Royal Expert Claims Princess Kate and Prince William "Won't Be Changing" One Aspect of Prince George's Life, Contrary to Recent Claims About "Weird" Rule

"I personally find it very worrying."

Prince George wears a suit, Prince William wears military uniform, Kate Middleton wears a dark red coat dress, as they walk in front of a Union Jack flag
(Image credit: YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Prince George turned 12 on July 22, and royal watchers anticipated some major changes taking place. However, according to a royal expert, Kate Middleton and Prince William are intent on allowing their eldest son, who will one day be king, to live as normal a life as possible.

During an appearance on an episode of the Daily Mail's "Palace Confidential," royal expert Richard Eden explained, "When Prince William reached the age of 12, he stopped traveling with his father so they had separate flights. Obviously, that is to guarantee the line of succession." Eden continued, "It will be very interesting to see whether that's the case with George and William because we know they have traveled together either via plane, helicopter, or car."

Weighing in on whether or not Prince George is facing a major change, the Daily Mail's royal editor, Rebecca English, said, "I spoke to the palace this week, and they were like, 'Well, it's kind of news to us.'" She continued, "I get the impression that the family won't be changing their travel arrangements at all."

Prince George and Prince William smiling at Wimbledon

"I get the impression that the family won't be changing their travel arrangements at all."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Journalist Jo Elvin joined the conversation, saying, "I remember being a kid and my father telling me about that as a bit of royal protocol...It's weird."

Eden suggested that the Royal Family prefers to keep certain aspects of their lives private, explaining, "They don't like talking about security and talking about travel arrangements." He continued, "But I have to say, I mean, it's not a very tasteful discussion, but it is the future of our Royal Family and I personally find it very worrying."

Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte on the balcony at Trooping the Colour 2025

"It is the future of our Royal Family."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's unclear whether the Prince and Prince of Wales intend on changing the way their family travels now that Prince George is 12. However, one royal expert believes that nothing will alter in the foreseeable future. "I don't think the family will change their travel plans at all," English suggested.

Amy Mackelden
Weekend Editor

Amy Mackelden is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, where she covers celebrity and royal family news. She was the weekend editor at Harper’s BAZAAR for three years, where she covered breaking celebrity and entertainment news, royal stories, fashion, beauty, and politics. Prior to that, she spent a year as the joint weekend editor for Marie Claire, ELLE, and Harper's BAZAAR, and two years as an entertainment writer at Bustle. Her additional bylines include Cosmopolitan, People, The Independent, HelloGiggles, Biography, Shondaland, Best Products, New Statesman, Heat, and The Guardian. Her work has been syndicated by publications including Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Delish, Oprah Daily, Country Living, and Women's Health. Her celebrity interviews include Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Chastain, the cast of Selling Sunset, Emma Thompson, Jessica Alba, and Penn Badgley. In 2015, she delivered an academic paper at Kimposium, the world's first Kardashian conference.