Prince George Is Reportedly Following in His Father's Footsteps and Learning to Fly

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince George at the UEFA EURO 2024 final match in Berlin.Photo:Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty

Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty

Prince Georgeis following in his father’s footsteps and learning to fly.

According toThe Sun, George, 11, reportedly had his first flight last week on the final day of his summer vacation before returning to school.

The young royal’s parentsKate MiddletonandPrince Williamreportedly watched on as their son took to the air for just under an hour at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire, England, which is around 20 minutes from their Windsor home,Adelaide Cottage.

The airfield is also where George’s late great-grandfather,Prince Philip, earned his wings with the Royal Air Force in 1953.

Prince William at the controls of an RAF helicopter in 2011.JOHN STILLWELL/AFP via Getty

An onlooker told the outlet, “He loved it. It’s the right time to start.”

Another added, “His parents watched George take flight from the safety of the ground but he flew with an instructor and loved it.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 42, also spent time in the clubhouse with George at the airfield, according to the outlet.

PEOPLE also contacted the West London Aero Club, the flying club based at the airfield, for comment.

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Prince William and Prince George at the 2023 RAF Fairford Air Tattoo.Chris Jackson/Getty

Chris Jackson/Getty

The royal family has a long-standing love of flying. William received his RAF wings from his fatherKing Charlesat RAF Cranwell in 2008 after completing a 12-week flying course, then worked as an RAF search and rescue pilot in Anglesey, Wales.

The Prince of Wales later took on a new role as anair ambulance helicopter pilotand joined the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2014, with his duties spanning from spring 2015 until 2017.

George’s news comes after hisfather returned to the Air Force base where he earned his wingson Thursday, Sept. 12.

William represented Charles, 75, at the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire and received a Royal Salute upon his arrival, before observing a flypast over the college.

Kate Middleton and Prince George at the 2023 RAF Fairford air show.Chris Jackson/Getty

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William then went on to present four awards and gave a speech offering his congratulations to the graduates of the college.

Calling it his “great honor to be with you today, representing my father,” William added, “I am delighted to see so many family and friends here — I know their love and support will have been instrumental in getting you to this point.”

King Charles having a flying lesson in 1968.UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty

UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty

“Whilst I didn’t graduate on this exact Parade Ground, I did graduate from flying training here so I know something about the celebrations that will come later, so I promise I’ll only take a few minutes of your time!”

William’s appearance came shortly after his wife Katerevealed in a personal video messageon Sept. 9 that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment amid hercancer diagnosisearlier this year.

source: people.com