Kensington Palace has confirmed that Prince George will start at Eton College this year, following in the footsteps of his father, Prince William, and his uncle, Prince Harry. The 12-year-old heir to the British throne is set to begin his studies at the elite institution this September. Prince George's enrollment has generated significant buzz, as he steps into a school with an alumni list that reads like a who's who of British royalty, politics, literature, and pop culture.
Founded in 1440, Eton College is a prestigious all-boys boarding school located in Berkshire, England, just across the River Thames from Windsor Castle. For nearly 600 years, it has shaped some of Britain's most important figures, from thinkers and writers to prime ministers and Oscar-winning actors. Here is a look at ten famous alumni of Eton College.
Prince William
Prince William arrived at Eton in 1995, breaking with royal tradition. Previously, heirs to the throne attended schools like Gordonstoun in Scotland. His enrollment established a new royal tradition and changed public perception of royal education. Despite media attention, Eton allowed him a degree of normality. Today, as Prince of Wales, he remains one of Eton's most prominent former students.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry followed his brother to Eton three years later. He excelled in sports and extracurricular activities. His time at Eton helped shape the public figure who would later serve in the British Army, establish the Invictus Games, and become a globally recognized royal.
Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson attended Eton before studying Classics at Oxford University. Known for his distinctive personality and unconventional political approach, he became a journalist, Mayor of London, Foreign Secretary, and Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022. His career reinforced Eton's reputation as a breeding ground for Britain's political elite.
David Cameron
David Cameron followed the classic Eton-to-Oxford pipeline, studying philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford before entering politics. He served as Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, overseeing economic recovery and the Brexit referendum.
Harold Macmillan
Harold Macmillan served as Prime Minister from 1957 to 1963, guiding Britain through post-war prosperity and social change. His famous declaration that Britons had "never had it so good" became a defining political statement of the era.
Anthony Eden
Anthony Eden, a skilled diplomat, served as Foreign Secretary before becoming Prime Minister in 1955. Although his premiership was overshadowed by the Suez Crisis, he remains a significant figure in mid-20th-century British political history.
Eddie Redmayne
Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne attended Eton before Cambridge. He earned an Academy Award for portraying Stephen Hawking in 'The Theory of Everything' and has since become one of Britain's most acclaimed actors.
Tom Hiddleston
Tom Hiddleston, globally known as Marvel's Loki, attended Eton before continuing at Cambridge and training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His portrayal of the charismatic antihero turned him into a global star.
Hugh Laurie
Before achieving international fame as Dr. Gregory House in the television series 'House', Hugh Laurie was an Eton student. He later attended Cambridge, where he became involved in comedy. His career spans acting, writing, music, and television.
George Orwell
Born Eric Arthur Blair, George Orwell attended Eton before becoming one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. His novels 'Animal Farm' and 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' introduced concepts like "Big Brother" and "thoughtcrime" into everyday language. Despite critiquing authority, he remains one of Eton's most celebrated alumni.
