Prince George granted special honor after his love of this beloved TV show was revealed

Prince George's favorite TV show is a much-loved classic and he received a very special tribute...

Prince George of Cambridge attends the Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene
(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

Prince George’s favorite TV show during his early childhood once granted him a special honor after his love for the long-running program was revealed by his royal parents.  


Everyone has their favorite childhood TV show and when it comes to the Queen’s great-grandchildren, there was one in particular that seems to have stood out for Prince George. Whilst reports have claimed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s elder children including Prince George must abide by a strict royal rule about watching only one hour of TV at home at Kensington Palace, royal children are known to enjoy certain programs. 

The eldest son of Prince William and Kate Middleton is understood to have been a major fan of British kids’ program, Fireman Sam. First aired in 1987, the series follows the work and daily life of the titular Welsh firefighter, Sam, and his friends and colleagues in the fictional rural village of Pontypandy. The Cambridges are said to have previously revealed their son’s love of Fireman Sam during a memorable appearance on BBC Radio One.

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George attend the Gigaset Charity Polo Match

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Here Duchess Kate supposedly stated that, “Fireman Sam has taken an awful lot of interest” in their household and got candid about George’s passion for helicopters which feature in the series. The devoted mom-of-three was also reportedly spotted back in 2016 buying a Fireman Sam book in a charity shop—a purchase believed to be a thoughtful gift for the then-3-year-old Prince George. 

And it seems that the Cambridge’s remarks about just how much their son enjoyed watching the children’s series might not have gone unnoticed by those involved in the show. According to Express.co.uk, in 2018 for Fireman Sam’s 30th anniversary a very significant episode which included a wonderful nod to Prince George. 

Entitled The Prince in Pontypandy, the special saw Sam and the other villagers receive a surprising royal visitor.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge view helicopters

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The unnamed Prince was set to come to Pontypandy, with Sam and the rest of the fire crew tasked with organizing the event. As with many Fireman Sam episodes, however, a daring rescue was soon required after one character fell into a ravine and was left in desperate need of help.

This time it was the Prince who came to the rescue in a helicopter and afterwards was even given a special toy helicopter as a gift for his heroic efforts. This royal newcomer could be seen to honor Prince George by reflecting so many of his favorite things with the wonderful toy. 

Whilst the helicopter rescue itself could also perhaps have been a potential subtle reference to his father Prince William’s former career as a search and rescue pilot. 

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge attends the opening of the East Anglian Air Ambulance base in Cambridge

(Image credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

The Queen’s grandchild left the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2017 to take on full-time royal duties. However, Prince George and Princess Charlotte are said to have inherited a passion for aircraft from him. 

Whether or not the nod to young royal fan Prince George was intentional in the Fireman Sam 30th anniversary special, this is one episode that likely went down especially well in the Cambridges' household!   

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!