Couple Breaks Tradition by Traveling with Their Youngest Heir
Prince William and Princess Kate, known for their exemplary adherence to royal traditions, have occasionally surprised fans by bending certain protocols. Among the many rules governing royal conduct—such as restrictions on giving autographs, public displays of affection, and obtaining permission to marry—one particularly significant rule pertains to their travel arrangements.
Traditionally, heirs to the throne are forbidden from flying together to protect the royal lineage. This rule affects King Charles, Prince William, and previously, Queen Elizabeth II. Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, will also be subject to this rule when he turns 12, prohibiting him from traveling alongside his father or sister, Princess Charlotte, as a precautionary measure against potential plane crashes.
Despite these protocols, Prince William and Princess Kate have occasionally breached this rule with the consent of Queen Elizabeth II. In 2014, the couple traveled with their nine-month-old son George to New Zealand and Australia, having obtained permission from the monarch to allow two heirs to travel together.
Reflecting on his own experience, Prince William adhered to these travel regulations during his youth. He flew only with his family, including King Charles, Princess Diana, and Prince Harry, until he reached 12. Graham Laurie, the King's former pilot, told OK! magazine, "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."
This rule isn't the only travel protocol the royals follow. According to Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, royal planes often fly with blood matched to the royal's blood type to cover every eventuality. "The aircraft would carry blood in case there was a need for a transfusion," he explained on Hello's A Right Royal Podcast, emphasizing the importance of preparedness given the uncertainty of obtaining the correct blood type at a destination.
