Royal Family's Aviation Tribute
Prince George Joins Kate at RAF Coningsby for Armed Forces Day Tribute, Inspecting Historic Aircraft
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Key Points
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RAF Coningsby is described as home to two frontline, combat-ready squadrons and the Royal Air Force's main Typhoon training hub.
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The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire on display at Coningsby wore D-Day markings and flew with No. 402 ‘City of Winnipeg’ Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
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A Kensington Palace Instagram caption accompanying the visit reads: 'Honouring Service and Sacrifice. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive'.
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Prince George has previously taken private flying lessons, underscoring his growing passion for aviation.
Prince George, 12, joined his mother the Princess of Wales at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire to mark National Armed Forces Day on June 27, 2026. A video released by Kensington Palace showed the pair inspecting a historic Spitfire and climbing into the cockpit of a modern Typhoon jet, with Kate describing the visit as "a powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve." The Independent reported the footage was shared across official royal social media accounts at 09:00 BST.
The visit also sparked wide attention for a striking visual detail. At 12 years old, George now stands just 1–2 inches shorter than his 5ft 9in mother, according to The Mirror, which noted his rapid growth spurt.
George Climbs Into a Typhoon, Inspects D-Day Spitfire
At the base, George and Kate toured the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, known as the BBMF. The flight keeps a collection of historic aircraft flying, including 6 Spitfires, 2 Hurricanes, 1 Lancaster bomber, and 1 Dakota. The Spitfire George inspected wore D-Day markings from No. 402 'City of Winnipeg' Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, honoring its role providing low-level beach cover during the Normandy landings.
George also climbed into the cockpit of a Typhoon, the RAF's frontline combat jet. The Kensington Palace Instagram caption read: "Honouring Service and Sacrifice. Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive." Marie Claire noted that the pair met with both pilots and the engineers who maintain the ageing historic fleet.
Kate's Role at Coningsby and the Base's Military Importance
King Charles III appointed the Princess of Wales as Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby in August 2023. The title was formerly held by Prince William for 15 years. Kate made her first official visit to the base in October 2025, testing a Typhoon flight simulator and meeting the welfare team. RAF Coningsby is home to roughly 3,000 military and civilian personnel.
The base is one of two RAF stations that run Quick Reaction Alert, or QRA, for the UK's southern sector. That means Typhoon jets can scramble within minutes to intercept unknown aircraft. It also serves as the RAF's main hub for training new Typhoon pilots. The Independent reported that Kate highlighted the station's QRA mission during the visit.
George's Aviation Passion Runs in the Family
George's interest in flying is not new. In September 2024, he took his first private flying lesson at White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, according to The Mirror. That is the same airfield where his great-grandfather Prince Philip earned his wings in 1953. His grandfather King Charles and father Prince William are also qualified pilots. To get a full private pilot's licence, George will need at least 45 flying hours and 9 exams — though he cannot fly solo until age 16.
Marie Claire noted that George, who is set to enroll at Eton College in September 2026, is taking on more royal duties. Royal analysts described the Coningsby visit as part of a gradual introduction to military life. At 12, George is now second-in-line to the throne and is increasingly appearing at formal engagements alongside his parents.
A Tribute to Past and Present Service Members
National Armed Forces Day is the UK's annual celebration of current and former military personnel. The Palace framed the Coningsby visit as a tribute to both groups. Kensington Palace's statement gave specific credit to the engineers who keep the BBMF's ageing planes in the air — a detail seen as a deliberate nod to the technical staff who rarely get public recognition. The BBMF fleet requires constant specialized maintenance to stay airworthy.
The Mirror reported that the visit drew strong public interest online, with much of the social media reaction focused on George's maturity and ease in a military setting. Analysts noted the contrast with his more reserved appearance at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2016. The Palace released the footage as a video-first package, continuing its push to reach younger audiences through digital channels.
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