Prince George, now 11 years old and second in line to the throne, is set to face the same strict royal rules and regulations that were imposed on his grandfather, King Charles, and his father, Prince William. These rules, designed to safeguard the future of the Royal family, range from obtaining consent for marriage proposals to never signing an autograph, told The Mirror.
One significant tradition limits the number of royal family members who can board an aircraft together. This rule, aimed at ensuring the survival of the monarchy, affected Prince William when he was just 12 years old and will soon apply to Prince George.
The Prince of Wales currently travels by air with his three young children, but this scenario is expected to change as Prince George approaches his 12th birthday next July. King Charles’ former pilot, Graham Laurie, explained how this rule impacted Prince William in 1994.
Speaking to HELLO Magazine’s ‘A Right Royal Podcast’, Laurie recounted, “Interestingly, 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. 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”.
This rule means that shortly, Prince George will have to fly separately from his father. While the young prince may find it difficult to accept this change, it is a necessary precaution to protect the continuity of the Royal family. It remains unclear whether George will fly alone or continue to travel with his mother and siblings.
The special prohibition was established to safeguard the heirs to the monarchy, a measure underscored by past tragedies. Three royals—Princess Cecile, the sister of Prince Philip; Prince George, the late Queen’s uncle; and Prince William of Gloucester—lost their lives in air mishaps. Although the rule can be overridden with the monarch’s consent, it is generally not advised due to the risks involved.
As Prince George grows older, he will increasingly experience the unique pressures and responsibilities that come with his position. The sacrifices he must make, including adherence to these strict travel rules, reflect the enduring commitment of the Royal family to preserve its legacy and protect its members.