Prince George is about to turn 12 — and with that milestone comes a very specific, and rather sobering, change to his royal life.
As second in line to the throne, behind his father Prince William, George has so far enjoyed a relatively normal childhood, albeit under the gaze of the public. But on 22 July, when he celebrates his 12th birthday, a key royal protocol will quietly but firmly come into effect: he will no longer be allowed to fly on the same aircraft as his father.
The reason is as morbid as it is pragmatic — to protect the line of succession in the event of a tragic accident.
A protocol rooted in history
This rule isn’t new. In fact, it was once personally overseen by Queen Elizabeth II herself. Former royal pilot Graham Laurie explained in a podcast that while Prince William and Prince Harry were allowed to travel with their parents when they were young, that changed the moment William turned 12.
“After that, he had to have a separate aircraft,” Laurie recalled. “We could only fly all four together with written permission from Her Majesty.”
From now on, Prince George will need to travel separately from Prince William when flying on official royal business. He can, however, still fly with his mother, Princess Catherine, and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — since neither of them is directly in the immediate line of succession.
It’s a reminder that even at 12, George’s path is already mapped out with expectations that would be unthinkable for most children his age.
Royal duties are already part of his life
Even before his birthday, George has already been slowly stepping into royal life. He’s made appearances at Wimbledon, taken part in VE Day commemorations, and regularly joins the family at the annual Christmas carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales.
While still young, he’s clearly being prepared for what lies ahead — not just as a senior royal, but as a future king.
Another small but telling protocol change will accompany his solo travel: George must now pack a black outfit whenever he flies. This rule ensures that, should a senior royal die while he is abroad, he’ll be able to return to Britain dressed appropriately in mourning clothes.
It was a lesson the late Queen Elizabeth II learned the hard way. In 1952, when her father King George VI passed away while she was visiting Kenya, her black wardrobe had already been sent ahead by ship. She had to remain on the plane until a suitable outfit could be brought to her before stepping back onto British soil.
For Prince George, the black suit in the suitcase is more than a formality — it’s a quiet but symbolic gesture of duty, even in the face of childhood.
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