Princess Kate has revealed that her youngest son, Prince Louis, hopes to one day become a fighter pilot.
The Princess of Wales shared the details while trying out a flight simulator during a visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. It marked her first trip to the base since being appointed Royal Honorary Air Commodore in August 2023.
She was shown around a fully armed Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon, kept on standby to protect UK airspace, before stepping into a simulator where she piloted a jet through a loop-the-loop.
Speaking to children during the visit, she said that Louis, seven, wanted to be a pilot, adding: “I’m going to tell them [her children] it takes eight years and a lot of hard work.”
Prince Louis dreams of becoming a fighter pilot as Princess Kate shares update
|PA
Louis’ father, the Prince of Wales, is the fourth generation of the Royal Family to undergo pilot training. He previously flew with the RAF as a search-and-rescue pilot between 2009 and 2013, and later worked as an air ambulance pilot from 2015 to 2017.
Kate, who had arrived at the base by helicopter, was also briefed on RAF Coningsby’s role in Operation Shader in the Middle East and Operation Eastern Sentry, a mission responding to rising tensions with Russia.
Group Captain Paul O’Grady praised her ability in the simulator, saying: “She seems to be a natural pilot, so we might have to get her qualified and get her flying a Typhoon, if she’s up for it.”
Before leaving, the Princess visited a communal hub known as the Lounge, where she accepted a cup of tea and spoke with members of the Welfare Team.
Princess Kate wore diamond and sapphire cluster earrings | PAThey presented her with three model Typhoon jets for her children, telling her: “Somebody told us your children were very excited about you seeing a plane.”
She replied: “They’ll be very upset that I’ve seen a Typhoon without them.”
Dozens of families and young children gathered to welcome her, offering flowers and small gifts. When one little girl stretched out her arms for a hug, the Princess obliged, responding: “Thank you - I love hugs!”
Despite arriving an hour behind schedule due to poor weather, she lingered at the base, spending about 20 minutes meeting some of the 700 families who live in and around Coningsby.
The Princess of Wales, Royal Honorary Air Commodore, RAF Coningsby, during her first visit since taking up the role in August 2023
|PA
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Princess Kate looking inside a plane at RAF Coningsby
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Along the way, she shared her children’s enthusiasm for flying, telling 10-year-old Robin Sansum that they were envious of her trip to see the military aircraft.
When another youngster mentioned enjoying football at school, she replied: “That’s what our boys are playing at the moment. Charlotte is playing hockey.”
As she finally departed, more than 90 minutes later than expected, the Princess laughed: “I’m sorry, I totally outstayed my welcome!”