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**Title: Royal Travel Rules: The Unseen Constraints of Prince William and Kate’s Family Trip**
In the world of royalty, tradition and rules often dictate the minutiae of life, even when it comes to seemingly innocent family vacations.
Take, for example, the 2014 trip that Prince William and Princess Kate took to Australia with their then-infant son, Prince George.
This journey, while a delightful opportunity for family bonding, inadvertently breached a significant royal protocol.
The royal couple embarked on this adventure just months after George's birth in July 2013.
However, their excitement was tempered by an essential formality: they required the approval of Queen Elizabeth II before taking their heir on such a long-distance journey.
It turns out that royal heirs are typically forbidden from traveling together on the same aircraft, a precaution designed to safeguard the monarchy in the event of a tragic accident.
Imagine the implications of such a rule!
If something were to happen mid-flight, the monarchy could face an unprecedented crisis.
The late queen's consent was crucial for the two royal heirs—William and George—to share a plane.
This rule will take on even greater significance next year when George turns twelve, marking a pivotal age in royal travel regulations.
Once George reaches this milestone, he won't be permitted to fly alongside his father, Prince William, or his younger sister, Princess Charlotte, who is next in line after him.
This age restriction echoes the experiences of Prince William himself, who had to stop traveling with his brother, Prince Harry, and their parents, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, at the age of twelve back in 1994.
Former royal pilot Graham Lorry shed light on this intriguing aspect of royal travel, explaining that until William turned twelve, the entire family could fly together under the Queen's written permission.
Post-twelve, however, William had to board a separate aircraft, while the rest of the family would travel together.
This separation illustrates just how seriously the royal family takes these regulations.
But the rules don't end there.
When the royals travel, they must also adhere to a rather unusual requirement: having matching blood supplies on hand.
According to Dickie Arbiter, the late Queen's press secretary, this practice ensures that every possible scenario is covered.
In the event of a medical emergency, having the correct blood type readily available can be a lifesaver.
This precaution is not merely a formality; it's a necessity.
In 2016, reports indicated that during royal trips, Queen Elizabeth would always have a Royal Navy doctor accompanying her.
This physician's role extended beyond just being a medical presence; they were responsible for scouting local hospitals and ensuring that adequate medical care could be accessed if needed.
Moreover, both the Queen and the Prince of Wales traveled with personal blood supplies, ready to accompany them wherever their royal duties took them.