Prince George Could Follow Prince William’s Footsteps With One Coveted Eton Honour — And It Would Make His Parents Proud

Prince George is about to begin one of the most significant chapters of his education as he prepares to start at Eton College next week.

The future King is expected to wear the prestigious school’s instantly recognisable uniform, complete with its distinctive long-tailed blazer, white shirt and pinstriped trousers.

But while George’s new look will immediately mark him out as an Eton pupil, there is another detail that could eventually reveal just how far he has progressed at the historic school.

And if George earns it, his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, could have an especially personal reason to feel proud.

The Eton Honour That Could Mirror William’s Journey

One of the most coveted positions available to an Eton pupil is that of prefect.

Prefects are permitted to wear a wing collar with a white bow tie — a small but unmistakable distinction within the school.

If George eventually reaches that position, he would be following directly in his father’s footsteps.

William was a prefect during his own time at Eton, but that was not his only notable achievement at the school.

The future King also became a member of Eton’s exclusive Eton Society, commonly known as “Pops”.

Membership is reserved for pupils elected by fellow students and teachers, with leadership qualities and contributions to school life among the qualities traditionally associated with those chosen.

Those who become Pops are permitted to wear a distinctive silk waistcoat in a bright colour.

William famously wore one featuring the Union Jack during his Eton years.

For George, earning the same distinction would create a striking link between father and son — although it is far too early to know whether he will follow the same path.

George’s First Days At Eton Will Look Very Different From William’s

Before any question of prefects or Pops arises, George will first have to settle into life as an ordinary Eton pupil.

The school’s famous uniform has changed considerably since Eton was founded in the 15th century.

The traditional top hats and colourful collars associated with earlier generations are long gone, replaced by the more restrained modern uniform.

George will also have his own private study-bedroom.

That privilege is not connected to his royal status.

Eton says every boy is given his own study-bedroom, with the arrangement designed to encourage independence, organisation and self-discipline.

The school explains that pupils are expected to manage their own space while developing the discipline needed to meet their responsibilities, tasks and deadlines.

For a young royal preparing for a future unlike that of almost any other teenager, those lessons could prove particularly valuable.

William Has Already Given George A Glimpse Of What To Expect

George will not be entering Eton completely unaware of what awaits him.

His father spent his own school years there and has previously spoken warmly about the experience.

William has said that he enjoyed being able to move around Eton “as just another student” and appreciated not feeling as though he was treated as someone special during those formative years.

That experience could be particularly meaningful for George.

Although he is second in line to the throne, Eton will still expect him to navigate the routines and responsibilities of school life alongside his fellow pupils.

His father will know better than most what that transition feels like.

The Future King Will Be Closer To Home Than It First Appears

If George does struggle with homesickness, there is also a reassuring advantage to Eton’s location.

Windsor Castle is only a short distance from the school, with Eton College visible from the castle grounds.

The Good Schools’ Guide’s managing editor Melanie Sanderson explained that the proximity could make it easier for George to spend time with his family.

She also noted that boys are now given some freedom to leave school at weekends, allowing them to return home for occasions such as Sunday lunch or Saturday evening after sporting fixtures.

That could make the transition considerably less daunting.

George will be entering a demanding new environment, but he will not be completely cut off from the family home.

A New Eton Chapter For The Future King

For now, the focus will simply be on George settling into his new surroundings, making friends and finding his place within one of Britain’s most famous schools.

There is no indication that he is destined to become a prefect or a member of Pops.

Those honours will depend on his own achievements, relationships and contribution to school life.

But the possibility makes his Eton story particularly fascinating.

If George eventually walks through the school wearing the white bow tie of a prefect or the distinctive waistcoat of a Pop, it would be another remarkable echo of his father’s youth.

And for William and Kate, watching their eldest son forge his own path while occasionally following in his father’s footsteps could make George’s years at Eton all the more memorable.

For now, though, the future King has a much simpler task ahead.

Next week, Prince George becomes an Eton boy.