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Prince George's (13) life will change completely this year. The son of heir to the throne Prince William (44) and Princess Kate (44) is leaving Lambrook School and will transfer to Eton College starting in September. This means George, who celebrates his 13th birthday on July 22, will attend his father's former school. William was at the prestigious boarding school from 1995 to 2000.
"Both William and Catherine have done extensive research to make the right decision", Ailsa Anderson, a former staff member of Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), told "People" magazine. Additionally, a source close to the family reported: "George has always wanted to follow in his father's footsteps."
The tuition fees for the private school in Berkshire are around 63,000 pounds (approximately 74,000 euros) per year, according to the BBC. The boys' school, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, has already produced 20 British prime ministers, including David Cameron and Boris Johnson. George's uncle Prince Harry and many other members of the royal family were also educated at Eton. Notable alumni also include actors Eddie Redmayne, Dominic West, Damian Lewis, and Tom Hiddleston.
Advice from Prince George's godfather
During an appearance on "A Right Royal Podcast" by "Hello!" magazine, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton (65) talked about what Prince George can expect during his time at Eton. "It's probably changed a lot since I was there", said George's godfather, who worked as private secretary for William and Kate. "It actually has. And in many ways it's changed for the better."
Lowther-Pinkerton, whose son also attended Eton, explained it is "a huge, huge privilege to go to school there, and there are all sorts of wonderful things you can do there". There are clubs like the debating society or the art history club where incredible people come together. He doesn't want to tell George what to do, said the godfather of the future heir to the throne, but "when someone goes to a place like that, you have to seize the opportunity to enjoy life there to the fullest".
Prince George will be tested on his first day of school
But first, Prince George will probably have to get used to the special customs at his new school. Apparently, there's already a test on his very first day: According to British media reports, one of Prince George's first challenges will be the "Color Test", in which he will be quizzed on the official colors of Eton College's 25 boarding houses as well as the locations of the school buildings.
Writer and Eton graduate Hugo Vickers (74) wrote in the "Times": "No sooner had you arrived than you were already facing a color test. You had to learn all the house colors and various arcane Eton terms for an examination."
Eton has 25 boarding houses
At Eton College, according to reports, each of the 25 boarding houses accommodates about 55 students, with eleven from each year group. Each boy has his own room in the boarding house. "The 25 boarding houses at Eton are the same yet different. They are all caring communities where kindness and empathy are at the center. This in turn enables students to develop a deep understanding of themselves and their abilities in a safe, tolerant, and understanding environment", explains Eton College.
The boys are expected to treat each other politely and respectfully, it continues. "These values are lived in all houses, yet each house also has its own character that reflects the identity of the boys and staff living there."
Prince William and Prince Harry were both residents of Manor House during their time at Eton, and George is expected to be housed there as well.
This is what Prince George's school uniform looks like
Prince George will also need to familiarize himself with Eton College jargon - and perhaps with the school's disciplinary measures too. According to "Hello!" magazine, punishments at Eton include copying out Latin poems or community service such as weeding.
Prince George will also have to adhere to the school dress code. The Eton uniform consists of a black tailcoat, waistcoat and pinstriped trousers, as well as a stiff white collar. Rank is indicated by different collars on the uniforms.
"Some boys immediately feel like a fish in water at boarding school; others take a while to settle in", writes the "Good Schools Guide" about Eton College. Melanie Sanderson, editor-in-chief of the school guide, said according to the BBC that Eton has "spectacular facilities and extensive grounds". Despite its historic buildings, it is a modern school with a progressive orientation.
"Most 13-year-old boys arriving there in September cannot possibly know what adult life holds for them", said Sanderson. "However, Prince George faces a very special future, and his parents, who have an unparalleled choice of schools available to them, have decided that an education at Eton represents the best preparation for life as a modern member of the royal family."
Will Prince George feel as comfortable at Eton College as his father did? In an interview he gave at age 18, Prince William revealed that he greatly appreciated his time at Eton: "I really enjoyed being able to live at Eton just like any other student."
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