Prince George, second in line to the throne, faces a potential separation from his father, Prince William, and sister, Princess Charlotte, when he turns 12 in July 2025. This situation arises from a longstanding royal protocol that restricts certain heirs from traveling together on the same plane.

The rule, rooted in concerns for the continuity of the monarchy, aims to mitigate risks associated with air travel. It mandates that direct heirs, including Prince George, must travel separately from other direct heirs, such as Prince William and Princess Charlotte.

This precautionary measure seeks to safeguard the line of succession by minimizing the possibility of simultaneous tragic losses in case of aviation accidents.

In practical terms, this rule may necessitate adjustments in travel plans for the royal family. Options under consideration include Prince William traveling alone, Prince George flying independently, or William traveling with some of his children while others accompany Princess Catherine.

Exceptions to this rule can be made, but only with the explicit approval of the reigning monarch. Such exceptions are carefully weighed against potential risks to ensure stability within the royal family. Historical tragedies involving members of the royal family in plane crashes underscore the gravity of these regulations.

As Prince George approaches his twelfth birthday, decisions regarding his travel arrangements will be guided by these protocols, balancing tradition with contemporary safety considerations.