Royal Outing: Kate Middleton and Prince George Visit RAF Base
New photos released by the royal family on Friday, July 3, 2026, capture Kate Middleton and Prince George during their visit to the Royal Air Force base at Coningsby. At 12 years old, Prince George is preparing to attend Eton College, the same prestigious boarding school his father, Prince William, once attended.
During the trip, Kate and George took part in events marking the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces Day. They observed a commemorative display honoring the Battle of Britain and took turns sitting in the cockpits of various aircraft. The prince and princess also spoke with pilots and engineers stationed at the base.
Video from the Visit
The royal family also shared a video of the outing on social media. In the footage, George appears noticeably older and nearly as tall as his mother, according to a royal spokesperson:
“George has grown up noticeably and in the video looks almost the same height as his mother” - The Royal Family.
Until now, George has been a student at Lambrook School, where his sister Princess Charlotte and brother Prince Louis also attend.
This visit by Kate Middleton and Prince George to the RAF base underscores the importance of military service and patriotism in the United Kingdom, especially in the context of Armed Forces Day celebrations. It also serves as a symbol of tradition within the royal family, as George prepares for a new chapter at a prestigious boarding school—a sign of his gradual transition into adulthood. The public has taken great interest, as the young prince is expected to take on more active royal duties in the near future.
This visit marks a significant moment for Prince George, who is soon set to embark on his educational journey at a prestigious institution. As he prepares to follow in his father's footsteps, his transition to Eton is generating considerable public interest. To learn more about how this step reflects his growing responsibilities within the royal family, read our article on George's upcoming enrollment at Eton.