After much debate about where Prince George would attend secondary school, it was announced by Kensington Palace earlier this summer that George would follow in his father’s footsteps and attend Eton.
The famous school, founded by King Henry VI in 1440, counts 20 prime ministers, Prince William, and Prince Harry among its alumni.
Prince William started at Eton 31 years ago, on September 6, 1995. Accompanied by his mother, Princess Diana, his father, Charles, and his younger brother, Prince Harry, William’s first day at school was captured by a huge media presence.
Prince George’s arrival was more low-key, and captured by a small pool of cameras. Rather than share Porteous’s portraits on the family’s social media account, the images were released to PA Media by palace aides.
“[Prince William and Princess Kate] understand there is an interest in Prince George starting school, and they have been happy to issue a select number of photographs, but that is it. They expect their son to be able to enjoy a normal happy school life without any intrusion,” a source explains to Vanity Fair. “George has been very sheltered so far, this is all part of him growing up, but William and Catherine are adamant he must be left alone during the next stage of his school life.”
Prince George is said to be “excited and a little nervous” about starting school. One family friend tells Vanity Fair that George will have several friends joining him from Lambrook, the prep school he left at the start of the summer and which his siblings, Charlotte and Louis, still attend.
“William and Catherine have spent the last couple of weeks preparing [Prince George] for this moment. It’s a change for them all because George will be a weekly boarder, coming home for weekends,” the source shares.
While he will be away from home during the week, the family home is a short drive from the school.
