Prince George, now 12, faces a royal protocol that demands he travel separately from his father, Prince William, stirring debate over the relevance of such traditions in today’s world.
At a Glance
- Prince George must now fly separately from Prince William due to royal protocol.
- The rule aims to protect the royal line of succession in case of accidents.
- Debate continues on the necessity and modern relevance of this rule.
- Prince William and Princess Kate balance tradition with modern parenting.
Royal Protocol and the Protection of Succession
Prince George’s 12th birthday on July 22, 2025, has triggered a longstanding royal protocol mandating that he can no longer fly with his father, Prince William. This rule, deeply rooted in royal tradition, is designed to safeguard the line of succession. The same protocol applied to Prince William when he was 12, preventing him from traveling with his father, then-Prince Charles. The enforcement of this rule has sparked renewed debate among royal experts and the public about its necessity in today’s society.
Royal commentators have noted the significance of this protocol, especially in light of recent efforts by Prince William and Princess Kate to modernize royal family life. The couple has been known to prioritize their children’s well-being, sometimes relaxing protocols to provide a more normal upbringing. However, the adherence to this particular rule highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and modernization within the royal family.
The Historical Context of the Protocol
The protocol requiring direct heirs to travel separately from their parents dates back decades, rooted in the imperative to safeguard the royal line of succession in the event of an accident. The tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997 underscored the importance of succession planning and risk mitigation for the royal family. Prince William, along with his brother Prince Harry, was subject to this rule, required to fly separately from age 12.
The British royal family has historically balanced tradition with evolving public expectations. Recent years have seen Prince William and Princess Kate seek to modernize royal parenting, sometimes relaxing protocols to provide their children with a more “normal” upbringing. However, the enforcement of this particular protocol suggests a continued commitment to certain traditions, despite the broader scrutiny of royal practices and their relevance in contemporary society.
Current Developments and Public Debate
As of July 2025, Prince George is expected to begin flying separately from Prince William, in line with the protocol. Kensington Palace has not issued an official statement on specific travel arrangements, citing security concerns. However, the ongoing debate among royal experts and the public regarding the necessity and relevance of the rule continues to intensify.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson declined to comment on travel specifics, maintaining the palace’s policy of not discussing security arrangements. Royal author Robert Jobson noted ongoing disagreements between King Charles and Prince William regarding adherence to the protocol and the use of helicopters for family travel.
Impact and Future Implications
The enforcement of this protocol for Prince George is expected to increase logistical complexity and costs for royal travel. It may also affect family dynamics and public perceptions of royal parenting. In the long term, continued adherence to the protocol reinforces the monarchy’s commitment to tradition and succession planning. However, there remains the potential for future relaxation of the rule as the royal family modernizes and adapts to changing societal expectations.
While the protocol is likely to remain in place for now, ongoing debate and evolving family priorities may shape its future application. The royal family continues to balance tradition with efforts to provide a sense of normalcy for their children, especially during Princess Kate’s recent health challenges.
