The Princess of Wales made a polished appearance as she accompanied Prince George to Eton College for his first day, offering a glimpse of the understated elegance that has become a hallmark of her public style. Kate chose an emerald-green Emilia Wickstead midi dress for the occasion, a sophisticated long-sleeved design she had previously worn […]
The Princess of Wales made a polished appearance as she accompanied Prince George to Eton College for his first day, offering a glimpse of the understated elegance that has become a hallmark of her public style.
Kate chose an emerald-green Emilia Wickstead midi dress for the occasion, a sophisticated long-sleeved design she had previously worn in November 2023 when she and Prince William welcomed Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden to Windsor Castle.
The tailored dress gave the Princess a refined appearance as she stood alongside her husband and their eldest son during the important milestone.
Kate accessorised the outfit with her Laura Lombardi Portrait chain necklace, a piece priced at £185.
The New York-based jewellery label is known for transforming vintage and archival materials into contemporary designs.
Kate’s chunky necklace is handcrafted from recycled 14-carat gold-plated brass and produced using a zero-waste technique.
She previously wore the necklace during the Prince and Princess of Wales’s visit to Boston in 2022.
For her footwear, Kate selected chocolate-coloured heels and completed the look with tights and understated glamorous makeup.
Her brunette hair was styled in soft curls, although she needed an umbrella to shield herself from the persistent rain.
Prince George arrived at Eton with both of his parents beside him as he embarked on a major new chapter in his education.
The 13-year-old appeared composed as he walked between William and Kate across the school’s historic School Yard.
Heavy rain had been falling throughout the morning, with Kate using an umbrella while William carried a folded one.
Eton headmaster Simon Henderson welcomed the future king, telling him: “Welcome, good luck, enjoy it.”
Kate was visibly supportive throughout the arrival and was seen placing a reassuring hand on her son’s back as they greeted senior figures at the school.
George’s choice of Eton continues a family tradition, with both his father and uncle having previously attended the prestigious Berkshire school.
William spent five years at Eton from 1995 before moving on to the University of St Andrews, where he studied after completing his time at the college.
He served as a house captain and prefect during his time there.
Prince Harry joined Eton three years after his older brother.
The school sits across the River Thames from Windsor Castle and has a long association with Britain’s political, cultural and public life.
George and his parents travelled the short distance from their home at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park to the school.
Their arrival took place in School Yard, the historic quadrangle overlooked by Lupton’s Tower, a Tudor landmark.
At the centre of the area stands a statue of King Henry VI, who founded Eton in 1440.
After speaking briefly with the headmaster and provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the family made their way inside through one of the school’s historic entrances.
George’s first day marks the beginning of a very different educational experience after his time at Lambrook School, where he studied alongside his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Beyond classroom lessons and sport, Eton places considerable emphasis on independence and responsibility.
Pupils are expected to take on a range of non-academic duties as part of everyday school life.
Admission to the institution is highly competitive, while the annual fee is reported to be £63,298.
George will also become familiar with the distinctive traditions and terminology of Eton life.
Teachers are traditionally referred to as “beaks”, while pupils live in one of the school’s 25 boarding houses, each overseen by a house master and dame responsible for pastoral care.
For his arrival, George wore dark trousers, a jacket, shirt and tie.
He is expected to adopt Eton’s distinctive formal “school dress” as he settles into college life.
The traditional uniform, standardised during the 1960s, consists of a black tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and a stiff white collar.
Other new pupils arrived later in the morning, with some expected to bring their belongings in the traditional trunks associated with British boarding-school life.
Eton has educated generations of prominent figures, including politicians, writers, actors and adventurers.
Its former pupils include actors Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie and Eddie Redmayne, former Prime Minister David Cameron, writers George Orwell and Ian Fleming, and adventurer Bear Grylls.
George’s arrival therefore places him within a long-established tradition that has shaped many influential figures in British public life.
For Kate and William, however, the occasion was also a deeply personal one: their eldest child was beginning his own journey at the same school his father and uncle once attended.
