Royal Protocol Will Seemingly Uphold This Decision on How Prince George Travels

Royal protocols: people are fascinated by them. Some make sense, like curtsying and wearing certain clothes at major events, while others seem downright odd, like not showing children much affection in public. (Luckily, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have no problem ignoring that protocol for their lively children!) Speaking of William and Catherine’s children, it seems one of them is about to undergo a major change, specifically with how they travel.

As many loyal royal fans know, William and Catherine’s son Prince George will be turning 11 on July 22. While nothing big will come from that, for the most part, something major will happen when he turns 12 years old next year: he’ll no longer be able to fly with his dad, William.

Per The Mirror, George will no longer be able to fly with William due to royal protocols ensuring the future of the monarchy. Let us explain: George is second-in-line for the throne, with his dad William being first-in-line. Because of this, when George turns 12, they have to ensure his safety by making him take separate flights.

“There is an important royal custom in place to secure the future of the monarchy by restricting who can travel together on the same plane,” the outlet said. “The unique restriction is in place to protect the heirs to the throne. While the rule can be broken with the monarch’s permission, it is discouraged since, in the event of a crash, the future of the monarchy would be immediately unstable.”

So, it’s to ensure everyone’s safety. But flying has been a big point of contention in the family, especially for the Wales family.

It was reported by the Daily Mail back in 2022 that the late Queen Elizabeth II repeatedly asked William not to fly helicopters, especially to not pilot them himself because it could “threaten the line of succession.”

The report said, “It keeps the Queen awake at night, and she is understandably very worried. She knows William is a capable pilot but does not think it is worth the risk for all five of them to carry on flying together and can’t imagine what would happen. It would spark a constitutional crisis.”

For those who don’t know, William and Kate have been together on and off since 2003. They married in 2011, and recently celebrated their anniversary with a throwback photo that weirdly enough caused controversy.

Since their nuptials, they have since welcomed three children named George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and Louis, 6.

Before you go, click here to see our favorite Kate Middleton mommy moments!