Royal Travel Rule to Separate George and Charlotte: A Look at the Antiquated Succession Law

In a surprising twist of fate for the royal family, a long-standing regulation is set to change the dynamics of travel for Prince William and Princess Kate's eldest children.

Starting in just 308 days, Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be required to travel separately due to a rule designed to protect the monarchy's line of succession.

This peculiar law, seemingly pulled from the pages of history, aims to ensure that if tragedy were to strike during transport, the immediate heirs to the throne would not all be lost at once.

The regulation comes into play when Prince George turns twelve on July 22, 2025.

Until that milestone, the young prince has been able to travel alongside his younger sister.

However, once he reaches that age, the family will have to adapt to a new norm—one that could see them flying in different aircraft, a decision rooted deeply in royal protocol.

Graham Lorry, the former pilot for King Charles, brought this unique rule to light.

He shared insights into the royal family's travel arrangements, noting that they were allowed to fly together until Prince William hit the age threshold.

“We flew all four—Prince, Princess, Prince William, and Prince Harry—up until Prince William was twelve years old,” Lorry explained.

After that, the arrangement shifted dramatically, emphasizing the necessity of separate travel for the heirs.

This separation isn't just a quirky rule; it carries a heavy historical weight.

The royal family has faced its share of tragic air disasters.

Notably, Princess Cecile, the sister of the late Prince Philip, tragically lost her life in a plane crash in 1937.

Other royal figures, such as Prince George, Duke of Kent, and Prince William of Gloucester, also met untimely ends in aviation incidents.

Such events highlight the rationale behind the regulation intended to safeguard the future of the monarchy.

As George approaches his twelfth birthday, the implications of this rule are becoming increasingly apparent.

It means that he will have to navigate life with a certain degree of separation from his family during travels.

While the idea of royal duties and responsibilities looms large, the emotional aspect of being apart from loved ones adds a layer of complexity to his young life.

To celebrate his upcoming birthday, the Princess of Wales recently shared a striking black-and-white portrait of Prince George.