In a significant shift for the royal family, Prince George may soon find himself traveling separately from his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales.
This change stems from a long-standing travel policy established by the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has governed how royal heirs travel with their families.
As George approaches his twelfth birthday, the implications of this rule are becoming more apparent.
Traditionally, Prince George has enjoyed the company of his family on various trips, whether they were jetting off to Berlin, relaxing at Wimbledon, or visiting Jordan.
However, as he nears this milestone birthday in July 2025, the family’s travel plans are likely to undergo some adjustments.
The need for these changes is rooted in a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the royal line of succession remains intact.
The late Queen’s regulation prohibits the heir apparent from traveling alongside other members of the royal family.
This was a rule that Prince William himself had to navigate when he reached the same age.
The rationale behind this policy is straightforward: should an unfortunate event occur while the family is traveling together, it would pose a risk to the monarchy’s future leadership.
Historically, the royal family has often been seen traveling as a unit.
However, experts suggest that this practice may soon be curtailed for Prince George.
According to Graham Lurie, a former royal pilot, the royal family adhered to strict travel regulations during his time.
He noted that while all four royals—William, Harry, the Princess, and the Prince—could travel together until William turned twelve, after that, separate arrangements were necessary.
Lurie elaborated on the logistics, explaining that once William hit the age threshold, he had to fly on a different aircraft than his siblings.
The family could only travel together with explicit permission from the Queen, underscoring the importance of maintaining a secure line of succession.
This protocol was put into practice during past royal engagements, such as when William and Kate took their then-nine-month-old son on a tour of Australia.
They had to seek the Queen’s approval before embarking on the trip, illustrating how the royal family has navigated these rules over the years.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen granted permission for that particular journey.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales prepare for the new travel restrictions, they are likely to prioritize the safety and security of their children.
The potential for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to ascend to the throne, albeit remote, adds another layer of complexity to their travel decisions.
