Why Prince George might have to stop flying with Prince William

Prince George may have just turned 12, but his birthday has reignited a long-standing royal protocol that’s got experts sounding the alarm.

During a recent episode of Palace Confidential, royal insiders discussed whether the young prince would now be banned from flying with his father, Prince William, a tradition said to kick in once an heir turns 12, to protect the line of succession in case of tragedy.

Daily Mail's Richard Eden revealed the rule was confirmed to him by a former royal helicopter pilot: “It’s about ensuring the monarchy survives, if something were to happen mid-air, both the heir and the spare shouldn’t go down together.”

But when asked if this protocol would apply to George, Palace Confidential panelist and royal editor Rebecca English shared she had checked with the Palace and got the sense that “they won’t be changing their current travel arrangements.”

Host Jo Elvin admitted she remembered hearing of this rule growing up, yet it remains largely unknown, perhaps because, as Eden noted, “They don’t like talking about security or future worst-case scenarios.”

“It’s not a tasteful discussion, but it’s the future of the Royal Family. And personally, I find it worrying.”

“If something happened to the Wales family, Harry and Meghan could end up on the throne, and that’s a threat to the monarchy’s future.”

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