Prince George Debuts Eton Uniform In First Official Photos As Proud William And Kate See Him Off

Prince George has officially begun life at Eton College, and his first photographs in the school’s unmistakable uniform have been released by Kensington Palace.

The 13-year-old second-in-line to the throne is pictured wearing the traditional Eton outfit for the first time — a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstripe trousers and white bow tie — after arriving at the prestigious school with his proud parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

The photographs came just hours after George was seen smiling as he walked through the historic school grounds alongside his parents.

Waiting to greet him was Eton headmaster Simon Henderson, who welcomed the young prince as he began what is expected to be a five-year boarding education.

A Proud Moment For William And Kate

George initially arrived in what Eton calls “home clothes” — a smart dark blazer, shirt, tie and chinos, paired with brown suede shoes.

The family emerged beneath Lupton’s Tower, the 16th-century gatehouse clock tower, before walking across the cobbled school yard.

Kate was visibly protective of her son, placing an arm around his back as they made their way through the historic grounds.

The Waleses then stopped beside a bronze statue of Henry VI, who founded Eton, where George was introduced to Mr Henderson and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the school’s Provost and chairman of its governing body.

“Welcome,” Mr Henderson told him. “Good luck. Enjoy it.”

William, who attended Eton himself, arrived in an outfit matching his son’s and carried a closed umbrella, while Kate held one against the light drizzle.

Even the weather prompted a brief joke from William.

“If it rains, it rains for ages,” he remarked, prompting Sir Nicholas to reply: “Typical.”

Following In His Father’s Footsteps

The family was then shown into the fourth form passage in the original school building, understood to contain what is believed to be the world’s oldest classroom.

It marked the beginning of a new chapter for George — and a strikingly familiar one for his father.

William attended Eton from 1995 to 2000 and boarded at Manor House. His decision to attend the Windsor school was itself considered a departure from royal tradition, as his father, King Charles, had been educated at Gordonstoun in Scotland.

George’s uncle Prince Harry also attended Eton.

The young prince previously studied at Lambrook School in Berkshire alongside his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. His move to Eton now means he will spend term time away from the family home, although the school is only a short distance from the Waleses’ Windsor base.

George’s Parents Want His School Life Kept Private

Despite the enormous interest surrounding George’s first day, William and Kate are understood to be keen for his education to remain largely away from the public spotlight.

Signs have reportedly been placed around Windsor asking members of the public not to photograph pupils as they move between the school’s buildings.

After the carefully managed arrival and official photographs, George’s parents are expected to step back and allow him to settle into boarding-school life like other pupils.

Kate and William will help him get settled into his new room, before the wider student body returns to Eton.

For George, it represents a significant change.

He has previously experienced part-time boarding at Lambrook, but Eton will be his first full-time boarding environment, bringing a new level of independence.

Why Eton Was Chosen

Kensington Palace confirmed in June that George would follow William and Harry by attending the £63,298-a-year school.

The decision came after months of speculation over where the future king would continue his education.

Marlborough College, where Kate was educated, was reportedly among the alternatives, while William and Kate were also said to have visited Oundle School in Northamptonshire.

But Eton appears to have been on their radar for some time. The couple were reportedly seen touring the school with George as far back as 2023.

The school is renowned for its emphasis on self-reliance and leadership, with pupils expected to take on responsibilities beyond their academic work.

Admission is highly selective, involving rigorous testing, while the cost of attending is among the most notable aspects of its elite reputation.

A School Filled With Famous Names

George is also joining an extraordinary list of former pupils.

Eton has educated actors including Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie and Eddie Redmayne, as well as numerous British prime ministers including David Cameron and Boris Johnson.

Writers George Orwell and Ian Fleming also attended, as did adventurer Bear Grylls.

The royal connection stretches beyond William and Harry, with the Duke of Kent, Prince Michael of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester among other members of the Royal Family educated there.

For King Charles, however, his son’s decision to attend Eton represents another break from his own educational path.

Charles attended Gordonstoun in the Scottish Highlands, following his father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Charles later told biographer Jonathan Dimbleby that his time there had felt like a “prison sentence”, although he credited the school with instilling self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.

A New Chapter For The Future King

Now it is George’s turn to experience one of Britain’s most famous schools.

His first official photographs capture a moment that is both deeply personal and unmistakably royal: a teenage boy beginning boarding school, accompanied by two proud parents, while the world watches.

But once the gates close behind him, William and Kate’s hope is clear — that George can experience the next stage of his education with as much normality and privacy as possible.

For the future king, the familiar Eton uniform is now part of a very different kind of childhood — one that is beginning to move him steadily towards greater independence.