7 Shocking Rules Of Prince George's Royal Travel Protocol That Now Separate Him From Prince William

The Royal Family's travel protocol is one of the most serious and enduring traditions of the British monarchy, and as of late 2025, it has dramatically impacted Prince George, the second in line to the throne. The long-standing, somewhat "morbid" rule designed to protect the royal lineage has been officially triggered by the young prince's recent 12th birthday, forcing a separation from his father, Prince William, on most air travel. This protocol is not merely a formality; it is a critical safeguard for the continuity of the monarchy, ensuring that a tragic accident cannot wipe out two direct heirs simultaneously. The enforcement of this rule signals a major step in Prince George's journey toward his future role as King, marking an end to the casual family flights he has enjoyed since childhood. This deep dive explores the specific, often-unseen rules governing Prince George's movements, the historical precedent behind them, and the logistical challenges they now pose for the Prince and Princess of Wales, as they navigate royal duties and family life under the watchful eye of King Charles III.

The Strict Biography and Position of Prince George

Prince George Alexander Louis is the eldest child of William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales. His birth on July 22, 2013, cemented his place in the direct line of succession to the British throne.

• Full Name: Prince George Alexander Louis of Wales
• Date of Birth: July 22, 2013
• Place of Birth: St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London
• Parents: William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales
• Siblings: Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales
• Current Position in Line of Succession: Second (after his father, Prince William)
• Titles: His Royal Highness Prince George of Wales (formerly Prince George of Cambridge)
• Education: Attends Lambrook School in Berkshire
• Key Role: The future King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.

The Core Protocol: Why Prince George Must Now Fly Separately

The primary and most impactful rule of Prince George's royal travel protocol is the requirement for him to travel separately from his father, Prince William, the current heir apparent. This protocol is an unofficial but strictly observed tradition meant to safeguard the line of succession.

1. The "Heirs Must Not Fly Together" Rule

The central tenet of this protocol dictates that two direct heirs to the throne should not travel on the same aircraft. This "morbid rule," as it is sometimes called, is a catastrophic contingency measure; in the unlikely event of a plane crash, it ensures that the crown will pass to the next available heir, preserving the royal lineage and preventing a constitutional crisis. Before his 12th birthday, Prince George was permitted to fly with his parents, but this dispensation is now considered to have expired.

2. The Age Trigger: The 12th Birthday Mandate

While the rule has been in place for decades, it is specifically enforced when the younger of the two direct heirs reaches the age of 12. Since Prince George celebrated his 12th birthday on July 22, the protocol is now officially active. This age is considered a significant milestone, marking the point where the younger heir is deemed old enough to fully understand and assume the responsibilities of the throne should the worst occur. The rule applies to any form of air travel, including commercial flights and the Royal Air Force's private jets.

3. The Role of the Monarch: King Charles III's Permission

The separation is not an absolute, iron-clad law but a long-standing tradition that requires the monarch's approval to be broken. When Prince William was a child, Queen Elizabeth II granted permission for him to fly with his parents, Prince Charles (now King Charles III) and Princess Diana, on a few occasions. However, for Prince George to continue flying with Prince William, his father would have to formally request King Charles III's explicit permission for each trip. Given the current official status, it is expected that the King will enforce the separation for all but the most exceptional circumstances, prioritizing the continuity of the crown.

Logistical and Practical Implications for the Wales Family

The enforcement of this travel protocol creates significant logistical challenges for the Prince and Princess of Wales, impacting both their official royal duties and their private family life.

4. Separate Travel Arrangements for Royal Tours

For major international royal tours, Prince George will now have to travel on a separate plane from Prince William. This requires doubling the travel arrangements, including separate security details, flight planning, and support staff for each aircraft. For example, if the family were to visit a Commonwealth realm, Prince William would take one plane, and Prince George, potentially with his mother, Princess Catherine, or another trusted adult, would follow on a second flight. This adds substantial complexity and cost to royal travel budgets.

5. The Exception for Short-Haul Flights and Ground Travel

While the rule is primarily focused on air travel, which carries the highest risk of catastrophic loss, it is less strictly applied to other modes of transport. The family can still travel together by car, train, or boat, as the risk is considered lower and the chances of a double tragedy are statistically much smaller. This allows the family to maintain a degree of normalcy for travel within the UK, such as journeys between Kensington Palace, their country home Anmer Hall, and Lambrook School.

6. The Unofficial Travel Rule for Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis

The protocol specifically applies to the direct *heirs*—Prince William and Prince George. Princess Charlotte, who is third in line, and Prince Louis, who is fourth, are not subject to the same strict separation rule from their parents or each other. However, as a matter of prudence and to further safeguard the royal lineage, it is highly likely that Kensington Palace will begin to implement a "two-heirs-only" travel rule, allowing Prince William and Princess Catherine to fly with either Prince George or Princess Charlotte, but not both primary heirs at the same time. This is a subtle but important distinction in the royal hierarchy.

7. The Precedent Set by King Charles III

The current King, Charles III, and his father, Prince Philip, were also subject to this protocol. When King Charles was a child, he was required to stop flying with his father. This historical precedent firmly establishes the seriousness of the rule. When William and Harry were young, they were also separated from their father, Charles, as they grew older. This tradition, therefore, is not a new imposition on Prince George but a rite of passage that every future monarch must undergo to secure the future of the crown. The enforcement of Prince George's royal travel protocol is a clear signal of his growing role and responsibility within the monarchy. It transforms family travel into a complex logistical exercise, but it is a necessary measure rooted in centuries of tradition, all designed for the ultimate purpose of safeguarding the British throne and ensuring a stable, continuous line of succession for generations to come.