New “Photography Prohibited” signs have appeared around Eton College just weeks before Prince George is due to begin his studies at the prestigious Berkshire school.
Photographs taken near the school show new notices attached to the college railings warning that pupils must not be photographed. The signs appeared shortly before the 13-year-old prince is expected to walk through Eton’s gates for the first time in September.
Prince George, the eldest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, will become the latest member of his family to attend the school. His father, Prince William, studied at Eton from 1995 to 2000, while his uncle, Prince Harry, attended between 1998 and 2003.
Kensington Palace confirmed in June that George had been accepted by the prestigious boarding school, ending months of speculation about where the future king would continue his education. He will now become a boarding pupil as he begins the next stage of his schooling.
However, the new photography restrictions are understood to form part of wider measures introduced by Eton to protect its pupils, rather than being a rule brought in specifically because of Prince George’s arrival.
The school regularly educates children from prominent and influential families, and restrictions on photography are intended to shield pupils from unwanted attention.
Even so, George’s presence is likely to generate considerably more public interest than that of most pupils.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been careful to protect the privacy of George and his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, while allowing them to appear with their parents at selected public engagements.
The widespread use of smartphones and social media also presents a very different challenge from the one faced by Princes William and Harry during their time at Eton. Almost every pupil is likely to have access to a smartphone, meaning photographs or videos taken inside or around the school could potentially be posted online within seconds.
At his new school, Prince George will also have a private study room. According to Eton, pupils are given personal space and are expected to develop independence and self-discipline as part of their education.
George’s move to Eton marks an important moment for the Wales family and follows a period of preparation for boarding school life.
Prince William has previously said that George had already begun spending time away from home while attending Lambrook School, helping him become more accustomed to the experience of boarding.
George will now attend Eton as a full-time pupil, returning home at weekends and during school holidays. Photo by Alwye, Wikimedia commons.