**Prince George Prepares for Major Royal Transition as He Nears 12th Birthday**
As **Prince George** approaches his 12th birthday on **July 22, 2025**, a significant and deeply symbolic change awaits him—one rooted in royal tradition and the **weight of his future role as King**.
### A Royal Life Like No Other
Born in 2013 to **Prince William and Princess Catherine**, George has lived a life under constant public attention. As **second in line to the British throne**, his upbringing has blended normal childhood moments with royal duties and protocols.
Despite his young age, George has already experienced official events, public appearances, and global interest—signs of the **destiny ahead of him**.
### A Historic Shift: Separate Travel Begins
In accordance with **longstanding royal protocol**, once a royal child turns 12 and is in the **direct line of succession**, they are **no longer permitted to travel with the reigning monarch or the current heir**.
This means that Prince George, starting **July 22, 2025**, will be required to travel separately from his father, **Prince William**. The purpose? **To protect the line of succession**—ensuring that if tragedy struck during travel, the monarchy wouldn’t lose both its heirs at once.
Though the rule may seem extreme, its rationale is rooted in history and caution. **Multiple royal tragedies**, including:
* **Princess Cecilie** (1937),
* **Prince George, Duke of Kent** (1942), and
* **Prince William of Gloucester** (1972),
highlight the **risks of travel** and why such strict measures were put in place.
### Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Prince William himself followed this tradition when he turned 12, according to **King Charles’s former pilot, Graham Laurie**, who shared:
> “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, unless special written permission was granted by the Queen.”
This **”rite of passage”** underscores how even at a young age, George is being prepared for **royal responsibility** in a very real and personal way.
### A Future King in the Making
While **Prince George** continues to attend school and enjoy the privileges of childhood, these transitions mark his slow but steady entry into the **rigid structure of monarchy**. This change in travel arrangements is more than just a logistical adjustment—it represents the **start of his future as a leader**.
Whether this protocol will be strictly enforced by **William and Catherine** remains to be seen, but signs point to tradition continuing.
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As Prince George grows older, the **burden of kingship** will gradually settle on his shoulders. This upcoming shift is just one of many steps on his journey—from a boy raised in privilege to the future **King of the United Kingdom**.
