Sentimental Education: Prince Harry's Schooling Through the Years

The Duke of Sussex had an education fit for a prince.

We’ve seen Prince Harry -- whose birthday is Sept. 15 -- really come into his own lately. He got married to the fabulous Meghan Markle last year, and the couple had a baby as red-haired as him in May.

But for an older generation, Harry was the adorable son to Princess Diana and Prince Charles, and little brother to Prince William.

Before we were excited about his niece Charlotte’s big first day, we watched Prince Harry’s journey through school intently, seeing the regal education that helped him blossom into adult princehood.

These are the highlights of Prince Harry’s education over the years.

First Day at Wetherby School

This picture of Harry trotting off to his first day at Wetherby School in September 1989 is as fascinating as a time capsule at it is adorable. The first day of school is exciting for any parent. While the late Princess Diana is more regally composed than most, the proud smile on her face as she and William, then 7, were led by Harry, then 5, is unmistakable, even in profile.

Boarding School Life at Eton College

His time at Eton College seemed to be productive for Prince Harry. Like Wetherby and Ludgrove, he followed in his big bro William's footsteps in attending the boarding school for boys aged 13-18. This picture of him in his dorm shows Harry well-adjusted to life in close quarters. Highlights include the portrait of late mother Diana on his desk, and the extremely 2003 cassette/radio/3 CD disc changer boombox on his dresser.

Painting at Eton College

Harry displayed a propensity for the visual arts while he was at Eton. Here he stands with two of his paintings, clearly inspired by aboriginal art, which he said he was interested in at the time.

Athletics at Eton College

Athletics, of course, are essential to a well-rounded education. Here Prince Harry plays soccer at Eton.

Last Day of School at Eton

That was fun, but so long suckers! As great as his time at Eton seemed, there's no mistaking the look of relief that all teens feel when high school is over. Sure, he's a prince, but he was so eager to charge ahead on his last day at Eton in June 2003 that he didn't mind carrying out his plastic bag of belongings himself.

Second Lieutenant at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

After taking a gap year following Eton, Harry bypassed the college route and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. He completed his officer training in 2006 and was commissioned as a Cornet (second lieutenant) in a British Army regiment known as the Blues and Royals. He was promoted to lieutenant after two years' seniority in 2008.

Flying Wings in Army Air Corps

After becoming a lieutenant, Harry went on to learn to fly military helicopters, taking after his father Charles and brother William. Here, Prince Charles grants Harry his brevet (flying wings) at his Pilot Course Graduation in 2010.

Pilot in Afghanistan

After earning his flying wings, Harry was deployed to Afghanistan where he served as an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner. In this picture from 2012, Harry is seen doing morning checks on an Apache Helicopter at British camp base in the country.