Britain’s Prince George has begun a significant new chapter in his education, arriving at the prestigious Eton College on Tuesday for his first day at the historic institution.

The 13-year-old royal, who is second in line to the British throne, is following a family tradition by attending the renowned school just outside London. His father, Prince William, and uncle, Prince Harry, were both educated at Eton, one of Britain’s most prominent independent schools.

George appeared to be in high spirits despite the gloomy autumn weather as he arrived at the school accompanied by his parents, Prince William and Catherine. The occasion marked an important milestone for the young royal, who is expected to balance the demands of his position within the Royal Family with his academic and personal development.

For his arrival, George initially wore a conventional school outfit consisting of a jacket, shirt and tie, paired with dark trousers. However, after reaching the school, he changed into Eton’s distinctive formal uniform.

His new attire included a black tailcoat, waistcoat and pinstriped trousers, completed by the school’s characteristic stiff white collar. The formal dress is one of the features for which Eton is particularly well known and reflects the institution’s long-established traditions.

The young prince was photographed as he began his first day, appearing relaxed as he accompanied his parents into the school grounds.

George and his family entered through the institution’s historic School Yard, a cobblestoned quadrangle at the heart of the school. At its centre stands a statue of King Henry VI, who founded Eton College in 1440.

The historic setting provided a fitting backdrop for George’s arrival at a school that has educated generations of prominent British figures, including members of the Royal Family.

Upon reaching the School Yard, the family was welcomed by Eton’s principal, Simon Henderson, and its provost, Nicholas Coleridge.

The group spent several minutes speaking with school officials before George proceeded with his first-day activities.

Henderson was heard welcoming the new student and offering him words of encouragement.

“Welcome, good luck, enjoy it,” the principal told George.

The brief exchange appeared to capture the informal but significant nature of the occasion as the young royal began life at one of Britain’s most traditional educational institutions.

George’s decision to attend Eton continues a pattern established by his father and uncle. Prince William attended the school before studying at the University of St Andrews, where he met Catherine. Prince Harry also attended Eton before beginning his military career and undertaking royal duties.

George’s arrival at Eton is therefore likely to attract considerable public interest, particularly because of his future position within the monarchy.

As the eldest child of Prince William and Catherine, George is currently second in the line of succession to the British throne, behind his father. His education is consequently expected to receive close public attention, although his parents have generally sought to provide their children with as normal an upbringing as possible despite their prominent positions.

His move to Eton represents a transition from his earlier schooling into a new stage that will bring greater academic expectations and increased independence.

Eton College has a long history dating back more than five centuries. Founded by King Henry VI, the school has developed a reputation for academic excellence, tradition and the education of influential figures in British public life.

The institution’s association with the monarchy is particularly notable, with several members of the Royal Family having studied there over the years.

For George, however, his first day was likely to have been less about royal tradition and more about adapting to a new school environment, meeting classmates and beginning a different phase of his education.

The presence of his parents at the start of his Eton journey underlined the importance of the occasion for the family. William and Catherine accompanied their son through the school grounds before he was formally welcomed by the institution’s leadership.

The event also offered a glimpse of the balance the young prince will have to maintain as he grows up under intense public scrutiny.

While his future constitutional role is already defined by his position in the line of succession, his parents have repeatedly emphasised the importance of education, family life and allowing their children to develop away from the pressures of royal duties.

George’s transition to Eton is therefore expected to provide him with an opportunity to broaden his education, develop friendships and prepare for the responsibilities that will accompany his position later in life.

His first day also marked a continuation of a family educational tradition, with the young prince now following in the footsteps of both his father and uncle.

As George begins his years at Eton, attention will undoubtedly remain focused on his progress, but Tuesday’s arrival was largely a quiet family milestone: a young student entering a new school, accompanied by his parents, and beginning another important stage of his education.

For one of Britain’s most closely watched young royals, however, even an ordinary first day at school carries an extraordinary degree of public interest.