The Prince and Princess of Wales have honored the United Kingdom's servicemen and women with a heartfelt tribute, sharing a rare and intimate glimpse of a recent royal engagement that has captured the public's attention.
Kensington Palace released a touching video on the couple's official social media channels showing Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, alongside her eldest son, Prince George, during a visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire . The visit took place approximately two weeks ago and was shared to commemorate Armed Forces Day, offering a powerful reminder of the nation's gratitude for the military community .
In the footage, the 12-year-old prince, who is second in line to the throne, is seen displaying a remarkable growth spurt. George appeared to stand nearly shoulder-to-shoulder with his mother, who is 5 feet 9 inches tall . The young royal looked the spitting image of his father, Prince William, dressed smartly in a navy blue suit jacket and a collared shirt.
The video showcased the mother-son duo exploring the historic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which is based at the station . George was invited to sit in the cockpit of a Supermarine Spitfire, listening intently as he learned about the extraordinary history of the aircraft and the engineers who maintain them. Princess Kate also took a turn at the controls, later engaging in conversation with Squadron Leader Paul "Ernie" Wise .
The Princess of Wales has served as the Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby since August 2023, a role that carries significant personal weight as her grandfather, Captain Peter Middleton, was a fighter pilot during the Second World War . The visit also held sentimental value, linking her to her husband, Prince William, who previously served as the Honorary Air Commandant of the base.
Alongside the video, a statement from the couple read: "Honouring Service and Sacrifice. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive. A powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve, past and present. Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve" .
This is not the first time the young prince has shown a passion for aviation. It was previously reported that George enjoyed a private flying lesson in 2024 at White Waltham Airfield, following in the footsteps of his father, who served as a search and rescue pilot, and his great-grandfather, Prince Philip . His younger brother, Prince Louis, has also expressed a desire to become a fighter pilot .
Armed Forces Day is a national event dedicated to thanking and celebrating the armed forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, and cadets. The royal family's tribute underscores their deep respect for the military's dedication to service and sacrifice, a legacy they continue to honor.