Fourth of June celebrations at Eton College

WHAT DATE IS FOURTH OF JUNE AT ETON? MAYBE NOT ON THE 4TH? WHAT AN ETON MESS! Fourth of June at Eton in 1932 When is Fourth of June at Eton College near Windsor Castle in Britain? Whereas Americans on July 4th mark their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain and its monarch George III, students at Eton celebrate the birthday of this former king.

According to Eton’s official history, “No monarch other than the Founder showed more interest in the school, nor became more Etonian at heart than George III…In return the college deeply respected and loved the King, whose birthday, the fourth of June, was made a holiday.” It’s held annually on the Wednesday after Britain’s national May holiday. So Mad King George’s birthday could be celebrated in late May rather than on June 4th. What an Eton Mess! Actually a perfect excuse to make an Eton Mess for dessert. Eton is one of Britain’s top and most illustrious schools. It was founded in 1440 by another king – Henry VI. Nineteen prime ministers, including the current David Cameron, attended the school. Prince William and Prince Harry were also students at the boarding school. Other current well known Old Etonians are London’s mayor Boris Johnson, actors Hugh Laurie and Dominic West, and Johnnie Boden the owner of Boden clothing. The list of its past luminaries is vast including economist John Maynard Keynes and author George Orwell.