Prince William's crucial travel ban that started age 12 - and George will soon be affected
When it comes to jet-setting royals, there are some fascinating and strict rules in place to ensure the safety of the King and his family during their overseas travels.
From carrying their own booze to avoid poisoning, to always having a mourning outfit ready for sudden bereavements, each protocol is steeped in royal reasoning.
But one particularly intriguing rule is designed to safeguard the monarchy's lineage by limiting which family members can share a flight. Currently, Prince William can travel with his young brood, but as they grow up, this will change.
On HELLO Magazine's 'A Right Royal Podcast', King Charles' ex-pilot, Graham Laurie, revealed how this rule impacted Prince William from the age of 12 in 1994.
He shared with listeners: "Interestingly, we flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old.
"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."
In the coming two years, Prince George, who is now 10, will also have to adhere to this rule and it's expected that he'll start flying separately from his dad, Prince William. It's yet to be seen whether George will continue to jet off with mum Kate and his siblings, or if William will be the one taking solo flights, reports the Mirror.
This unique rule is in place to safeguard the line of succession. While the Queen can give permission to break this rule, it's generally discouraged for two direct heirs to travel on the same flight.
This is because, in the unfortunate event of a crash, the monarchy could face immediate instability.
Although plane crashes are rare these days, three members of the Royal family have tragically lost their lives in air accidents in the past. Prince Philip's sister, Princess Cecile, died in a crash in 1937, the late Queen's uncle, Prince George, Duke of Kent, died in 1942, and her cousin, Prince William of Gloucester, died while participating in an air show in 1972.
This isn't the only significant travel rule that the royals must follow. Just like his mother before him, the King always travels with a supply of blood and a doctor on hand at all times.
Another essential item that every Royal woman carries with them is a black dress. When her father, King George VI, passed away in 1952, the Queen was on a Royal tour in Kenya and didn't have a black dress packed for her unexpected return to the UK.
When her plane touched down at London Airport, an appropriate dress was brought onboard for her to change into before she stepped off the plane.
