Prince George Turns 12: A Milestone Birthday with Constitutional Implications for the Future King

Prince George Turns 12: A Milestone Birthday with Constitutional Implications for the Future King

As Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday today, the occasion marks more than just a personal milestone—it also signifies a critical juncture in his journey as heir to the British throne. This birthday carries both symbolic and constitutional weight, raising questions about tradition, succession, and the evolving nature of royal parenting.

The eldest child of Prince William and Princess Catherine, Prince George is gradually stepping further into the royal spotlight. With his 12th birthday, the royal family now faces a long-standing protocol: direct heirs to the throne traditionally cease flying on the same aircraft as their parents once they reach the age of 12, in order to protect the line of succession in the event of an aviation tragedy. This precedent was notably enforced when Prince William turned 12 in 1994.

In a 2023 episode of the Right Royal podcast, Graham Lurie, former pilot to King Charles, confirmed that he had flown all four members of the royal family—Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry—until William reached this same age. Thereafter, Prince William was required to travel separately unless granted written permission by the Queen.

Now, the same dilemma confronts Prince William and Princess Catherine: will they adhere to this time-honored royal tradition, or choose a more modern, flexible approach in line with their parenting philosophy?

Unlike previous royal generations, the Prince and Princess of Wales have emphasized a hands-on, emotionally grounded approach to raising their children—George, now 12, Charlotte, 11, and Louis, 7. They have actively sought to provide their family with a sense of normalcy while balancing the demands of public duty. This parenting style stands in contrast to that of King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II, who, owing to their official responsibilities, often relied heavily on staff and extended family in raising their children.

According to People magazine, a royal insider has indicated that William and Catherine prioritize family time and do not hesitate to scale back royal engagements when necessary. This approach has become even more pronounced during Princess Catherine’s ongoing cancer treatment, as the family remains focused on maintaining stability and closeness during challenging times.

As Prince George steps into this new chapter, all eyes are on the royal family—not only to celebrate his growth, but also to see how they will navigate this significant transition in royal tradition.