In just one week, a longstanding royal protocol will come into play—one that will see 11-year-old Prince George separated from his parents and siblings during travel.
This rule, which only applies to George as the heir presumptive after his father Prince William, is rooted in centuries of tradition meant to protect the line of succession.
As the future king, George’s movements will now follow stricter guidelines to ensure the monarchy’s stability.
Prince George’s Growing Public Role
In recent months, the public has seen more of Prince George at high-profile royal events. Last June, he joined his father at the Euros final, witnessing England’s narrow defeat by Spain. He was also present at Princess Catherine’s Christmas carol concert, and earlier this summer, he stood on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Trooping the Colour.
Most recently, George was seen seated in the Royal Box at Wimbledon with Prince William, Princess Catherine, and his sister Princess Charlotte, watching Jannik Sinner triumph over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final.
These appearances signal his increasing involvement in royal duties and public life—preparation, perhaps, for a role that may come earlier than expected.
The Heir Must Travel Separately
As George approaches his 12th birthday on July 22, one important protocol will begin: he will no longer be permitted to travel with both his parents or his siblings at the same time. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that at least one direct heir to the throne is safeguarded in case of emergencies, such as a plane crash.
This tradition was also followed by Prince William, who, upon turning 12, had to begin flying separately from his father, Prince Charles, and his brother, Prince Harry.
Explained by a Royal Pilot
Graham Laurie, former pilot to King Charles, explained the details of this travel protocol in an interview with OK! Magazine:
“We flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old. After that, he had to have a separate aircraft and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty,” Laurie recalled.
“When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt, and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on.”
A History of Tragedy in Royal Aviation
While this rule is not formally written into law, it is a deeply respected safety measure within the royal household, shaped in part by historical tragedies.
In 1937, Prince Philip’s sister, Princess Cecilie, died in a plane crash. Just five years later, Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle, Prince George, was also killed in an aviation accident. Another royal, Prince William of Gloucester—cousin to the late Queen—died in a similar crash in 1972.
These incidents serve as somber reminders of why such precautions are taken seriously, even if unwritten.
Exceptions Require Royal Permission
Ultimately, the decision to enforce or override this tradition lies with the reigning monarch. Should Prince William wish to continue traveling with Prince George after his birthday, he would need explicit permission from King Charles.
Though the risk may seem small, royal officials continue to honor this tradition to safeguard the continuity of the crown.