Prince George received some welcoming words on his first day at Eton College.
Prince William and Kate Middleton, both 44, accompanied their 13-year-old son as he started at the prestigious all-boys boarding school on Tuesday, Sept. 8, echoing William’s start at the same school 31 years ago.
After entering a courtyard from the arch beneath Lupton’s Tower, the 16th-century gatehouse clock tower on the historic schoolyard, the family was greeted by Simon Henderson, the headmaster of the school, and Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the provost of Eton, who serves as the chair of the governing body.
“Welcome,” Henderson told Prince George. “Good luck. Enjoy it.”
Prince George met the headmaster and provost wearing “home clothes” — a suit and tie — rather than his school uniform. His father was dressed similarly, carrying a closed umbrella, while Princess Kate, wearing a dark green midi dress, held an umbrella up on the dreary day.
Later in the day, official photos gave the first look at George in Eton College’s distinct uniform. The snaps by Matt Porteous showed the teen prince sporting the school’s tailcoat, waistcoat, pinstripe trousers and white collared shirt.
Prince George’s parents will help him settle into his new room. At Eton, each student has their own room in a boarding house to promote independence.
Kensington Palace confirmed on June 16 that Eton College was the choice for the future king, confirming George would attend the same school as his father.
“Eton was a much-needed haven for William,” royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told PEOPLE following the announcement. “It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.”
Plus, a source close to the family added, “George has always wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps.”
Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, all-boys Eton costs about $80,000 a year and has educated generations of leaders, including 20 prime ministers and many other members of the British royal family, including George’s uncle, Prince Harry.
Bedell Smith insisted, “Yes, Eton stands for tradition, but it has moved with the times and now has a more diverse student body than it had—even in William’s day.”
She added that she believes William and Kate ultimately made their choice because of Eton’s “academic excellence and the many ways it develops its students for leadership roles.”
Another benefit is keeping Prince George not far from home. Eton is just 15 miles from the family’s residence at Forest Lodge. While he will board with his schoolmates during the week, George will be able to return home on designated weekends, and parents are encouraged to attend sporting events, performances and other school activities.
William remembered the school’s proximity to Windsor fondly during his candid appearance on The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy last year. He recalled having “the best teas” with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, when he was able to get away from his studies for a quick visit to the castle.
As the centuries-old school is steeped in tradition, the Prince of Wales will likely have given his eldest son a heads-up on how to get dressed in the school’s recognizable uniform and some pointers on school-specific lingo.
William may have even shared some hints for the “colours test,” where Prince George will be quizzed on the official colors of Eton College’s 25 boarding houses as well as the school’s building locations.
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