Prince William to face 'pressure' over royal family travel ban rule that will 'separate' him from son George
The rule may come into effect when George turns 12 next week
With Prince George’s 12th birthday approaching on July 22, Prince William is reportedly under growing pressure to uphold an age-old royal family rule that could soon force him to travel separately from his eldest son.
Under a long-standing royal rule, two direct heirs to the throne are expected not to fly together.
Why can’t two heirs in the royal family travel together?
This tradition is designed to protect the line of succession. It ensures that in the event of an accident, at least one heir remains safe.
According to reports, the rule kicks in once both heirs are over the age of 12. When William turned 12, he reportedly stopped travelling with his father, now King Charles.
Prince George, currently second in line to the throne, will soon cross that threshold. This means that father and son may soon have to part ways when boarding a royal flight.
Royal commentator Jennie Bond explained the historical context and the emotional challenge it could pose for the Prince of Wales.
“This is a rule which I think applies only to flying. Not to other methods of transport,” Jennie told The Mirror. “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.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales are known for their modern and hands-on parenting approach, often travelling with their children as a close-knit group.
As long as William and George are separate, they can make it work.
However, the implementation of this rule could signal a new chapter in George’s royal journey and serve as a reminder that his future has been set from the moment he was born.
“It is, of course, quite a graphic illustration of how George’s destiny is mapped out,” Jennie added. “And that must be quite hard for a 12-year-old to accept. But he has brilliant parents in Catherine and William, and I’m sure they will explain the situation as gently as possible to all three of the children.”
Prince William and Prince George travel ban
Rather than leaving George to travel solo, Jennie suspects the Waleses will adapt by dividing up the family during flights.
For example, Prince William may fly with one or two of the children, while Kate flies with the others. This will ensure that George is never truly alone.
“As long as William and George are separate, they can make it work,” Jennie explained.
However, speculation has arisen whether Prince William will choose to uphold this centuries-old rule.
The Prince of Wales has already proven that he is willing to challenge tradition in favour of a more relatable, modern monarchy.
According to Jennie, he may not follow the travel rule rigidly, particularly with evolving views on safety and technology.
Jennie said that William is “very much his own man” and may feel this tradition is “unnecessary”. She pointed out that some statistics suggest that flying is safer than driving.
But it’s a case of waiting and seeing whether William follows this rule with George.
The Prince of Wales has been slowly shaping his upcoming role as monarch in his own way, from updating how he engages with the public to embracing a more hands-on approach to fatherhood.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for Kensington Palace for comment.
Read more: Prince George sparks concern with Wimbledon appearance while sitting next to William
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