Prince George will soon have to abide by a significant royal rule after turning 12. The young prince, who entered the world in 2013, marked his special day on July 22.
Members of the royal line of succession have traditionally avoided traveling together once they hit 12 years old, particularly those who are first and second in line like Prince William and his oldest son.
The rule was put in place to ensure the heir and second in line to the throne do no parish in a plane crash, reports Daily Express UK. It comes after Kate Middleton compared to Princess Diana after touching meeting with cancer patients.
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According to a former royal helicopter pilot quoted by the Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden: “When William reached the age of 12, he stopped travelling with his father so they had separate flights.”
He added: Obviously, that is to guarantee the line of succession.”
The pilot went on to note: “It will be very interesting to see whether that’s the case with George and William because we know they have travelled together either via plane, helicopter or car.”
However, the Daily Mail’s Royal correspondent Rebecca English has since revealed: “I spoke to the Palace this week, and they were like ‘Well, it’s kind of news to us.'”
She explained: “I get the impression that the family won’t be changing their travel arrangements at all.”
The rule isn’t widely discussed for a reason
When host Jo Elvin questioned why this rule isn’t widely discussed, Eden explained it’s because officials “don’t like talking” about security matters or travel plans.
He went on to explain the potential consequences should disaster strike, though acknowledged it wasn’t exactly a “tasteful discussion.”
Eden shared his concerns, saying: “But I have to say, you know, I mean it’s not a very, sort of, tasteful discussion, but it’s the future of our Royal Family, and I personally find it very worrying.”
Royal editor Robert Eden says the topic is distasteful
The royal editor went on to explain what he’s worrieda about: “You know, look, after the Wales family, we have Harry and Meghan.”
“The fact is that, you know, Prince Harry and Meghan could be on the throne, and that’s something which would be a threat, I would say, to the future of the monarchy.”
In addition to George, Prince William and Princess Kate are parents to two younger children – Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7.