Prince George's First Exeat Marks Boarding School Milestone
Prince George, the 13-year-old second in line to the British throne, reached a significant milestone in his boarding school career at Eton College this past weekend. According to a schedule on the school's website, Eton students enjoyed their first "short leave" of the term from October 2 to October 4. This scheduled weekend break, known as an exeat, allows boarding students to leave the school and visit home or stay with family for a few days, typically from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. It is likely that Prince George spent this time with his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at their home in Windsor. The young prince began his studies at Eton on September 8, 2026, just one month prior to this first exeat.
The exeat is a longstanding tradition at Eton College, one of Britain's most prestigious boarding schools. For new students like Prince George, it provides an early opportunity to adjust to the rhythms of boarding life while maintaining close ties with family. Eton is located just miles from Forest Lodge in Windsor, where the Prince and Princess of Wales moved last year, making the journey home relatively short. This proximity may ease the transition for the young royal, who is following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, who attended Eton from 1995 to 2000.
A Royal Tradition: Prince William's Eton Years
Prince William's time at Eton was marked by a similar balance of school life and family connections. During his years at the school, he regularly visited his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and grandfather, Prince Philip, at nearby Windsor Castle on weekends. In a digital commemoration for the late monarch, Prince William recalled some of his "fondest memories" of the Queen, saying, "I remember many a quiet afternoon, having tea with her and my grandfather at the castle, chatting, sharing stories, and seeing how completely relaxed she was there." This precedent suggests that Prince George may also benefit from the close proximity of royal family members while at school.
For Prince George, the exeat weekend is not only a break from his studies but also a return to familiar surroundings. The young prince's first day at Eton was widely covered, with photographs showing him arriving with his parents and being greeted by the headmaster, Simon Henderson, and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the school's Provost. The milestone of the first exeat is a small but important step in his integration into boarding school life, which will shape much of his adolescence.
The Nickname That Followed Him to Eton
As Prince George settles into Eton, questions have arisen about whether his new classmates have adopted the affectionate nickname he acquired at his previous school. According to reports, his former schoolmates called him "PG," a nod to his initials. His parents are also said to use the nickname, with some reports suggesting they call him "PG Tips," a playful reference to the popular British tea brand. It remains unclear whether this nickname has followed him to Eton, but it offers a glimpse into the informal, personal side of the young royal's life.
Nicknames are a common thread in the Wales household. Prince William has been overheard calling Princess Charlotte "Mignonette," French for "cute," while Kate Middleton has referred to her as "Lottie." Prince Louis has been affectionately called "Lou-bugs" by his mother during a royal engagement. These endearing terms highlight the normalcy of family life behind the palace walls, even as the children grow up in the public eye.
The Importance of Exeats in Boarding School Life
Exeats, or short leaves, are a staple of British boarding school culture. They provide students with regular opportunities to reconnect with family, easing the potential homesickness that can accompany full-time boarding. At Eton, the first exeat of the term is a particularly notable occasion, as it allows new students to share their early experiences with loved ones and return to school refreshed. For Prince George, this first exeat may have been a welcome respite after a month of adapting to new routines, teachers, and classmates.
The timing of the exeat also coincides with the school's "B Weekend," an optional leave that occurred on September 19 and 20. During B Weekends, students can leave after their commitments on Saturday and must return by Sunday evening. It is possible that Prince George took advantage of this earlier opportunity as well, though it is not confirmed. The structured schedule of leaves is designed to help students balance their academic and personal lives, a system that has been refined over centuries at Eton.
A Smooth Transition for the Future King
Prince George's transition to Eton has been closely watched by royal observers and the public alike. As the future king, his education is a matter of national interest, and his experiences at Eton will contribute to his development as a leader. The school's rigorous academic program, combined with its emphasis on character and service, is intended to prepare students for positions of responsibility. For Prince George, this includes not only his royal duties but also the expectations placed on him as a member of the modern monarchy.
Commentators have noted that Prince George faced a "daunting" reality as he made the change to Eton, but his parents have been supportive throughout the process. The decision to send him to Eton, rather than a different school, aligns with family tradition and provides a familiar environment. The proximity of the family home in Windsor allows for regular visits, which can help mitigate the challenges of boarding school life.
Broader Implications for the Royal Family
Prince George's milestone at Eton is a reminder of the enduring relationship between the British monarchy and institutions like Eton College. The school has educated numerous members of the royal family and has long been associated with the British elite. For Prince George, attending Eton is not just about education; it is also about building a network and understanding the traditions that have shaped his family for generations.
As the young prince progresses through school, each milestone will be noted by the public and the media. The first exeat is a small but symbolic step in his journey. It signals that he is settling into life at Eton and that the support system around him is functioning well. For a future king, such moments of normalcy are precious, offering a foundation for the responsibilities that lie ahead. The coming months will bring more exeats, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities, all of which will contribute to the making of a modern monarch.
In the meantime, Prince George's classmates may or may not be using his old nickname, but one thing is certain: his time at Eton is just beginning, and the milestones will keep coming.
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