Prince George Steals the Show at Air Show

— -- Prince William and Princess Kate brought Prince George to a military air show today that become the "heir" show when George, the third-in-line to the British throne, captivated both the show's spectators and pilots and air personnel alike.

The Cambridges, minus Princess Charlotte, traveled to RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, for the Royal International Air Tattoo, which bills itself online as "the world's greatest air show."

"The Air Tattoo is a fantastic family-orientated event. The Duke and Duchess know that George will enjoy seeing the aircraft up close," Kensington Palace said in a statement about William and Kate's decision to bring George along.

The toddler, who turns 3 on July 22, seemed a little frightened when he first arrived, asking to be picked up by Kate. After being given a set of ear protectors to cope with the noise, George looked on with excitement as his parents took him to see the aircraft.

Prince George excitedly pointed at the jets taking off and landing at the airfield.

The royal heir also seemed fascinated when his dad placed him in the cockpit of one of the Red Arrows, which George last observed at June's Trooping the Colour as their red, white and blue streamed overhead Buckingham Palace.

The little prince, whose parents have said he is obsessed with helicopters, also joined William and Kate in a Royal Air Force Squirrel helicopter at the show. Prince William is an air ambulance pilot and Prince Harry flew Apache helicopters in the British Army.

Prince George has been enthralled with seeing the choppers land on the Kensington Palace grounds since he's been old enough to walk.

The Royal International Air Tattoo show this year was celebrating 75 years of the Air Cadets. Kate took over as Patron and Honorary Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets from Prince Philip in December 2015. The position is her first royal role with an official link to the military.