Just as Prince George prepares to celebrate his 12th birthday on July 22nd, a rarely discussed but powerful royal protocol has reportedly come into effect — one that will directly affect Prince William and Kate Middleton as parents.
According to royal expert Jennie Bond, this unwritten but significant rule is tied to Prince George’s position as second in line to the throne and centers around one key area: flying.
The former BBC royal correspondent spoke to The Mirror about this surprising royal policy, which impacts how heirs to the throne are allowed to travel.
“This is a rule which I think applies only to flying, not to other methods of transport,” she revealed. But the implications are deeply personal for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
It means that Prince William may soon be required to stop flying with his eldest son, at least on most occasions, to protect the line of succession in case of an accident.
This rule, while long known within palace circles, is rarely enforced during the early years of royal children’s lives. But now that George is turning 12, many believe the time has come for it to be applied.
Jennie Bond noted how inconvenient this protocol could be for the family. “It’s going to be rather annoying because they are such a tight little unit and obviously enjoy travelling together.”
But, she added, “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 revelation highlights just how different Prince George’s life is from most other children — even within his own family. He is not just a schoolboy preparing for his teenage years, but a future monarch whose safety is a matter of national importance.
As Bond put it, “It is of course quite a graphic illustration of how George’s destiny is mapped out and of how he is different to everyone else.”
That kind of burden is hard for any child to grasp, let alone carry. But experts believe Prince William and Princess Kate are handling it with care and compassion.
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Jennie Bond praised the couple’s parenting approach, saying, “They are brilliant parents and I’m sure they will explain the situation as gently as possible to all three of the children.”
Instead of separating George entirely, the family is likely to divide up in a way that still keeps them emotionally connected while physically apart.
“I don’t think we should think of George flying on his own,” Bond explained. “I imagine they will just divide up as a family and as long as William and George are separate, they can make it work.”
This moment serves as a reminder that royal duty starts young for those born into it. And for George, his role as the future king means more restrictions, fewer spontaneous moments, and a life under constant watch.
It also shows how Prince William is already preparing his son for a destiny he knows all too well — one shaped by centuries of royal tradition and the immense weight of the Crown.
While George may not fully understand the scale of what lies ahead, his parents are clearly laying the groundwork for the responsibilities he will one day inherit.
As his birthday approaches, many will celebrate the young royal’s growing maturity. But behind the scenes, the palace is also quietly adjusting the rules and Prince William is at the center of it all.
