Princess Charlotte, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George and Prince William Samir Hussein/WireImage
An unwritten rule within the royal family could prevent Prince George from traveling with his parents and younger siblings.
According to Hello!, there’s an understanding within the British royal family that two heirs typically shouldn’t travel on the same flight. While Prince William and his oldest son traveled together to Australia in 2014, Canada in 2016 and Germany in 2017, things could change once Prince George turns 12 in 2025.
“Up until [age 12], they probably thought it will be too much for him traveling on his own,” former royal pilot Graham Laurie said on an episode of HELLO!‘s “A Right Royal” podcast. “But nevertheless, that’s what they did.”
To further prove security is a reason behind the guidelines, Laurie recalled when his aircraft was painted red, white and blue before officials changed the color scheme in 2002 “to look more like a normal airliner.”
In his career, Laurie was able to help transport King Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry on family trips together. Things began to change, however, when Prince William reached a certain milestone.
“The ones I did [holiday flights] mainly were the ones when the Wales’ went to the Mediterranean,” he recalled. “But interestingly, we flew all four: the [king], the princess, Prince William and Prince Harry, up until when 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.”
Princess Charlotte and Prince George Samir Hussein/WireImage
According to Laurie, King Charles can’t fly with the Prince of Wales today.
When asked if it’s possible the royal family will soon lax their unwritten rules when it comes to flying with family, Laurie suggested it was possible that rules could be relaxed.
“I know the King is trying to cut down cost and is aware of travel,” he shared, “but I think the safety side is still paramount.”
Until then, Prince George is focused on being a kid and discovering new hobbies alongside his siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
According to the Prince of Wales, his eldest son “absolutely loves” scuba diving.
In addition, Prince George reportedly completed his first flying lesson at the Berkshire Airfield in England before school started in September.
Prince George’s interest in flight presumably comes from his dad, who joined the Royal Air Force as a flight lieutenant in 2009. The following year, he became a helicopter pilot with the Search and Rescue Force, a job he held until 2013.