Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 22, 2025 · Entertainment

Prince George Turns 12: New Royal Protocol and Birthday Revelations!

Prince George beams in a photo released to mark his 12th birthday. The young prince was photographed by Josh Shinner in April in Norfolk

Royal Scoop: Prince George's 12th Birthday Marks a Major Milestone - and a Bizarre New Protocol!

As Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday, the future king of England is about to face a major change in royal protocol that will leave fans of the monarchy buzzing. According to insiders, the young prince will no longer be allowed to fly on the same plane as his dad, Prince William - a rule that's been enforced since the days of King Charles and Princess Diana.

But what's behind this strict new rule? Our sources reveal that it's all about ensuring the continuity of the institution. "When Prince George turns 12, he'll be second in line to the throne, and it's crucial that he travels separately from his father," says royals expert Richard Fitzwilliams. "It's not just about William; it's about protecting the line of succession."

Last year Kensington Palace shared a stunning black and white photo in 2024 to mark George's 11th birthday

So, what does this mean for Prince George? Well, from now on, the young prince will have to travel alone or with his siblings - a far cry from the family vacations we're used to seeing on social media! But don't worry, Kate and Wills won't be leaving their eldest son high and dry. They'll make sure he's well-prepared for this new chapter in his royal journey.

The Bizarre Protocol Explained

So, how did this strange rule come about? Our investigation reveals that it's all thanks to a series of tragic events involving plane crashes in the royal family's history. Remember Prince William of Gloucester and Prince George, Duke of Kent - both died in separate air disasters? These tragedies have led the Royal Family to adopt this strict protocol to ensure the continuity of the institution.

What's Next for Prince George?

As he approaches his teenage years, Prince George will face even more changes. He'll be starting secondary school next year, and speculation is rife about which prestigious institution he'll attend. Will it be Eton College, where Dad went? Or perhaps Marlborough College, where Mom and her siblings attended?

TheScholarlyNote.com has learned that Kate and William are considering several top schools for their eldest son. While nothing's been confirmed yet, insiders suggest that Eton remains the favored choice - mainly because of its proximity to Windsor Castle.

Prince George was first introduced to the world in 2013 when his parents the Prince and Princess of Wales held him in their arms on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London

Prince George's Royal Duties

As he grows older, Prince George will be expected to take on more official royal engagements. In May, he joined his parents and other family members for a tea party at Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The young prince looked natural chatting with World War Two veterans alongside his parents.

Royal Family Secrets

George's birthday photo appears to have been taken on the same day as the Wales family's Father's Day photoshoot

As we delve deeper into Prince George's world, it becomes clear that he's not just another royal kid - he's got his own interests and quirks! Did you know that he's a huge fan of Aston Villa FC? Or that he loves AC/DC and Led Zeppelin music?

It seems like Prince George is all set to follow in Dad's footsteps as a sports-loving, rock-music enthusiast. But will he attend Eton College or choose another prestigious school for his secondary education? Only time will tell!

Prince George's 10th birthday portrait was not taken by Kate, as it often is - instead the Waleses chose to use a snap from Millie Pilkington

Prince George was also photographed by his mother Kate on his seventh birthday - looking smart in a khaki polo neck

Prince George (pictured, left) and Princess Charlotte (pictured, right) appear to look disappointed after Alcaraz lost the Wimbledon men's final

The Princess of Wales snapped her eldest son in Norfolk just a few weeks before his eighth birthday

Little lion! Prince George captured by Kate in an England football shirt to mark his sixth birthday in 2019

Prince George's third birthday portrait was taken by Matt Porteous at the Wales family's Norfolk home

Prince George's fourth birthday portrait, in which he is beaming at the camera, was taken by Chris Jackson

Prince George at the coronation of King Charles III. As the prince turns 12 he now faces a major change in royal protocol

Prince WIlliam and Kate Middleton disembark a plane with George and Charlotte during a trip to Canada in 2016. From his birthday today, George will no longer be permitted to fly on the same plane as William

George with his mother and two siblings, Louis and Charlotte, during the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE day. It remains unclear whether it will be William who flys on his own, separate from Kate and the other children, or if George will instead

A young Prince George and Princess Charlotte during a visit to Poland in 2017. As per royal protocol, girls in the family must wear dresses and the boys must wear shorts

The Prince and Princess of Wales alongside a baby George disembark a plane in Australia in 2014. From George's 12th birthday he will need special permission to fly on the same plane as William

George joins his father at an event in Buckingham Palace meeting World War Two veterans.

Prince George with his parents at a tea party in Buckingham Palace to mark VE day. Prince William proudly told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served

George was snapped beaming as he shook hands with one esteemed veteran

King Charles III with his son Prince William and his grandson Prince George during Charles' coronation