“Honouring Service and Sacrifice,” the Prince and Princess of Wales captioned the video, before noting that the day was spent “Learning about the extraordinary history of these aircraft and meeting the pilots and engineers who keep their legacy alive.”
The visit was “A powerful reminder of the courage, skill and dedication of those who serve, past and present,” the caption continued. “Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve.”
Kate Middleton has held the title of Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the base since 2023, and was clearly familiar with the structure, showing her son some of the historic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the unit responsible for preserving legendary World War II aircraft, including the Spitfires, Hurricanes, and a Lancaster bomber. During the visit, George was eager to converse with a number of the base’s workers, staff, and pilots, further fueling a well-known fascination with aviation that he shares with his father and great-grandfather, both of whom were associated with the RAF.
The occasion also comes at a pivotal moment for Prince George, who is set to begin his studies at Eton College in September—the same school his father attended and which, for centuries, has educated kings, prime ministers, and a large portion of the British political elite.
Originally published by Vanity Fair Spain
