Prince William and Prince George may not be able to travel on the same plane due to a longstanding royal rule designed to secure the future of the monarchy. This rule restricts certain members of the royal family from travelling together to prevent potential crises in the line of succession.
The Royal Travel Rule
When Prince George turns 12 in July 2025, this rule will be enforced, preventing him from flying with his father, Prince William. This rule, which has been in place for decades, dictates that the immediate heirs to the throne should not travel together. While this may seem morbid, it is a practical measure to ensure the continuity of the monarchy.
Currently, Prince William, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte can travel together. However, this arrangement will change when George reaches the age of 12. Graham Laurie, King Charles’s former pilot, explained that this rule led to Prince William travelling separately from his father, Prince Charles, after he turned 12. Laurie recounted that they flew Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Diana, and Prince Charles together until William turned 12, after which he had to use a separate aircraft unless special written permission was granted by Her Majesty.
Historical Context
The rule aims to enhance the security of the royal heirs, avoiding scenarios where multiple heirs could be lost in a single accident. Historical tragedies have seen three royals perish in plane crashes: Princess Cecilie (Prince Philip’s sister) in 1937, Prince George (Duke of Kent) in 1942, and Prince William of Gloucester in 1972.
Future Travel Arrangements
When Prince George turns 12, he will likely need to fly separately from Prince William. Possible arrangements include Prince William flying separately while George travels with his mother, Kate Middleton, and his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Alternatively, Prince William might travel with either Charlotte or Louis while George flies with Kate.
These precautions, while strict, are meant to safeguard the line of succession and ensure the stability of the British monarchy.