As Prince George approaches his 12th birthday, a quiet but significant royal tradition will begin shaping his life. The young prince, second in line to the throne, will soon need to travel separately from his father, Prince William, due to a longstanding protocol designed to protect the royal line of succession. This unpublicized rule ensures that multiple heirs don’t face the same risks during air travel, a precaution that has quietly guided royal movements for generations.
The tradition isn’t about restricting family time but about safeguarding the monarchy’s future. Former royal pilot Graham Laurie recalls how young Prince William similarly began traveling independently after turning 12, with only rare exceptions approved by the late Queen. For George, this means future royal tours and official visits will require separate flight arrangements from his father, though family vacations may still see them together with special permission from King Charles.
This milestone marks George’s gradual transition from royal child to future king-in-training. While the change won’t affect his daily life immediately, it represents one of many subtle shifts preparing him for his eventual role. The royal family has always balanced modern life with ancient traditions, and George’s upcoming travel independence exemplifies this delicate dance between personal family moments and royal duty.
