The sad royal rule why King Charles and Prince William must never travel together

The British royal family adheres to a long-standing tradition that governs their travel arrangements. This tradition dictates that Prince Charles and Prince William, the current heir to the throne and the second in line, respectively, should never fly on the same plane together. The rationale behind this rule is to ensure the continuity of the monarchy in the event of a tragic accident.

Similarly, Prince William is also required to avoid flying with his son, Prince George, who is third in line to the throne. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard the line of succession by preventing the potential loss of multiple direct heirs in a single incident.

While most people can freely travel with their families, the royals must carefully consider these protocols before embarking on any journey by air. This tradition, though seemingly restrictive, serves as a prudent measure to preserve the stability and continuity of the British monarchy, a revered institution with a rich history and cultural significance.

Prior to the Queen’s passing, Prince William had frequently flown with his entire family, including on royal visits to Canada, Germany, and Poland. It remains uncertain whether he will continue this practice now that Prince George is second in line to the throne. The tradition of heirs not traveling together is believed to originate from the early days of aviation when flights were considered less safe. In the years leading up to her death, the Queen had relaxed this rule.

The line of succession to the British throne follows a specific order, with Prince William currently first in line, followed by his children George, Charlotte, and Louis in second, fourth, and fifth positions respectively. Despite being fifth in line, Prince Harry is not permitted to fly with William due to a long-standing tradition. This precaution is in place to ensure that if an unfortunate event were to occur involving Charles and William before Prince George reaches adulthood at 18, Harry would be required to serve as the monarch until George comes of age.

In 2014, a royal spokesperson clarified that while there is no official rule regarding this practice, it is ultimately the Queen’s decision. In recent years, the royal family’s air travel has faced increased scrutiny due to growing concerns over climate change and the emissions associated with air transportation.

William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have demonstrated a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint by opting for commercial airlines over private jets for certain trips. In 2016, the Duchess boarded a British Airways flight to Rotterdam for an official visit, while Prince William was spotted on a Ryanair flight to Glasgow the previous year.

In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced criticism from environmentalists for their frequent use of private jets, despite their public statements expressing concern about the climate crisis. This apparent contradiction between their actions and words has drawn scrutiny regarding their commitment to sustainable practices.