Prince William and his eldest son Prince George flew on a commercial flight to Barcelona this week to watch Aston Villa play, a decision that has surprised and delighted royal fans.
The Prince of Wales and George, 13, were seen on what appeared to be a British Airways flight, sitting together at the front of the cabin. A video shared on X showed the father and son preparing to disembark the plane, with members of their security team accompanying them.
Fans praise decision to fly commercially
Royal fans have praised the pair for choosing a commercial flight over a private jet, with many expressing surprise at the choice. One fan wrote on X: "It doesn't even look like first class." Another commented: "William does as his future people do. Commercial and in economy class."
This is not the first time the Wales family has flown commercially; they have previously been spotted on British Airways flights, including when travelling for family holidays.
Environmental and upbringing considerations
The choice to fly commercially is often driven by environmental consciousness, a cause William is passionate about. It is also likely part of an effort by Prince William and Princess Catherine to give their three children as ordinary an upbringing as possible.
Despite being among the most famous children in the world, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are being raised with a focus on normalcy. This is one of the reasons the family moved from London to Windsor in 2022, and why William and Catherine have chosen to have no live-in staff for several years.
First sighting since Eton
William and George's commercial flight comes after they were pictured in the stands of Camp Nou on Tuesday, where Aston Villa lost 3-0 to Barcelona. The sighting of George is the first since he began boarding at Eton College in September; he is currently on half-term break.
The father and son shared moments together during the game, with fans reacting when George was seen leaning on his father. Princess Catherine, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were not present.
