Prince George at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2023 and 2016.Photo:Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP, Samir Hussein/WireImage
Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP, Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince George’s recent appearance at amilitary air showwasn’t his first rodeo!
Last Friday, the 9-year-old prince stepped out with his parentsPrince WilliamandKate Middletonand siblingsPrincess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5, for asurprise visitto the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. Though it was Charlotte and Louis’ first time at the world’s largest military air show, which draws over 200,000 people and benefits The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, George had been before — as a darling toddler.
Seven years ago, Prince William and Katewent to the festivalwith their eldest, then 2 ½. Charlotte didn’t come along — she was just 1! — and Louis had not been born yet.
Kate Middleton and Prince George at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2016.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
“I imagine his father has told him about helicopters, so he knew what that was called and kept saying, ‘tail rotor.’ It was good to see his technical knowledge! Some training going on early!” Flight Lieutenant Jim Hobkirk told PEOPLE at the time.
Kate Middleton, Prince George and Prince William at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 8, 2016.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Fast forward to last Friday, and Prince George lookedmore grown up than everat the air show. The young royal (whoturns 10 this week!) seemed to sport a shorter haircut than he had onKing Charles’coronation dayand was taller than mom Kate’s shoulder. The second in line to the throne was all smiles he met senior RAF members and clicked controls to raise a ramp.
Though the Wales family seemed to be having fun during the day out, the visit also included a serious stop. William, Kate and their three kids took time to tour the C-17 Globemaster III that transportedQueen Elizabeth’s body back to London following her death at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in September 2022.
Kate Middleton and Prince George at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 14.Chris Jackson/Getty
Chris Jackson/Getty
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RAF Fairford is about an hour away from the family’s Adelaide Cottage home in Windsor, and a royal source tells PEOPLE they “were all looking forward to the trip,” which came as a school vacation treat for George, Charlotte and Louis. The siblings recently completed classes at theLambrook Schooland are likely excited about summer break.
In another highlight on the Wales family calendar, Prince George turns 10 on July 22! Sources tell PEOPLE in this week’sexclusive cover storythat the young prince is coming into his own in the royal spotlight.
“He’s a cracking lad,” a close family friend tells PEOPLE.
Prince George of Wales raises the ramp on a C17 plane at the Royal International Air Tattoo.Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince George’s confidence was on displayat Wimbledonon Sunday, where he attended the men’s singles final with Prince William, Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte.
The little princess looked thrilled during her debut at theiconic tennis tournament, and George (who has been before) showed her theroyal ropesfrom the Royal Box.
Princess Charlotte and Prince George chat while watching the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 16 — the little princess' debut day at the tennis tournament.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
source: people.com
