As a royal measure underpins tradition, Prince George will face new traveling arrangements next year.
According to the Daily Express, Prince George will soon adhere to a royal protocol requiring travel separation from his family, affecting traditional familial travels.
At the threshold of his 12th birthday in July 2025, Prince George—the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine and currently second in line to the British throne—will no longer travel with his father due to an age-old royal rule. This regulation is designed to protect the line of succession by not allowing direct heirs to fly together.
Graham Laurie, former pilot for King Charles, recalls similar protocols affecting Prince William during his youth. It becomes a poignant reminder of the royal family’s strict adherence to these protective measures.
Historically, the royal protocol mitigates risk by separating heirs when traveling. "We flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Princeuncy William, and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old," Laurie recounted in an interview with OK!. After reaching this milestone, Prince William had to travel separately, ensuring the royal protocol was observed.
"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," Laurie added, highlighting how the protocol was implemented.
This rule is not without serious historical precedent. The royal family has faced tragic losses with three royals, including relatives of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, perishing in plane crashes—a strong impetus for these stringent travel rules.
The specifics of the travel arrangements—whether Prince William travels alone or whether he will be accompanied by his other children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, or if Prince George travels only with Princess Catherine—are still open to internal decisions and possibly, exceptions granted by the king.
This royal regulation can occasionally be set aside with the monarch's approval, ensuring some flexibility in emergencies or special circumstances. However, the overarching aim remains clear: to protect the future of the monarchy.
Discussion about the royal family's travel plans and protocols became more publicly curious after a video featuring Princess Catherine reacting humorously to a social interaction involving Prince William gained traction online.
While this rule underscores concerns for safety and the continuation of the royal lineage, it also opens discussions on the balance between public interest and the privacy and security of the royal family.
The royal family's travel precaution, born from both past tragedy and practical necessity, seeks to safeguard its future heirs, a paramount concern amidst their public roles.
In light of historical tragedies that have beset the royal family, these travel protocols serve practical purposes and honor the memories of those lost. The fusion of duty with personal sacrifice continues to define the modern royal experience.
