Prince George's first week at Eton will be very different from William's

Prince George's first few days at Eton College are expected to bring a mixture of new routines, boarding life and increased independence, as the future king begins the next stage of his education at one of Britain's best-known schools.

The Prince and Princess of Wales accompanied their eldest son when he arrived at Eton, where George was introduced to headmaster Simon Henderson, who greeted him with "Welcome, good luck, enjoy it."

It is said to cost around £60,000 a year to attend the prestigious school.

After being photographed arriving with his parents, Prince George then changed into the school's traditional uniform and posed for official portraits before beginning life as an Eton pupil.

His arrival has inevitably drawn comparisons with his father, Prince William, who started at the school in 1995.

Prince George was accompanied by his parents for his first day (Photo by Adrian Dennis - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Although George is following the same educational path, the circumstances surrounding his first week are already different from William's.

William was 13 when he went to Eton and arrived during a turbulent period for the Royal Family.

His parents, then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, had separated in 1992, and the breakdown of their marriage remained the subject of intense media attention throughout his teenage years.

There was a lot of attention drawn to the fact that both Charles and Diana attended on his first day, but Prince Harry also attended.

George's siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were nowhere to be seen for their brother's big day.

Another difference is that George already has experience of boarding from his time at Lambrook School.

The Princess of Wales previously revealed that it was George's idea for him to have some overnight stays away from home while studying at Lambrook, in order for him to get used to the boarding lifestyle.

Fortunately, Eton's location also means George will remain relatively close to his family, as the school is in Windsor, near Adelaide Cottage, where the Wales family have made their home.

Prince Harry also attended William's first day, whereas George's siblings were nowhere to be seen . (Photo by Princess Diana Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

George is also beginning his education in a very different media environment.

GB News reports that signs have already gone up around Eton saying that photos are forbidden.

As well as a future king, the children of many high profile families attend the school, so this could be a measure to ensure privacy for all.

Prince William and Kate have also apparently expressed a 'fevered wish' for privacy for their eldest son.

When William attended Eton, he was second in line to the throne but was not expected to become king for many decades.

George occupies the same position in the succession today, but the monarchy he will eventually inherit is already being discussed in terms of his future role.

William was the first future British monarch to attend the college, while Prince Harry joined him there three years later.

The school has also educated numerous prominent political figures, including several former prime ministers.

It has also been reported that George will only be allowed a 'brick phone' for his first year, without internet access, something with his parents both agreed upon and enforced at home too.