In a significant shift in royal travel protocols, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will soon be separated during air travel due to new regulations governing the British monarchy.
As the second in line for the throne, 10-year-old George is set to navigate a different travel arrangement starting next year, marking a notable change in how the royal family operates.
Beginning in July 2025, when George turns 12, he will be subject to a longstanding royal rule that prohibits heirs from flying together with other immediate family members.
This regulation aims to safeguard the continuity of the monarchy by minimizing risks associated with joint travel.
The implications of this change are profound, as it will alter the dynamics of family trips for the young prince.
Grand Laurie, a former pilot for King Charles, shed light on the historical context of this regulation.
He recalled that when Prince William reached the same age in 1994, he too had to fly separately from his younger siblings.
“We flew all four—Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess, and Prince—until Prince William was 12 years old,” Laurie explained.
After that milestone, arrangements changed, requiring separate flights for the heirs.
Laurie continued, detailing how the royal family operated under these guidelines.
“With Her Majesty’s official consent, we could only fly all four at once while they were still little.”
Once William turned 12, he began flying in a smaller aircraft, while the rest of the family traveled together on a larger plane.
This established a precedent that is now set to be followed by George.
As George approaches his twelfth birthday, the specifics of his travel arrangements remain uncertain.
It’s unclear if he will take a separate flight accompanied by his mother, Princess Catherine, while Prince William might choose to fly alone or with one of his younger siblings.
The decision ultimately lies with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
While the royal family can seek the king’s approval to bypass these travel restrictions, the underlying rationale remains rooted in safety.