George, Charlotte And Louis Make Surprise Appearance At Royal International Air Tattoo
Nothing pleases royal fans more than when the Prince and Princess of Wales bring their three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, 5, along to royal engagements. So there was much excitement when the couple were joined by the entire brood for a surprise outing to the Royal International Air Tattoo on Friday 14 July.
After the engagement, Kensington Palace released an announcement reading: ‘The Air Tattoo is the world’s largest military air show, featuring over 250 aircraft from 25 nations and attracting over 200,00 spectators over the weekend. The event is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust, which aims to support the RAF and encourage interest in the aviation industry among young people.’
The event was a chance for George, Charlotte and Louis to enjoy a summer holiday day out with their parents, who remained undaunted by the less than balmy weather. Prince George previously visited the event as a toddler in July 2016, shortly before his 3rd birthday, when he was photographed wearing ear defenders in an RAF Red Arrows Hawk jet.
The family looked picture-perfect in a coordinating colour palette, all wearing accents of blue and navy. Kate wrapped up against the inclement weather in a BLAZÉ Milano striped blazer, adding a dose of glamour with Sézane gold hoop earrings and a favourite necklace by Daniella Draper. Charlotte also donned stripes, wearing a pretty dress with a Peter Pan collar.
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Kensington Palace added: ‘The Prince and Princess of Wales have a strong relationship with the RAF, with The Prince having served with the Search and Rescue Force for over three years, based at RAF Valley in Anglesey. The Prince is Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby and The Princess is Honorary Air Commodore of the Air Cadets.’
During the outing, the family were welcomed by Air Marshal Philip Osborn, Chairman of the RAFCT and Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, who is currently serving as Chief of the Air Staff for the Royal Air Force. They also toured a C-17 plane on display as part of the RAF Experience which showcases opportunities available in the RAF. Poignantly, the C-17 transporter was the type of aircraft used to transport Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin ahead of her funeral last September, according to the Telegraph.
Kate also visited the Techno Zone, ‘which aims to inspire young people into exploring science, technology, engineering and maths before going onto careers in engineering, aviation and aerospace.’ The princess met with Cadets and winners of the Road to RIAT national schools competition: ‘a year-long programme involving 300 schools from across the UK who were challenged to design a sustainable aircraft of the future for the RAF.’
The family also watched some of an air display, and George was even allowed to operate an aircraft ramp ramp by pressing a button.
As children of the future king and queen, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are familiar faces at key royal events or special outings with their parents. From appearing on the Buckingham Palace balcony during the coronation, to taking part in a photocall to kick off the academic year at a new school, the Waleses are known for their charming displays of character and warm mutual affection.