the royal household.

His attendance at the Berkshire-based school represents a continuation of royal tradition. Prince George follows his father, the Prince of Wales, his uncle Prince Harry, and his great-uncle Earl Spencer in choosing Eton. As the oldest child of Prince William and Catherine, George holds the position of second in line to the throne.

Kensington Palace confirmed the school placement on 16 June 2026, months before the anticipated start date. According to , the annual fees for Prince George's year group are approximately £63,000. The institution maintains a formal policy of accepting only boarding students, which explains why George will reside at the school rather than commuting from his family home in Windsor.

What makes Eton distinctive?

Eton College has shaped the education of 20 British prime ministers and counts numerous prominent figures among its alumni. Recent politicians who attended include Lord David Cameron, Boris Johnson, Kwasi Kwarteng and Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg. The school's former students in entertainment include Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston.

The school operates 25 boarding houses, each accommodating approximately 55 pupils under the supervision of residential staff headed by a house master. Each student receives a private single room. According to the Good Schools Guide,

some boys take to boarding like a fish to water; others take a minute to settle in.

Managing editor Melanie Sanderson described Eton as possessing

spectacular facilities and spacious grounds

while noting that

despite its ancient buildings, it is a modern school with a progressive outlook.

Sanderson observed that George's parents, with access to an unrivalled selection of educational institutions, have determined that

an Eton education represents the best preparation for life as a modern working royal.

According to ABC News, George completed Eton's standard admissions process like other applicants before accepting his place at the school.

How does George's experience differ from his father's?

Prince William attended Eton beginning in 1995 and reflected positively on his time there. When interviewed at age 18 in June 2000, he stated:

I've really enjoyed being able to go about Eton as just another student.

Prince Harry began his studies at the school in 1998.

George's boarding experience will differ markedly from his father's era. According to coverage from September 2026, Eton does not permit smartphones for students in George's year group, restricting them to basic mobile phones instead. This represents a significant departure from the technological environment William encountered during his own schooling at the institution.

What lies ahead for Prince George?

George's educational tenure at Eton is expected to continue until he reaches 18 years of age, providing him with a comprehensive secondary education at the institution. His arrival at the school marks the beginning of a formative period that will shape his development during his teenage years and prepare him for the responsibilities that await him as a future monarch.

The decision to enrol George at Eton reflects his parents' confidence in the school's capacity to provide both academic rigour and the particular preparation required for a member of the modern royal family. His placement at the institution continues a tradition that has defined royal education for generations while adapting to contemporary expectations and constraints.

Key Facts

• Prince George will board at Eton College beginning in September 2026, following family tradition established by his father and uncle
• Eton's annual fees for George's year group are approximately £63,000, with the school maintaining a boarding-only policy
• The institution has educated 20 British prime ministers and maintains 25 boarding houses with approximately 55 pupils each
• Students in George's year are restricted to basic mobile phones rather than smartphones during their time at school
• George is expected to remain at Eton until age 18, completing his secondary education at the prestigious institution