Prince William and his son Prince George recently enjoyed a low-profile father-son trip to Barcelona during George’s half-term break from Eton College. On 3rd November 2026, they were spotted attending an exhilarating Champions League match at Spotify Camp Nou, supporting their favourite football team, Aston Villa, as they faced off against FC Barcelona.
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The duo’s choice of travel was particularly modest for members of the royal family. Images and videos shared on social media showed them boarding a commercial flight to Spain, a decision that highlights a recurrent but often overlooked choice among royals. While it’s common for the royal family to utilise private jets, William and George’s decision to fly commercially mirrors previous instances of royal family members opting for commercial air travel.
Prince William’s history with commercial flights dates back to 2014 when he travelled from New York to Washington, D.C. for a meeting with former President Barack Obama. Furthermore, in 2016, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, also made headlines when she took a British Airways flight from Rotterdam to London. This trend continued with the couple arriving in Boston in 2022, stepping off a commercial flight for their first visit to the United States since 2014.
Interestingly, Prince William’s affinity for commercial flights has sometimes come at a price. Last year, he missed the royal family’s Festival of Remembrance while flying home on a commercial airline from Brazil, where he attended the Earthshot Prize awards.
Another noteworthy aspect of this trip is that it runs counter to traditional royal protocol, which typically discourages direct heirs from travelling together to mitigate any risks to the monarchy’s future. This guideline was instituted for Prince William when he turned 12, following a long-standing practice intended to safeguard the line of succession. Graham Laurie, a former pilot for King Charles, shared insights on this protocol in a recent podcast, recalling that the royal family would fly together until William reached that age.
However, it seems that the Prince and Princess of Wales may be inclined to diverge from earlier established customs, opting instead for a more relatable and grounded family lifestyle for their children. They have consistently demonstrated a desire to instil a sense of normalcy in their children’s upbringing, even as they prepare them for future royal obligations.
Prince George’s outing to Barcelona was also special as it took place during his half-term break from Eton, a prestigious all-boys boarding school where he recently enrolled. The trip offered a rare chance for the father and son to bond and indulge in their shared passion for football. During last month’s school holidays, Princess Kate expressed her excitement at having all three of her children home, highlighting the importance of family time amid their busy schedules.
William, a lifelong Aston Villa supporter, has instilled this passion in his children. He once revealed how his football superstitions influence the family dynamics on match days. “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving around the house quickly, and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck,” he explained, adding a relatable touch to his royal persona.
As the Prince of Wales embraces a more modern approach to his royal duties, it seems he is also keen on ensuring his children enjoy experiences typical to that of other young boys their age. By travelling commercially and attending football matches together, William and George are exemplifying a refreshing perspective, blending tradition with a more contemporary family life.
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