The British royal family is celebrating, but they're also in a period of transition. On July 22, Prince George, son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, turned 12 years old.
However, what for any child would only mean one more candle on their birthday cake, for George represents something much greater. It connects with the beginning of a crucial stage within the strict protocol that governs the British monarchy.
The latest news about Prince William and his son George is confirmed
From now on, the young heir will have to adapt to a new rule that will affect his daily life. For protocol reasons, he won't be able to share a vehicle with his father during official trips.
This rule, although it may seem extreme, has a very clear logic: to ensure the continuity of the Crown in case of an accident. By separating the direct heirs to the throne, the risk that an unexpected event could drastically affect the line of succession is minimized.
This is a protocol rule that has been applied for decades in the monarchy. In this case, it comes into effect now that Prince George has reached the age established for its enforcement.
Prince William already knew about it
Although this separation only applies to official engagements, father and son will still be able to travel together in private settings. It's not just a matter of tradition: it's about preserving the stability of the monarchical institution in uncertain times.
It should be noted that Prince William himself began to comply with this rule when he was the same age as his son is today. Therefore, everything indicates that the royal family will keep this practice, even in times of change marked by King Charles III's illness.
In this context, another striking rule has also been mentioned again. It's the obligation to always include mourning attire in the suitcase during any official trip. This rule is kept by protocol in case of the sudden death of a prominent member.
This tradition dates back to 1952, when King George VI died. At that time, then-Princess Elizabeth was abroad and, upon landing, had to wait until she could get mourning clothes.
So, while George celebrates his birthday, he's also taking another step toward the future that awaits him as the future king of the United Kingdom. A birthday that, without a doubt, marks much more than just a number.