Prince George has just seven days before he’ll be forced to be separated from Prince William and Princess Charlotte
Prince George is about to face a significant royal tradition as he turns 12 on July 22. The young heir will no longer be allowed to travel with both parents or his siblings—a precautionary measure to protect the line of succession.
This long-standing rule ensures that if tragedy strikes, like a plane crash, at least one direct heir remains safe. Prince William faced the same restriction at age 12, separating him from his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince Harry, during flights.
The tradition stems from royal history, where air disasters have claimed lives like Princess Cecilie in 1937 and Prince William of Gloucester in 1972. Though unwritten, the rule is strictly advised to maintain monarchy stability.
George has recently taken on more public duties, attending events like Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour. His increasing visibility hints at his future role—one that could come sooner than expected, given past abrupt successions.
Queen Elizabeth II ascended at just 25 after her father’s sudden death, while King Charles inherited the throne unexpectedly after his uncle’s abdication. Such precedents make preparing George essential.
While the rule is flexible—requiring the monarch’s permission to bypass—William and George would need Charles’ approval to fly together. For now, George will likely travel separately, marking a new chapter in his royal upbringing.
As the young prince steps further into the spotlight, these protocols ensure the monarchy’s continuity, blending tradition with modern necessity. His 12th birthday isn’t just a milestone—it’s the start of a more independent royal journey.
