Prince George began attending Eton College on September 8, opening a new stage in the life of Prince William and Princess Catherine's eldest son. His parents accompanied him to the boarding school in Windsor, Berkshire, where senior school officials welcomed the family.
The images drawing most attention appeared after the reception, when Kensington Palace released photographs of George in Eton uniform. The black tailcoat, waistcoat, striped trousers and stiff-collared shirt are distinctive elements of a dress tradition associated with generations of pupils.
Photographer Matt Porteous captured the 13-year-old smiling and posing comfortably. The pictures prompted messages of goodwill on social media, along with comments about how much he had grown and his resemblance to his parents. Public interest focused on the school milestone and his more mature appearance.
William entered Eton 31 years earlier, and Prince Harry also studied there, giving George's arrival a familiar family connection. His first day coincided with the fourth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's death. Interpretations of what that timing meant emotionally for the family, however, remain observations from royal commentators rather than statements of their private feelings.