Prince George, 13, starts a brand-new chapter today, arriving at Eton College with a cohort of boys to commence five years of education there. The prestigious institution is a boarding school, meaning George will sleep there, moving out of his family home in Windsor. Eton has 25 different houses where the boys live, including one special house, but here's why the royal teen won't be granted access to that one.
There will be around 55 boys per house, but there's one particular house called "College" that's dedicated to "the King's scholars", and these are the top academic pupils who have sat an extra test to be granted this privilege. While the royals have not released information on where George will stay, it's likely that he will be an "Oppidan", which means a standard pupil, staying in one of the other 24 houses.
© GettyWho will decide where Prince George stays at Eton?
While George's family could request a specific house for traditional or security reasons, the team at Eton are expected to allocate George's room, as they do for the rest of the students. This is a rigorous process and includes carefully selecting students to create a balanced and harmonious house.
© Princess Diana ArchiveWhat are the Eton 'houses' like?
"Each House has its own character to reflect the identities of the boys and staff who live there," the website explains. Evans's is the oldest "Oppidan" house, so it comes with a lot of history; meanwhile, other houses are named after notable Eton figures. Keate House was built in 1788 and named after Dr. John Keate, Eton’s notoriously stern 19th-century Head Master. Then there's Angelo's, named in honour of Sophie Angelo, a legendary "Dame" who managed the property for 40 years. This property dates back to circa 1790.
© Getty ImagesWhere did Prince William stay at Eton?
© Tim Graham Photo Library via GetBoth Prince William and later his brother, Prince Harry, stayed at Manor House while studying at Eton. This particular property is located on the High Street, opposite the library. It's unknown if George will follow in his family's footsteps, and his exact location is likely to remain private for security reasons.
A picture from William's Eton era shows him keeping up with his studies in his private dormitory room. The teenager was pictured sitting at a large white desk in front of his large 90s computer and keyboard, below a pinboard displaying various notes and letters regarding his studies.
King Charles' son enjoyed his time at Eton and was part of a prestigious prefect society known as "Pop". We wonder if George will follow in his father's successful footsteps.
