Prince George to be separated from Prince William when he turns 12 next year due to royal tradition
Prince George will soon see his daily life undergo a massive change after he passes his 12th birthday.
As the future heir to the British throne, the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine lives a very privileged, albeit heavily regimented, life.
Being the future heir apparent also means that 10-year-old George will also lead a different life to that of his younger siblings, with one of these rules set to come into place next year.
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The Royal Family has previously followed the custom that once the second person in line to inherit 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.
This means that after 22 July, 2025, George will be forced to travel separately from his father Prince William and younger siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Now upon first reading, this may appear overly strict and a little strange, however, there is actually a very practical reason behind it.
The tradition is in place to ensure the stability of the Monarchy's future in the event of an unforeseen tragedy.
For example, should a plane carrying a member of the line of succession crash, there would be another member to take over their place.
Sounds morbid, I know, but this is just one of many scenarios the Royal Family needs to be prepared for.
It's also worth noting that a similar tragedy has also befallen the family in the past, with the late Prince Philip's sister Princess Cecilie dying in an air accident in 1937.
Queen Elizabeth II's uncle Prince George was also killed in a plane crash in 1942, as was her cousin Prince William of Gloucester in 1972.
So it's understandable why the Royal Family may be a little cautious when it comes to senior members being on board the same aircraft.
While it is yet to be officially confirmed that William and Kate will continue this tradition with their children it is one that the Prince of Wales is accustomed to, having himself flown separately from his family after turning 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.
"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."
Topics: Royal Family
Brenna Cooper