Prince George will face a significant change in royal protocol when he celebrates his 12th birthday on July 22, 2025.
The young royal, who is second in line to the throne, will no longer be permitted to fly on the same aircraft as his father, Prince William.
This strict rule is designed to protect the line of succession to the British throne.
Once George turns 12, he will be required to travel separately from his father during all air travel.
Prince George set for new rule in just months as Prince William makes behind-the-scenes move
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It remains unclear whether George will fly solo or be allowed to continue travelling with his mother, the Princess of Wales, and his younger siblings.
The protocol may also affect Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who might no longer be able to fly with their older brother due to their positions in the line of succession.
The rule safeguarding the line of succession has been established to prevent potential instability in the monarchy.
While the King can grant permission to break this protocol, it is generally discouraged for two heirs to travel on the same flight.
Prince George, Prince Louis and Prince William pictured on VE Day
PA
The precaution stems from historical tragedies involving Royal Family members in air accidents.
In 1937, Prince Philip's sister, Princess Cecile, died in a plane crash.
The late Queen's uncle, Prince George, Duke of Kent, lost his life in an air accident in 1942.
More recently, the Queen's cousin, Prince William of Gloucester, died while participating in an air show in 1972.
Prince George and Princess Kate at the Buckingham Palace tea party
PA
These tragic events have reinforced the importance of protecting the succession by ensuring that heirs travel separately.
The protocol helps maintain continuity in the royal line should a catastrophic event occur.
Former royal pilot Graham Laurie revealed details about this protocol. He told Hello!: "Interestingly, we flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old."
He continued: "After that, he had to have a separate aircraft, and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty [the late Queen Elizabeth II]."
Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince Louis and the Prince of WalesPAThe pilot further detailed how the rule was implemented for William.
"When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt, and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on," he said.
This precedent demonstrates how the protocol has been consistently applied across generations of the Royal Family.
Beyond the air travel restrictions, Prince George will face additional royal protocols as he grows older.
