Prince George commenced his first day at Eton College on September 8, 2026, embarking on his secondary education at the historic £65,673-a-year boarding school. While many aspects of his experience will differ from that of most 13-year-olds, the school's food offerings present a familiar element, featuring dishes commonly found in British schools but prepared with premium ingredients and a wider selection.
George, who arrived accompanied by his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, will join Year 9, known as F Block at Eton. The school is divided into three terms: Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer. Pupils reside in one of the school's 25 houses, with individual bedrooms that generally increase in size as students progress. Former student Phin Hubbard noted that older students have been known to furnish their rooms with items like sofas and coffee machines.
Meals are organized by house, with students in 'eat-in' houses dining on-site and others heading to Bekynton, the school's main canteen. The catering is managed by Sodexo, which states a commitment to preparing meals from scratch, including daily fresh bread.
Breakfast options are extensive, including cooked and continental choices, cereal, granola, and various milk alternatives. Mid-morning snacks, called 'Chambers', can include sweet items like biscuits and iced buns, or savory options such as burgers. Chefs assigned to specific boarding houses may prepare some dishes personally.
A sample weekly menu includes Chicken Tikka Masala with pilau rice and a salad bar for main courses on Tuesdays, with fresh fruit pots and yogurts for dessert. Wednesdays feature gourmet beef burgers alongside plant-based options, with 'Smack day' curly fries, onion rings, and corn on the cob as sides, followed by homemade flapjacks for dessert. Thursdays are typically 'theme nights', with one example including Greek-style lamb kleftiko and grilled halloumi with pitta bread and tzatziki, concluding with lemon and yuzu pots.
As Prince George advances in his studies, his dining experience could become more elaborate. Eton's King's Scholars, a designation awarded to approximately 14 of the most academically successful students annually, are privy to a more luxurious menu. This can include dishes such as confit duck legs, salmon roe, and swordfish risotto.
Beyond meals, Eton's daily routine includes Saturday morning lessons and a range of sports facilities, including 19 cricket pitches. The school also has its own unique terminology, with 'dames' overseeing student welfare and 'time lords' ensuring uniform compliance. Despite the formal environment, students sometimes visit local stores for snacks.
Prince George's initial experience at Eton will involve familiarizing himself with his new house, classmates, academic schedule, and, of course, the diverse food offerings available within the 500-year-old institution.
