Members of the Royal Family have to follow a number of strict rules in different scenarios; however, one event where this is most important is when they are travelling abroad. From bringing their own alcoholic drinks to avoid poisoning, to always having a mourning outfit ready for sudden deaths, each protocol is steeped in significance.
While each senior royal is affected, someone who will soon learn just how key these rules are is Prince George. With his 12th birthday on 22 July less than 100 days away, the Prince and Princess of Wales' eldest son will soon have to follow a key rule to protect the line of succession.
Once he has marked his big day, it is expected that George and his father, Prince William, will have to fly separately.
On HELLO Magazine's A Right Royal Podcast, King Charles's 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."
It's yet to be determinded whether George will continue to jet off with mum Kate and his siblings, or if William will be the one taking solo flights.
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 would face instability.
Three members of the Royal Family have sadly 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.
