Photo:KensingtonRoyal/ Twitter

Wales family field trip

KensingtonRoyal/ Twitter

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamcapped their fun family Friday with a group photo.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, took their three childrenfor a fun dayat the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. The royalfamilysmiled in a group photo posted to Instagram, showingPrince George, 9, andPrince Louis, 5, protected in their raincoats — and they poked fun at the wet conditions!

“A family day out at the@airtattoo- in the wonderful British summer weather Great exploring the C-17 and meeting@usairforcecrew,” the caption read.

Princess Charlotte, 8, went without a raincoat like her parents but pulled her hair back after wearing it down earlier.

The family saw the world’s largest military air show, which draws over 200,000 visitors each July. The event is a benefit forThe Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which supports the air force and encourages young people to engage in aviation.

The Prince and Princess of Wales' official Instagram post’s caption continued, saying, “Congratulations to the brilliant winners of the Road to RIAT competition on designing a sustainable aircraft for the future of the RAF. ”

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Prince George of Wales raises the ramp on the C17 plane during the visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford with Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte of Wales on July 14, 2023 in Fairford, England

Another photo highlighted the kids having fun at the venue, with Prince George touching some equipment as his father laughed behind him. The rest showed Kate meeting attendees of the event, shaking hands and sparking conversation.

She also met winners ofRoad to RIAT, a year-long competition that challenged students from 300 schools across the U.K. to design a sustainable aircraft for the future of the RAF.

Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with winners of the Road to RIAT national schools competition in the Techno Zone, which aims to inspire young people into exploring science, technology, engineering and maths, during her visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on July 14, 2023 in Fairford, England

“The family were all looking forward to the trip,” a royal source told PEOPLE of the unannounced outing, which came as a school vacation treat for the Wales kids. The trio recently completed classes at theLambrook Schooland are likely excited aboutsummer break.

Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales with Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales (C) as they walk down the ramp of a C17 plane during their visit to the Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford

William and Kate’s surprise visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo marks their first time attending as a family of five. The couplelast checked out the air showwith Prince George, then 2 ½, in 2016.

“I imagine his father has told him about helicopters, so he knew what that was called and kept saying, ‘tail rotor.’ It was good to see his technical knowledge! Some training going on early!” Flight Lieutenant Jim Hobkirk told PEOPLE at the time.

source: people.com