Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince George will begin his education at Eton College, the £63,000-a-year boarding school in Berkshire, this September. The historic town of Eton, located on the banks of the River Thames, is preparing to welcome the young royal as its newest famous pupil.
First Impressions of Eton
On a sunny June day, visiting Eton for the first time felt like stepping into another world. The postcard-perfect streets are lined with elegant Georgian buildings, colourful floral displays and Union Jack flags fluttering gently in the summer sunshine. Weeping willow trees drape over the river, independent coffee shops spill onto immaculate pavements, and every shopfront looks as though it has been carefully preserved for centuries.
Eton is best known as the home of Eton College, the largest boarding school in England and one of the most famous schools in the world. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, the school has educated generations of politicians, royalty and public figures, with alumni including Princes William and Harry, former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron, and actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston.
A Town Centered on the School
Away from the headlines surrounding the Royal Family, what stood out most during the visit was how much the town revolves around the school. Traditional tailors line the High Street, and even the local supermarket caters to pupils with an array of American sweets and drinks. Walking into one of Eton's historic tailoring shops is like stepping into another era, where immaculate uniforms, fine fabrics and generations of craftsmanship take centre stage.
While many high streets across Britain are struggling, Eton feels like a world shaped by tradition and privilege, where bespoke school uniforms are the norm and even a pair of trousers comes with a three-figure price tag. On the warm summer day, pupils strolled through the streets in Eton's instantly recognisable white tunic shirts and black trousers, each looking impeccably turned out.
Modern Pupils, Traditional Setting
One detail caught the writer off guard. Rather than carrying bulging backpacks stuffed with textbooks, most pupils had little more than a water bottle and an Eton-branded iPad tucked under their arm. "Call me old-fashioned, but I couldn't help feeling a little disappointed not to spot a single notebook or book among them," the writer noted. For a school so deeply rooted in history, she had expected to see at least a few well-thumbed books tucked under pupils' arms.
The scale of the college is remarkable. Beyond the famous Gothic buildings are extensive sports grounds, libraries, museums and academic departments spread across much of the town. The School Library with its leaded dome and cupola is a striking feature of the campus.
Business Relies on Term Time
Several business owners explained that trade rises and falls almost entirely around term time. When students are in town, the streets are lively and cafés are busy. During school holidays, however, the pace changes dramatically and many shops experience a noticeable slowdown. For a town that attracts tourists throughout the year, the writer hadn't expected businesses to rely so heavily on its student population.
One local trader told the writer that Eton pupils account for a significant share of sales, while another explained that quieter holiday periods can be challenging despite the steady stream of visitors photographing the famous college.
Charm Beyond the School
Even so, there is plenty to admire about Eton beyond its famous school. The High Street remains lined with historic buildings housing family-run cafés, bookshops, antique stores and traditional tailors that have served generations of pupils. Hanging baskets and colourful shopfronts add to the charm, while views across the Thames towards neighbouring Windsor make it easy to understand why the town attracts so many visitors.
