Prince George will begin his studies at Eton College in September, and the prestigious all-boys’ boarding school is already taking steps to protect his privacy — and the privacy of his fellow students.
Ahead of the future King’s arrival, Eton College has erected a series of “No Photography” signs on fences outside the school. The clear, two-word message is a deliberate attempt to ensure the media and members of the public do not invade the privacy of pupils.
The move comes as George, 13, prepares to start at the historic institution where his father, Prince William, attended more than two decades ago. The school, founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, has educated 20 British prime ministers and is currently one of the most expensive boarding schools in the world, with an annual fee of roughly $80,000.
A Gentle Introduction to Royal Life
Prince George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, have largely grown up away from the constant glare of the media. The family has been careful to give the children a gentle introduction to royal life, allowing George to build his confidence while shielding him from excessive public scrutiny.
According to royal biographer Russell Myers, William and Kate “have already had conversations about the press specifically regarding George’s privacy.” The couple has worked hard to keep their children’s school lives as normal as possible, even as George heads to Eton at the age of 13 and will emerge from the school at 18.
A ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ From the Past
The school has a history of respecting privacy, and past royal experiences have shaped its approach. When Prince William started at Eton in 1995, a deal was struck with the press where the royal family would provide arranged shoots if the media left the students alone the rest of the time. This arrangement allowed William to attend school “as just another student.”
The same principle is likely to apply to George. “No one knows better than William what life is like growing up in the royal family,” a source told The Telegraph. “He is absolutely determined to get it right.”
The School’s New ‘No Photography’ Policy
The new “No Photography” signs outside Eton are a clear signal that the school is taking the privacy of its pupils seriously. The message is particularly pointed in light of the many celebrities and royals who have been photographed outside schools in recent years.
Eton has long been known for its strict privacy policies, and the school’s recent actions appear to reflect that long-standing commitment. The move comes as George prepares to leave the relative security of his family home to begin a new chapter at one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
A Legacy of Privacy and Tradition
George is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Prince William attended Eton, where he enjoyed the freedom of being just another student, and Prince Charles did the same before him. The school has educated some of the most powerful men in Britain, and it remains a symbol of tradition, excellence, and discretion.
The new signs outside Eton are a reminder that even the future King must navigate the realities of growing up in the public eye. While George will undoubtedly benefit from the privileges of his royal status, the school is making it clear that his privacy will be protected, just as it was for his father and grandfather.
As George prepares to step into the next phase of his life, the royal family continues to show a commitment to raising its children as normally as possible. The signs outside Eton may be small, but they speak volumes about the care and consideration that has defined the Waleses’ approach to parenting — even as they navigate one of the most high-profile roles in the world.