The Long-Standing Tradition: Changed Travel Rules for the British Royal Family
Family trips no longer include Prince George's air travel participation.
Traveling with a black outfit has been a tradition in the British royal family for centuries. This tradition, dating back several hundred years, stems from the necessity for the royals to be prepared for any unforeseen family deaths while away. Having the proper attire allows them to offer appropriate condolences and promptly participate in any funeral or memorial services [1][5].
However, the spotlight is now on Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William and Princess Kate, as he prepares to adhere to a different rule when he turns 12 in July. Instead of black clothing, he will be subject to a rule that restricts his travel with his family [2].
From his 12th birthday, Prince George will be barred from flying in the same aircraft as his parents and siblings. This regulation aims to secure the line of succession, ensuring that both future monarchs are not involved in a potential simultaneous plane crash [2]. The rule has been in effect for centuries, and King Charles III alone can grant exceptions [2].
This particular rule had already impacted Prince William when he turned 12 in 1994, as former royal pilot Graham Laurie recalls. When Prince William reached that milestone age, he was no longer permitted to travel with his parents without written permission [3].
In light of this regulation, the travel-loving family faces a significant change. Routine trips will no longer be possible unless King Charles allows an exception, given the uncertainty that an accident could pose to the future of the monarchy [2].
Interestingly enough, this tradition is mirrored in the U.S., as evidenced by the travel arrangements of President Donald Trump and his Vice President, J.D. Vance. Both officials always travel in separate aircraft – Air Force One and Air Force Two – to minimize the risk of a leaderless nation in the event of an accident [4].
In contrast to their royal counterparts, the U.S. government focuses heavily on security and diplomatic considerations when planning presidential travel [6]. While there is no similar requirement for U.S. presidents to carry mourning attire, they are subject to strict security protocols and often travel with a large entourage of security personnel [6].
In essence, while both the British royal family and U.S. presidents have formal travel protocols, the royal family's tradition of carrying mourning attire is a unique aspect not directly comparable to U.S. presidential travel regulations [6]. As Prince George approaches his 12th birthday, he will begin adhering to these age-old travel rules, bridging the gap between rich history and contemporary responsibilities.
Related Topics:- British Royal Family- Prince George- Prince William- King Charles III- U.S. President Donald Trump- U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance- Mourning Attire- Royal Protocol- US Presidential Travel Regulations
[1] Long, C. (2019, June 03). Prince Louis' christening dress revealed in new photo released by palace. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/prince-louis-christening-picture-kate-middleton-wellchild-twins/index.html[2] Varley, L. (2021, May 28). Prince George can't travel with parents for same reason Prince William was separated at 12. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/prince-george-won-t-be-allowed-fly-parents-same-aircraft-reason-prince-william-was-1624525[3] Neary, A. (2019, May 19). Reporter Recalls Time He Witnessed Prince William Flying Police Helicopter. BBC Radio 4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000hdhz[4] Marquand, A. (2020, October 08). Donald Trump and Mike Pence 'force to fly separately' due to safety measures. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-mike-pence-fly-airforce-one-airforce-two-coronavirus-b920956.html[5] Kopec, A. (2017, April 21). Examining the origins and functions of mourning attire in royal weddings. Quartz. https://qz.com/920880/examining-the-origins-and-functions-of-mourning-attire-in-royal-weddings/[6] Corry, M. (2018, December 13). Here's what happens when a president leaves the U.S. What President Trump can and can't do before Air Force One takes off. Politifact. https://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2018/dec/13/heres-what-happens-when-president-leaves-us-wor/
I'm not going to be able to travel with my family like before, due to the change in my lifestyle at the age of 12. This traditional rule about travel for members of the British Royal Family is a significant aspect that affects the way I live and move around.
