Prince William Says 10-Year-Old Prince George Is a 'Potential Pilot in the Making'

Prince William's eldest son, Prince George, seems interested in following in his dad's pilot footsteps.

Prince George is ready to take to the skies, just like his dad, Prince William! The 10-year-old royal and second in line to the throne has taken an interest in flying. 

While hosting a Buckingham Palace garden party this week, Prince William spoke to Squadron Leader Chrissie Lacey about his and wife Kate Middleton's eldest child. 

Noting that his son would love to visit the base where the member of the Royal Air Force works, William called George a "potential pilot in the making," according to Hello! magazine. 

This interest might have come from George's father, William, who was a search and rescue pilot for the RAF as well as an air ambulance pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance for two years. George has also been spotted at public events meeting pilots and sitting in the cockpit of planes since as young as age 2. 

Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Prince George sit in a Squirrel helicopter during a visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 8, 2016 in Fairford, England. - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In addition to George, William and Kate are also parents to daughter Princess Charlotte, 9, and son Prince Louis, 6. 

William was joined by his cousins, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and Zara Tindall at the rainy garden party, where they met with celebrated members of the public who received invitations for their charitable acts of service. 

William has remained busy in recent months, taking on additional royal duties as his wife and his father, King Charles III, are both battling cancer. 

Prince William, Prince of Wales speaks to guests at the Sovereign's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 21, 2024 in London, England. - Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images

After weeks of speculation, Kate recorded a video message in March detailing that she had been diagnosed with cancer and calling the news a "huge shock." 

She has not been seen at an official duty since December 2023. As for when Kate will return to work, Kensington Palace released a statement earlier this week with an update on the Princess of Wales' plans. 

"The princess is not expected to return to work until it's cleared by her medical team," the spokesperson said to the BBC.

Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on Dec. 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk. - Stephen Pond/Getty Images

ET's royal expert Katie Nicholl mirrored that sentiment earlier this month when asked about the princess' return to her duties. 

"She is taking a period of absence away from the spotlight. Sources close to her tell me that her absolute priority is on her recovery and looking after her three young children at the moment," Nicholl said. "There's no pressure on her to return to public engagements. There's certainly no expectation, and I think it's going to be some time before we see her resume such public engagements." 

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