Just two days before turning 20, Prince Christian of Denmark has lived out a childhood dream, flying a fighter jet. The Danish Royal House has released a set of images that show the heir to the throne channeling full 'Top Gun' energy.
These cinematic shots are the kind that few royals can resist when visiting their nation's air force, but it's far less common for them to actually take the controls of a military aircraft, as Christian did during a training flight in an F-16.
In a personal message shared after the flight, the prince wrote that this was a moment he had dreamed of since he was young, declaring that he has great respect for pilots, and following his experience, the respect has only grown.
The flight marked one of the final training missions for the F-16, which is gradually being phased out in favor of the newer F-35s. The surprise experience wasn’t part of the official royal schedule, but it held special meaning, especially with a visit from his father, King Frederik, who took part in a similar flight himself back in 1989, making it an unforgettable moment.
Accompanied by an experienced pilot, Prince Christian took off from Skrydstrup Air Base in Jutland on Monday. The flight, which covered the southern region of the peninsula, was part of his ongoing training as a lieutenant, which began in August. Upon landing, he spoke with the press, visibly glowing with excitement.
“It’s incredible what that plane can do,” he said, still excited from the flight. When asked if he could see himself joining the Air Force after his training, he didn’t rule it out. He also explained that he thought he might be too tall to fly an F-16, but now that he knows he can do it, he said he would be up for it. (The prince stands at about 6'3'').
His time in the military so far has been overwhelmingly positive, as he also declared that he has met a lot of "passionate" young people and has enjoyed every minute of it. Earlier this year, in May, it was announced that Christian had completed his initial military training with the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse.
At that time, the Royal House confirmed that he had been accepted to continue his training. Since August, he has been enrolled in the Lieutenant Training Course, a year-long program that will be followed by a practical service period as a platoon leader. This is only the second time the public has seen images of Christian in active military duty since he joined the Anvorskov barracks, but none have been quite as captivating as these high-flying moments in the cockpit.