Rain‑soaked start sees Prince George begin at Eton College

Prince George, the 13‑year‑old son of Prince William and Catherine, made his first appearance at Eton College on a damp morning, BBC News reported. The young royal arrived in a black coat and navy blazer, joining a cohort of boys who were already settled in the centuries‑old boarding house. While the sky threatened showers, the Prince’s arrival was marked by a modest ceremony that respected both tradition and the privacy the family seeks.

The Prince of Wales, Charles, attended Eton in the 1940s, and the decision to send his grandson to the same institution underscores a continued royal preference for elite private education. According to the BBC, George’s enrollment follows a pattern where senior members of the family have historically chosen schools such as Eton, Gordonstoun and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for their formative years.

Eton College, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, extensive extracurricular programme, and a network of alumni that includes former prime ministers, Nobel laureates and members of the aristocracy. The school educates roughly 1,300 boys between the ages of 13 and 18, many of whom go on to attend Oxbridge or secure high‑profile careers in public service and business. Its curriculum blends traditional subjects like Latin and mathematics with modern offerings in science, technology and the arts.

Royal attendance at Eton has often sparked public debate about privilege and meritocracy. Critics argue that the monarchy’s reliance on elite schools distances future sovereigns from everyday citizens, while supporters contend that the institution provides a disciplined environment that prepares heirs for constitutional duties. Historically, princes who attended Eton have been expected to balance academic achievement with the school's demanding house life, which includes duties such as prefect responsibilities and participation in the famed rowing and cricket teams.

The weather on George’s first day was typical of early September in southern England, with light rain and overcast skies. Despite the drizzle, the Prince was seen walking the historic quadrangles alongside his housemaster, a gesture that symbolised his entry into a community that has shaped generations of British leadership. The school’s headmaster welcomed the royal newcomer, noting that the Prince would be expected to adhere to the same standards as his peers.

As Prince George settles into Eton’s routine, observers will watch how his education influences his public role in the years ahead. The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, public service and personal responsibility may well inform the future king’s approach to the constitutional monarchy.

BBC News provided the core details of the Prince’s first day, including his age, the weather conditions and the historic link to his father’s schooling.