Prince George’s Eton Uniform Could Reveal a Special Achievement That Would Make William and Kate Proud

Prince George is about to begin one of the most significant chapters of his education at Eton — and one small detail of the school’s traditional uniform could eventually reveal just how far he has progressed.

The 13-year-old royal is due to start at Eton next week, where he will wear the prestigious school’s distinctive uniform. But if George earns one particular position, his appearance could take on an added significance for his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate.

The reason? His father once held the very same distinction.

A uniform detail with royal significance

Eton’s uniform has evolved considerably since the school was founded in the 15th century. Students no longer wear the top hats or brightly coloured collars associated with its earlier traditions.

Today, the standard uniform consists of a long-tailed blazer, white shirt and pinstriped trousers.

There is, however, a special addition reserved for pupils who reach the rank of prefect.

Eton prefects are permitted to wear a wing collar with a white bow tie. Should George eventually become a prefect, he would be following directly in William’s footsteps.

The future King was not only a prefect during his time at Eton but also became part of the school’s prestigious student society known as “Pops.”

Following William’s Eton path

Membership of “Pops” is not automatic. Students are elected by fellow pupils and teachers, with leadership qualities and contributions to school life among the factors considered.

Those selected can be recognised by another distinctive piece of clothing: a brightly coloured silk waistcoat.

William was a member of the society during his Eton years, and royal watchers may remember him wearing a waistcoat decorated with the Union Jack.

For George, earning the same distinction would therefore create a particularly striking link between father and son.

George will have his own study-bedroom

While George’s royal status may make his arrival at Eton unusual, he will not receive special treatment when it comes to accommodation.

Like every boy at the school, he will have his own private study-bedroom rather than sharing with another pupil.

Eton says the arrangement is designed to encourage independence and self-discipline. Each student is expected to organise his own space while managing his responsibilities, tasks and deadlines.

The school explains that every boy has a private study-bedroom from the beginning and is expected to develop the self-discipline needed to manage his own commitments.

It is another indication that, despite his position within the Royal Family, George’s experience at Eton will involve many of the same expectations placed on his fellow students.

William has praised his own Eton experience

George will also have a particularly useful source of advice at home.

William attended Eton himself and has spoken positively about his years there. He previously said he enjoyed being able to move around the school “as just another student,” adding that it was valuable not to feel “like he was special” during those formative years.

That experience could give William an insight into what his eldest son is about to encounter.

George will also be entering a school located remarkably close to his family. Windsor Castle can be seen from Eton, meaning home is never particularly far away.

According to Melanie Sanderson, managing editor of The Good Schools’ Guide, the proximity could be reassuring if George becomes homesick.

“You can see Eton College from Windsor Castle,” she told HELLO!, adding that this could make it possible for George to return home.

She also noted that boys at Eton now have some freedom to leave the school at weekends, including returning home for Sunday lunch or going back after Saturday evening sporting fixtures.

For George, the transition to Eton will mark the beginning of a new stage of independence. Yet if he eventually earns the distinctive bow tie of a prefect — or the colourful waistcoat associated with “Pops” — he could also find himself retracing some of the most notable steps his father took at the same school.