Prince George, second in line to the British throne, began his education at Eton College on September 8, 2026, joining a legacy of royals, politicians, and celebrities. The 13-year-old, accompanied by his parents, faced heightened privacy concerns amid modern media scrutiny.
Prince George’s arrival at Eton College marked the start of a tradition that has shaped British leadership for centuries. The 600-year-old institution, located near Windsor Castle, has educated 20 British prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as celebrities like Hugh Laurie and Eddie Redmayne. For the young royal, the move follows in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, who both attended the school.
A Legacy of Privilege and Controversy
Eton’s history is intertwined with British royalty. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, the school was initially intended to provide free education for 70 boys but quickly shifted toward elite status. Today, annual tuition costs about £65,000, with additional fees bringing the total to over £65,673 ($123,127) per year. Admission is fiercely competitive, with around 1,300 applicants vying for 250 spots. Prospective students once faced surreal interview questions, such as imagining themselves as prime minister arguing for army intervention in protests—a test described as both necessary and moral
in a 2011 example.
The school’s traditions remain stark. Pupils wear black tailcoats, stiff white collars, and pinstriped trousers, a uniform unchanged since 1948. Eton’s culture includes a “pub” where students over 16 can order beer three times a week, a rowing lake, and a shop.
Privacy Battles in the Digital Age
Kensington Palace emphasized strict privacy measures for Prince George’s enrollment. Palace officials reminded the press that students visible from public areas must be protected, even if images surface on social media. This approach echoes strategies used during Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship, which was shielded by a gentleman’s agreement
with the press.
Experts warn that smartphones complicate privacy efforts. Eton’s policies include banning smartphones for first-year students, though they have access to landlines. The school’s headmaster, Simon Henderson, welcomed George with the words, Welcome, good luck, enjoy it,
during a private ceremony.
The Cost of Elite Education
Eton’s financial barriers are staggering. The registration fee is £480 ($900), followed by an acceptance fee of £3,840 ($7,200) and annual tuition of £65,673 ($123,127). These costs exclude additional expenses like uniforms, books, and extracurriculars. Despite the price, the school claims to offer a sense of his own importance
to students, a philosophy Boris Johnson once praised.
George’s enrollment also raises questions about access. While Eton admits some students through scholarships, the majority come from wealthy families. The school’s King’s Scholars, the most academically gifted, enjoy premium meals like confit of duck and swordfish risotto. George, however, will board at the school despite its proximity to his family’s home in Windsor, a decision seen as part of his preparation for future responsibilities.
A New Chapter for the Royal Family
Prince George’s arrival at Eton underscores the royal family’s balancing act between tradition and modernity. Harry, meanwhile, described Eton as a “profound shock” but found solace in rugby. George’s experience will likely differ, with heightened media scrutiny and a focus on privacy.
The school’s role in shaping leaders remains central. As Eton’s website states, All pupils at the £63,000-a -year school ($118,000) get their own room and are moved to a bigger room every year,
reflecting its emphasis on individual development. For George, the challenge will be navigating this environment while avoiding the pitfalls that plagued his predecessors.
