Royal protocol that separated Prince William and Prince Harry from the age of 12

News broke earlier today that the young Prince George will now be forced to travel separately from his family when embarking on future official visits, as per a pretty strict Royal rule.

As reported by Tyla, the Royal tradition dictates that between July 2025 and his 12th birthday, second in line to the throne Prince George will travel only with a handful of very specific family members representing the institution.

In particular, the incoming King will absolutely not be permitted to jet-set abroad in the company of his father, or his little sister, Princess Charlotte.

It turns out, however, that there's nothing entirely 'new' about the publicised restriction on the children of the monarchy, as Princes William and Harry were forced to abide by the same one in the younger years.

Prince George won't be able to travel with his father or sister when flying overseas. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

As we say, Prince George won't just be travelling without his siblings but without his father too, as Prince William is the first in line to the throne and the rules would mean that the two royal members in succession can't be together.

The tradition was put in place in case the worst should happen and a plane crashed, it would mean an heir to the throne is protected and keeps the monarchy stable.

For Prince William, he always travelled with his family including his late mother, father and brother until he turned 12.

King Charles's former pilot, Graham Laurie explained to 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.

"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."

Princes William and Harry were forced to travel separately before William welcomed George. (IAN WALDIE/AFP via Getty Images)

Whilst it isn't set in stone, the unwritten rule has been in place for decades and it isn't just based on superstition, as in the past members of the royal family have died in plane crashes.

In 1937 Prince Philip's sister Princess Cecilie died in an air accident, in 1942 Queen Elizabeth II's uncle Prince George was killed and in 1972 the late Queen's cousin, Prince William of Gloucester died.

However, the travel arrangements are up to the monarch's discretion so King Charles or Prince William could change them at any point if they wanted to.

In fact, William has previously broken tradition in 2014, when he and wife Kate were granted special permission to fly with their three children together for their Australian tour - even just to make travel simpler than separating them all.

At the time, the royal press office told BBC's Newsround: "They had to ask the Queen for permission, but she said yes.

"While there is no official rule on this, and royal heirs have traveled together in the past, it is something that the Queen has the final say on."