‘Morbid’ rule Prince George will have to follow as soon as he turns 12

Prince George, as he approaches his 12th birthday, will soon be subject to a unique and somber royal protocol that dictates travel arrangements for the British monarchy. This rule, which has been in place for decades, prevents multiple heirs to the throne from flying together to safeguard the royal lineage in case of an accident.

Currently, Prince George, who is second in line to the throne after his father Prince William, can travel with his father and siblings. However, starting in July 2025, this will change when George turns 12. At that point, the tradition mandates that he and his father cannot fly together on the same aircraft. This protocol aims to ensure the continuity of the monarchy should a disaster occur during travel.

This rule has a historical precedent, having applied to previous heirs. For instance, Prince William stopped flying with his father, King Charles III, after he turned 12 in 1994. Similarly, King Charles himself adhered to this rule with his own father, Prince Philip. Despite the advancement in air travel safety, the royal family continues to observe this precautionary measure due to past tragedies, such as the deaths of Prince Philip’s sister, Princess Cecile, in a 1937 plane crash, and other relatives in subsequent air accidents.

Interestingly, while this rule can technically be overruled by the reigning monarch, it is rarely done, especially once the heir reaches the specified age. In the case of George, it remains to be seen whether he will travel separately from his father or if Prince William will fly on a different aircraft. Historically, there have been instances where the Queen granted exceptions for young children, but such allowances are not expected to continue once George turns 12.

This travel rule underscores the unique and often challenging aspects of royal life, where even routine activities like family travel are governed by protocols aimed at preserving the stability and continuity of the British monarchy.