The ancient rule is designed to keep the line of succession safe.
The eldest of Prince William and Princess Kate’s royal children will see their lives change dramatically in 308 days because of a very old rule designed to keep the line of succession safe.
The protocl is designed to protect the monarchy in case of accidents and will see Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, separated once he turns 12 years old.
In the event of an accident on an aircraft or another form of transport, it could threaten the immediate line of succession were they all to travel together and this is why the rule forbids this from happening.
News of the unusual rule was revealed ahead of Prince George’s 11th birthday on July 22 by King Charles’s former pilot, Graham Laurie.
The Palace released an image for Prince George’s 11th birthday (Image: Kensington Palace)
The former pilot told OK! Magazine: “We flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old. After that, he had to have a separate aircraft and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty.”
He added: “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.”
If the rule is applied, it means that at only 12 years old, George will have to travel separately to his family for the rest of his life.
Sadly, members of the Royal Family have lost their lives in air accidents. The late Prince Philip’s sister, Princess Cecile, died in a crash in 1937, the late Queen’s uncle, Prince George, Duke of Kent, died in 1942, and her cousin, Prince William of Gloucester, died during an air show in 1972.
Prince George may not be able to travel with his family when he is older
Prince George will turn 12 on July 22, 2025. This year, the Princess of Wales released a black and white photo to mark George’s 11th birthday.
This year’s photo of the prince, displayed in black and white, contrasts with the more casual image shared on his 10th birthday where he was seen sitting on steps, sleeves rolled back.
In the image, George was seen wearing a friendship bracelet – not dissimilar to the one worn by his sister, Princess Charlotte, during the Wimbledon men’s final.
The Princess of Wales regularly takes photographs of her family, sharing them on social media to mark birthdays and special occasions.
