Prince George takes the pilot’s seat: Young royal begins flying lessons under watchful eye of proud father William
It seems the skies are already calling Britain’s future king. Prince George, the eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has reportedly taken his very first flying lesson this week — a rite of passage that follows in the footsteps of generations of royals with a passion for aviation.
The 12-year-old heir, second in line to the throne, was spotted climbing into the cockpit of a light aircraft at a private Norfolk airfield, with Prince William proudly observing from the tarmac. Dressed casually in a crisp white polo shirt and chinos, George looked focused and composed as he placed his hands on the controls while an instructor guided him through the basics.
A Windsor tradition takes flight
Aviation runs deep in the House of Windsor. Prince Philip was a qualified pilot; King Charles trained with the Royal Air Force in the 1970s; and Prince William famously served as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot with the RAF before flying air ambulances.
“Flying is in the family DNA,” one palace insider said. “George has always shown an interest in planes and helicopters, so it was only a matter of time before he asked to take the controls himself. William was beaming with pride as he watched his son take this first step.”
Sources say George’s lesson lasted around 30 minutes, with the young royal learning the basics of cockpit controls, throttle adjustment, and even practicing a gentle taxi along the runway.
A natural in the cockpit
Instructors were reportedly impressed by George’s composure. “He wasn’t nervous at all,” one eyewitness told Daily Mail. “He listened carefully, asked lots of questions, and followed instructions like a pro. He has his father’s calmness and attention to detail.”
While he did not attempt take-off or landing — both too advanced for a first session — George was allowed to maneuver the aircraft during a short guided run. “His smile said it all,” the source added. “He absolutely loved it.”
Proud family on hand
The special moment was made into a family day out. Princess Catherine was seen on the sidelines with Charlotte, 10, and Louis, 7, who giggled as they watched their brother don a pilot’s headset.
Charlotte reportedly teased George, calling him “Captain George” as he climbed into the seat, while Louis clapped excitedly when the propellers began to spin. Catherine, elegant in a summer blouse and trousers, filmed clips of the experience on her phone.
“It was clearly a proud parenting moment,” a witness said. “William stood with his arms folded, grinning ear to ear. Kate looked emotional at seeing her son so grown-up. It was a real family milestone.”
A glimpse into the future
While George is still very young, royal commentators say this first flying lesson could be more than just a childhood thrill. “It’s symbolic,” explained royal biographer Emily Andrews. “Like his father and grandfather before him, George is showing an early interest in service and discipline. Learning to fly is about focus, responsibility and resilience — qualities that will serve him well as a future monarch.”
Indeed, William has often spoken of encouraging his children to pursue their passions. “Whatever they want to do, we’ll support them,” he said in a previous interview. “If George wants to fly, he’ll have our full backing.”
A boy of many talents
George’s interest in aviation is just one of many pursuits. Palace aides say he excels at school, particularly in mathematics and geography, subjects that often overlap with flight. He is also a keen footballer and tennis player, and has shown an aptitude for piano.
“George is at an age where he’s exploring who he is,” one teacher said. “But his natural curiosity sets him apart. He doesn’t just want to know how things work — he wants to try them himself.”
Fans react to flying lesson news
News of George’s lesson quickly spread across social media, sparking excitement among royal fans.
“Future King, future pilot — the skies have no limits for George,” one supporter tweeted.
Another added: “Seeing George take to the cockpit at 12 is surreal. He’s growing up so fast — William must be bursting with pride.”
Many compared the young prince to his father, sharing side-by-side photos of William in RAF uniform with images of George in the cockpit headset. “Like father, like son,” one fan wrote.
Royal watchers weigh in
Experts say moments like this resonate strongly with the public. “People love seeing the Wales children have as normal an upbringing as possible,” royal analyst Richard Fitzwilliams explained. “Flying lessons, school sports, trips to Wimbledon — it humanises them. At the same time, it subtly reinforces the continuity of the monarchy.”
The sight of George behind the controls also prompted speculation about whether he might one day follow William into the RAF before assuming full royal duties. “It’s too early to say, of course,” Fitzwilliams noted. “But if George does pursue flying, it will be seen as a fitting tribute to his family’s legacy.”
The bottom line
For now, Prince George’s first flying lesson is simply a childhood adventure — a chance to learn, explore, and grow under the guidance of his father. But for royal fans, the image of the young prince in the cockpit carries a weight far beyond a family day out.
As one supporter put it: “He may not be king yet, but today Prince George was Captain George — and that’s enough to make the nation proud.”