Prince William could Break Royal Tradition Regarding Air Travel When Prince George Turns 12
Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, may be set to challenge a long-standing royal protocol when their eldest son, Prince George, celebrates his 12th birthday on July 22. Traditionally, the British royal family adheres to a rule where direct heirs to the throne are not allowed to travel together to ensure the continuity of the monarchy in case of any unforeseen emergencies.
As Prince William’s former pilot, Graham Laurie, revealed on A Right Royal Podcast in 2023, the rule required separate aircraft for Prince William after he turned 12, with exceptions granted only with written permission from the monarch at the time, Queen Elizabeth. The upcoming milestone for Prince George raises questions about whether Kate Middleton and Prince William will choose to uphold this tradition or make a departure from it.
With three children in tow, including Princess Charlotte, aged 11, and Prince Louis, aged 7, the royal couple may have to seek approval from King Charles to travel together as a family unit. Despite historical practices, William and Kate have prioritised giving their children a normal upbringing, deviating from certain established norms within the royal family.
A source close to the couple mentioned their reluctance to separate from their children for long periods, a practice that previous generations followed. Instead, they have opted to place family at the forefront, even during challenging times such as Kate’s cancer treatment. By potentially choosing to travel together, Prince William and Kate would be echoing their commitment to prioritising the familial bond over strict royal protocols.
Conversations around the travel arrangements for Prince William and his family have been ongoing, with reports of the late Queen Elizabeth expressing concerns about the risk involved in Prince William flying helicopters with his young family. The possibility of a constitutional crisis arising from any potential aviation accidents involving the direct heirs has been a significant point of discussion within royal circles.
While the decision on the travel protocol remains pending, the couple seems to be aligning with tradition in another aspect of their son’s life. Sources suggest that Prince George is likely to follow in his father’s footsteps and attend Eton College, an all-boys school. Despite considering various education options, including Marlborough College, where Kate attended, the path seems to lead to Eton.
As the world awaits Prince George’s upcoming birthday and potential changes to royal travel customs, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue to navigate the delicate balance between upholding tradition and fostering a modern family life. The evolution of royal protocols under their stewardship highlights a shift towards a more relatable and contemporary monarchy.