Prince William recently returned to a place filled with memories from his own childhood. This time, he was by the side of his eldest son, Prince George, for yet another significant family event. The moment drew comparisons to a similar day from 31 years ago. Back then, Princess Diana stood proudly beside a young William.
Prince William returns to Eton with Prince George 31 years after Princess Diana accompanied him for his own first day
Prince George started at Eton College on Sept. 8 at the same age his father did. William first arrived at the prestigious boarding school as a 13-year-old in 1995. On his first day, he was accompanied by Princess Diana and then Prince Charles. Although the couple had separated three years earlier, they came together for William’s important moment.
Prince Harry, then 10, also joined the family for William’s first day at Eton. He later followed his older brother to the school. Now, 31 years later, William and Kate Middleton accompanied George for his own first day.
Photos from both milestones show another clear connection between father and son. William and George each arrived at Eton wearing a suit and tie. The uniform includes a black tailcoat, matching waistcoat, pinstriped trousers and a stiff white collar.
William’s first day also featured an important Eton tradition. He signed the school’s official pupil register, with Diana and Charles behind him. The image became one of the most memorable photos from his arrival at the school. According to PEOPLE, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith said, “Eton was a much-needed haven for William.”
Eton later became especially important to William after Diana died in 1997, when he was 15. Prior to William, senior royal men such as King Charles and Prince Philip attended Gordonstoun in Scotland. As William watches George begin the same journey, the moment brings a poignant royal family connection full circle.
