Turning 12 is a momentous occasion for any child — a stepping stone into the teenage years, often marked by growth spurts and new freedoms.
But if you’re second in line to the British throne, a new protocol comes into play that means you can no longer fly with your father. The protocol dates back generations and is designed to ensure a seamless succession to the throne.
This means that Prince George, who turned 12 on Tuesday, July 22, will not be allowed to fly on the same aircraft as his father, Prince William, without permission from the current monarch, King Charles III.
Direct heirs traditionally have not been able to travel together in case of an emergency or an accident that could wipe out the entire royal line. Currently, Prince George is second in line to the throne as the eldest son of Prince William, the Prince of Wales and his wife Princess Catherine.
Speaking to OK magazine, King Charles’ former pilot, Graham Laurie revealed that William started travelling on a different plane to his father, the then Prince of Wales once he turned 12 in 1994.
“We flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old,” Laurie said per OK.
“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.
“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.”
Despite the change, Catherine and William celebrated their eldest son’s birthday as usual with a new photograph to commemorate the happy occasion.
In the birthday portrait taken by Josh Shinner in Norfolk earlier this year, Prince George was seen smiling as he rested against a fence.
His ensemble included a classic checked shirt paired with a brown fleece gilet, the young royal striking a remarkable likeness to his father.
The image was shared on social media with a simple caption: “Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!”
Royal fans wasted no time in sending their best wishes to George on his birthday, with many marvelling at how quickly the future king is growing up.