In monarchies, there are often strict procedures and protocols that prioritize the security and stability of the country over the feelings of individuals, even those in the royal family. Members of the royal family may not all gather in one place at the same time. In Britain, once Prince George turns twelve in July 2025, he will be subject to royal restrictions, separating him from his brother, Prince William, and his sister, Princess Charlotte. As the eldest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine and second in line to the throne, he will not be allowed to travel with them. This rule is based on the premise that having royal siblings in the same location at the same time may expose the royal family to significant security risks, such as emergencies or terrorist attacks. Thus, the separation of the princes ensures that some remain safe in case of unforeseen events, thereby preserving the continuity of the monarchy, according to gbnews.
In some cases, disparities in visions and ideas about state management may arise among the princes, increasing the likelihood of conflicts or disputes during joint travels, which could negatively impact the royal family's image and the unity of the state. Therefore, the policy of separation maintains the dynamic balance within the family and reduces the chances of rivalry among royal family members.
According to the same British site, Graham Laurie, a former pilot for King Charles, revealed that the royal travel restriction was applied to Prince William when he turned twelve in 1994, necessitating that he travel on a separate private plane from his father's. He stated, "The prince, princess, Prince William, and Prince Harry used to travel together on the same plane until Prince William turned twelve, then he had to have a separate plane, and I could no longer put Princes William and Harry on the same plane without written permission from Her Majesty, the late Queen Elizabeth."
Thus, if the same protocol is applied, Prince George will travel on a separate plane, and it may be decided that William travels alone while George flies with their mother and siblings. Alternatively, William could travel with Charlotte or Louis, or both, while George travels with Princess Catherine. This rule can only be waived with written consent from the king, but it is discouraged. In the event of a plane crash, the future of the monarchy would be unstable.
As a reminder, three members of the royal family previously died in plane crashes, including Princess Cecily, sister of Prince Philip, in 1937, the late queen's uncle, Prince George, Duke of Kent, in 1942, and her cousin, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, in 1972.
