UK’s Prince George starts at Eton College

Prince George, the 13-year-old son of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, began his education at the prestigious Eton College on Tuesday. The young prince, who is second in line to the British throne, arrived at the school under a drizzling rain and was greeted by Headmaster Simon Henderson, who wished him a warm welcome, good luck, and enjoyment.

George, who will complete his secondary education at Eton, will board at the elite institution despite it being only a short distance from his family home in Windsor. The prince is following in the footsteps of his father and uncle Prince Harry, both of whom attended the prestigious school. Eton College, located in the county of Berkshire, has educated 20 past prime ministers, including Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as notable figures such as actor Tom Hiddleston and the creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming.

Founded by King Henry VI in 1440, Eton has long been a symbol of elitism and the class divide in Britain. The school currently educates boys aged 13 to 18 and maintains many of its traditional customs, such as a distinctive uniform consisting of a black tailcoat, black waistcoat, white shirt, and bow tie, along with striped trousers.

Each year, Eton welcomes approximately 1,350 pupils. Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of the accession to the throne of Prince George's grandfather, King Charles III, which was celebrated with a gun salute in central London.