13-year-old Prince George, second in line to the throne, began his studies on September 8 at the prestigious Eton College—one of the most famous elite educational institutions in the UK, founded nearly 600 years ago. The future British king is following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who also attended the school.
Prince George was accompanied to his new school by his parents, Prince William and the Princess of Wales, Kate. Released footage shows them smiling and appearing relaxed as they are greeted by the college headmaster, Simon Henderson. Prince George, the grandson of King Charles III, previously attended the private Lambrook school alongside his sister Charlotte and younger brother Louis. The family now lives on the grounds of Windsor Castle, located near Eton College.
Life at Eton College
Tuition at the boys’ boarding school, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, is approximately £65,000 (S$111,300) per year. The institution maintains many traditions: students wear tailcoats, waistcoats, and pinstriped trousers, and teachers are referred to as “beaks”.
Prince William was the first member of the British royal family to attend Eton College. His brother, Prince Harry, also graduated from the school. Meanwhile, their father, Charles, attended Gordonstoun school in northern Scotland—the same place his father, Prince Philip, once attended. Charles later recalled that he found his time there difficult.
In contrast, Prince William has said he enjoyed his time at Eton. He noted that he often visited Windsor Castle on weekends to have tea with his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Eton College has long been considered a school for the British elite. Its alumni include 20 British prime ministers, such as Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as actors Hugh Laurie, Damian Lewis, and Tom Hiddleston.
Prince George‘s first day at Eton College also coincided with the fourth anniversary of the death of his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of Charles III to the throne.
Source: The Straits Times
