George, Prince may assume a pesky regal custom on his 12th birthday, following alleged persuasion by William and Kate.
Prince George, the heir to the British throne, is about to embark on a new chapter in his life as he turns 12 on July 22, 2025. This significant milestone brings with it a historic royal travel restriction that has been in place for decades.
Starting from his 12th birthday, Prince George will no longer be allowed to fly on the same aircraft as his father, Prince William, who is first in line to the throne. This rule is enforced to safeguard the monarchy’s succession line from accidental simultaneous loss, such as a plane crash. Unless King Charles III grants special permission, Prince George and Prince William must travel separately by air to ensure maximum security for the monarchy’s continuity.
This protocol, which has been applied previously when Prince William himself turned 12, is specific to immediate heirs to the throne. It does not extend to all royal children. The rule was confirmed by King Charles III’s former pilot and is a longstanding royal custom.
The new travel arrangements will undoubtedly cause some complications for the royal family. Prince William had a separate aircraft after turning 12, and it is likely that Prince George will follow suit. Explaining these new travel arrangements to Prince George will be a challenging task for his parents, Catherine and William.
The family will likely divide up to make these new travel arrangements work. It is uncertain if Prince Harry's travel arrangements at the age of 12 were similar, as no information about this was provided in the text.
This change in travel arrangement serves as a reminder that Prince George, as next in line to the throne, has responsibilities that set him apart from other members of the royal family. Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent, believes there will be pressure on Prince William to stick to the new travel rules.
The new travel arrangements for Prince George mark an important milestone in his life and preparation for his future role as king. Despite the challenges, it is unlikely that Prince George will be flying alone. King Charles III and Prince William have reportedly had disagreements about Prince William’s use of his helicopter, but the safety and security of the monarchy remain paramount.
This graphic illustration of how Prince George’s destiny is mapped out and how he is different from others is a stark reminder of the weight of the crown he is set to inherit.
As Prince George reaches the age of 12, he will follow in his father's footsteps and adopt the rule of traveling separately from Prince William, both to maintain the continuity of the monarchy and uphold a longstanding royal custom. This change in travel arrangements indicates the unique lifestyle and responsibilities that come with being a celebrity and the heir to the British throne, as both Prince George and Prince William must prioritize the safety and style of their travels.
