Prince George Starts at Eton College: Tuition Costs, History and Famous Alumni Explained

Prince George began his first day at Eton College in Berkshire on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, accompanied by his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. The 13-year-old, who is second in line to the British throne, is following his father and uncle, Prince Harry, in attending the historic boarding school.

George previously attended Lambrook School near Windsor with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. His move to Eton marks the next stage of his education and brings him into one of Britain's best-known fee-paying schools.

Reuters footage from his arrival showed George walking with his parents before they were greeted by Eton's Head Master, Simon Henderson. The public appearance offered a limited glimpse of his first day without disclosing details of his boarding arrangements or daily routine.

Prince George Begins at Eton College

Eton is an all-boys boarding school near Windsor Castle. Founded by King Henry VI in 1440, it has been part of Britain's educational landscape for almost six centuries and remains closely associated with political, royal and cultural figures.

The school's history remains visible in its buildings and central spaces. A bronze statue of Henry VI, erected in 1720, stands in School Yard, one of Eton's most recognisable historic areas. The college continues to mark its founder's connection to the institution.

Prince William became the first future British monarch to attend Eton when he enrolled in the 1990s. Prince Harry later attended the school as well, making George the latest member of his immediate family to study there.

The school's boarding system is central to life at Eton. According to Eton College, there are 25 boarding houses, each typically accommodating about 55 boys. Houses are supported by teams led by a House Master and Dame, while every pupil has his own room from the beginning of his time at the school.

Eton is also known for its traditional school dress. Pupils are associated with black tailcoats, waistcoats and pinstriped trousers, part of a visual tradition that has long distinguished the school.

How Much Does Eton College Cost?

Eton's fees for the 2026/27 academic year are £21,891 per Half, the school's term for an academic term, including VAT. Eton has three Halves in an academic year, bringing the standard annual school fee to £65,673 before additional extras.

The school says the fee includes tuition, board, lodging, most games activities and the majority of educational materials. Additional costs can apply for items such as music lessons, optional insurance, boat club membership and school trips. Eton says extras usually range from £500 to £1,500 per Half, depending on a pupil's activities.

Those figures describe Eton's published fees and should not be interpreted as confirmation of the precise amount paid by the Prince and Princess of Wales for George's education. No private financial arrangements relating to his place at the school have been publicly established.

Eton's Famous Former Pupils

Eton has educated 20 British prime ministers, according to Reuters, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, who is now Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton and remains a member of the House of Lords.

The school's former pupils also include prominent actors. Reuters lists Hugh Laurie, Damian Lewis and Tom Hiddleston among notable Old Etonians, reflecting an alumni network that extends beyond politics.

George's arrival therefore places him in a school with a long record of educating members of Britain's political and cultural establishment. His most immediate family connection, however, is through his father and uncle, both of whom studied at Eton before him.

The move also ends George's time at Lambrook alongside Charlotte and Louis. For the 13-year-old prince, the first day at Eton represents a significant educational transition while continuing a family link with the school established by the previous generation.