Royal fans are just discovering a heart-wrenching tradition that will come into play later this year when Prince George turns 12.
The son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who is second in line to the throne, will reach this significant age on July 22, when a major change is expected to occur.
According to Royal protocol, from the age of 12, the second heir to the throne (George) must travel by plane separately from the first in line (William) to safeguard the Royal lineage, meaning the father and son may never fly together again. In fact, William hasn’t flown with his own dad, King Charles III, since he turned 12 in 1994.
A TikTok video explaining the rule has been enlightening for many after it was shared earlier this week. While the accompanying caption claiming that William has “just informed” George of the change hasn’t been confirmed, fans were quick to elaborate on the rule in the comments.
“Security,” one TikTok user explained. “If they were both on the same plane and something terrible happened – then there wouldn’t be a successor.”
Another added: “It has always been Royal protocol, however since William’s children were born the protocol hasn’t been followed and they fly with the kids.”
A third person shared their family’s cautious approach, saying: “I always tell my brother not to fly on the same flight as his son. If anything happens that’s his lineage gone, as he only made one son.”
Meanwhile, another individual simply accepted the practice, writing: “Just business as usual even though it’s probably hard to accept.”
On the other hand, a sceptic voiced their opinion: “What a silly antiquated rule. They have a better chance of something happening to them crossing the street together.”
Delving into Royal protocols, King Charles’ former pilot, Graham Laurie, revealed insights on Hello! magazine’s ‘A Right Royal Podcast’. He recounted: “Interestingly, we flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old.”
He added: “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 [the late Queen Elizabeth II]. 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.”
The Royal Family has indeed faced its share of air tragedies. The late Prince Philip’s sister, Princess Cecile, perished in a crash in 1937, while the late Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle, Prince George, died in an air accident in 1942.
Additionally, the Queen mourned the loss of her cousin, Prince William, in an air show mishap in 1972.
