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Topics: Prince George, Prince William, Royal Family, Travel
Lucy Devine
Topics: Prince George, Prince William, Royal Family, Travel
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly 'considering scrapping' a 30-year royal tradition that could be enforced in a matter of days.
With their eldest son, Prince George, turning 12 on 22 July, a historic tradition dating back decades could prohibit George from travelling with his father following his birthday.
It's reported that William and George will soon have to start travelling separately wherever they go, due to a historic custom which has long been followed by the Royal Family.
Once the second person in line to inherit the throne turns 12, they must travel separately to the current heir when undertaking any royal duties, as anyone over 12 years old in the line of succession cannot travel together.
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This ensures that, in the tragic event that one was in an accident, the other would presumably be safe.
It's essentially all about securing the throne, and was reportedly enforced when Prince William also turned 12.
Recalling the arrangements in an interview with OK! Magazine, King Charles's former pilot, Graham Laurie said: "We flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old.
"After that, he had to have a separate aircraft and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty.
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"When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on."
However, according to The Post, insiders have suggested the family are considering scrapping the rule so they can still travel together.
LADbible has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment.
Speaking about the royal custom, royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror that the family may simply apply the rule to air travel only.
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She said: “This is a rule which I think applies only to flying, not to other methods of transport. Nevertheless, it’s going to be rather annoying for the family because they are such a tight little unit and obviously enjoy travelling together.
“However, I think there will be pressure on William to stick to this rule - at least most of the time. It’s all to do with protecting the succession to the throne.”
Bond also explained that it's unlikely George would be flying totally online.
It's expected if the rule does stay, he may travel with mum Kate, while the other children could stick with their dad.