Prince George impresses the royal family with his aviation knowledge during the Trooping the Colour flypast.
Prince George delighted royal watchers during this year’s Trooping the Colour by confidently demonstrating his growing knowledge of aviation, leaving even King Charles and Prince William momentarily stumped.
The 11-year-old heir, eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, stood with his family on the iconic Buckingham Palace balcony on Saturday as military aircraft roared overhead in the traditional Royal Air Force flypast. But when King Charles attempted to identify one of the planes, it was George who confidently provided the answer.
Lip reader Jeremy Freeman, speaking to The Mirror, revealed the exchange. As King Charles pointed skyward, he asked, “What is that?” Prince William hesitated, replying, “Errr, is that Poseidon?” Without missing a beat, Prince George chimed in with certainty: “It’s a Poseidon, yeah.”
The brief but telling moment captured not only George’s passion but also his growing confidence in royal duties. Cameras panned to the young prince as he calmly explained the aircraft type, while the rest of the royal family looked on proudly.
This fascination with flight isn’t new. Last year, GB News’s royal correspondent Cameron Walker revealed that Prince George took his first flying lesson just before returning to school after the 2024 summer holidays. Accompanied by his parents, William and Catherine, George flew from Waltham Airfield, located near the family’s residence at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Walker explained, “William and Catherine watched as Prince George and the flying instructor took off in an aircraft, spending around an hour airborne. An onlooker told The Sun that George ‘loved’ his first lesson — and it’s the right time for him to start.”
Aviation runs deep in the royal bloodline. Prince George’s father, Prince William, served as a search and rescue pilot for the Royal Air Force, while King Charles flew helicopters during his service with the Royal Navy. Even Prince Philip, George’s late great-grandfather, held a long-standing passion for aviation, logging numerous flight hours during his lifetime.
Saturday’s Trooping the Colour held extra significance as King Charles continues to balance his royal duties alongside his ongoing cancer treatment. Standing proudly alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their children, the King waved to the adoring crowds who had gathered outside Buckingham Palace.
Catherine’s appearance at the event was especially poignant. The Princess of Wales has kept a low profile in recent months while undergoing her own cancer treatment but made a graceful return to the public stage for the grand military parade. Her outfit — a striking ensemble in a pale shade that sparked debate online over whether it was blue or green — captured attention as she stood alongside her children.
Throughout the day, the royal family showcased unity and strength, with Prince George’s brief yet impressive intervention providing a moment of levity. Social media quickly lit up with praise for the young prince, hailing him as “a future pilot” and applauding his growing poise.
As the flypast concluded, the royal children waved enthusiastically to the cheering crowds, embodying the next generation of monarchy. For Prince George, his display of aviation knowledge not only continued a family tradition but also offered a rare glimpse into his personal passions, hinting at a future that may include more than just royal duties.
With every public appearance, the young royal seems increasingly prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead — and perhaps, for more flying lessons.
