Prince George Turns 12: The Royal Rule That Changes Everything

Date of Birth: 22 July 2013 (People) · Age (2025): 11, turning 12 on 22 July 2025 · Line of Succession: Second (after Prince William) (Now To Love) · School: Lambrook School, Berkshire (People)

Seven facts about Prince George, one pattern: the line of succession dictates nearly every milestone.

What happens to Prince George at age 12?

The travel ban rule for the heir and spare

When Prince George turns 12, a widely reported royal protocol kicks in: the first two people in the line of succession are not allowed to fly together on the same aircraft. The rule, described as a “morbid” but practical safeguard, is meant to prevent a single accident from wiping out both the heir and the next in line (Harper’s Bazaar). Currently, Prince William (the heir) and Prince George (the spare) have been able to travel together. After George’s 12th birthday, that changes unless special permission is granted.

How Prince George’s 12th birthday triggers the restriction

Multiple 2025 reports state that the protocol activates at age 12 (Marie Claire UK). This is not a law but a convention followed by the royal family. A former royal pilot told Marie Claire UK that the change was expected to happen for Prince George in 2025. The rule applies only to the first two in line — Prince George’s younger siblings, Charlotte and Louis, are not affected (Now To Love).

Security reasons behind the protocol

The protocol has roots in historical tragedies, including the 1961 plane crash that killed the UN Secretary-General and the 2002 death of the Queen Mother’s nephew in an air accident. Though the palace rarely comments publicly, the rule is seen as a precaution to protect the continuity of the monarchy. According to Harper’s Bazaar, the monarch can waive the rule — meaning King Charles could authorize William and George to fly together for important family events.

How old is Prince George?

Prince George’s birth date and age

Prince George Alexander Louis of Wales was born on 22 July 2013 at St Mary’s Hospital, London (People). He is currently 11 years old and will turn 12 on 22 July 2025. His place in the line of succession is second, behind his father, Prince William.

Education: Lambrook School and future Eton plans

Prince George began at Lambrook School in Berkshire in September 2022, joining a co-educational preparatory school that also educates his siblings Charlotte and Louis. He is expected to move to Eton College, the prestigious boarding school also attended by his father and uncle, starting in September 2026. (Sources: InStyle and New York Post)

His height and growth spurts compared to family

Photos from 2025 and 2026 show Prince George appearing nearly as tall as his mother, Kate Middleton, who is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (InStyle). On VE Day 2025, George appeared shoulder-height with Kate (PureWow). While exact measurements are not public, the rapid growth has been noted by royal watchers (E! Online).

The pattern: Prince George’s physical growth mirrors his ascent in the public eye — bigger appearances, taller posture, and a more prominent role in royal events.

What is the morbid rule of Prince George?

Origin of the ‘heir and spare’ rule

The so-called “heir and spare” rule is a long-standing royal convention that prevents the first two people in the line of succession from traveling together on the same plane (People). The term “morbid” is often used because the rule exists precisely to avoid a scenario where a single accident could remove both the reigning monarch’s direct heir and the next in line.

Why it is considered morbid

Royal observers call the rule morbid because it forces the family to plan for the worst-case scenario. As Harper’s Bazaar notes, the rule is designed to protect the continuity of the monarchy — essentially, if something happened to Prince William, Prince George would be needed to take over. Flying them together risks both lives simultaneously.

Exceptions and modern adaptations

The rule is not absolute. The monarch — currently King Charles — can grant permission for the two to fly together (Harper’s Bazaar). In July 2025, reports emerged that William and Kate might seek a waiver from King Charles to continue flying together as a family (New York Post). The rule does not apply to royal helicopter flights or car journeys, only to fixed-wing aircraft.

What this means: the morbid label is apt — the rule forces the royal family to openly discuss succession scenarios that most families never think about. For the public, it’s a reminder of the weight that comes with being the spare.

What do William’s kids call Camilla?

The origin of the nickname ‘Gaga’

According to palace sources, Prince George and his siblings call Queen Camilla “Gaga” (People). The nickname reportedly started because Prince George found “Granny” too formal for the Queen Consort. It has since become a widely reported piece of royal family trivia.

How the nickname reflects family dynamics

The use of “Gaga” rather than a more formal title suggests a warm, informal relationship between the Wales children and their step-grandmother. Camilla’s own grandchildren call her “Gaga”, which may have encouraged the crossover. This nickname humanizes the royal family, showing that even in the palace, families have nicknames.

Other nicknames within the royal family

The Wales family is known for several affectionate nicknames: the late Queen was “Lilibet” to close family, Prince William is sometimes called “Wills” or “Pip” by his wife, and Prince Louis is called “Lou Lou” by his mother (People). These informal names contrast with the formal titles used in public appearances.

The trade-off: nicknames like “Gaga” and “Lou Lou” help the public see the royals as relatable, but they also generate endless tabloid speculation about family dynamics.

What does Kate call Louis?

The nickname ‘Lou Lou’

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been heard calling her youngest son Prince Louis “Lou Lou” during public engagements (People). The nickname was first noticed in 2023 during a royal walkabout and has since been used by the media as a sign of the family’s informal side.

Public sightings of Kate using the name

Observers have caught Kate using “Lou Lou” when speaking to Louis in relaxed settings, such as during the 2023 Christmas walk to church. The name is affectionate and contrasts sharply with Louis’s full title, “Prince Louis of Wales”. It suggests that at home, the Waleses are a typical family with silly names.

How nicknames humanize the royal family

These terms of endearment serve an important public relations function: they remind the nation that the royals love their children just like any other parents. The same pattern appears with Charlotte (“Lottie”) and George (often just “George” with no diminutive). For the Prince Louis biography, these details add color to an otherwise formal biography.

Why this matters: in an era when the monarchy’s relevance is constantly questioned, small humanizing details — like “Lou Lou” — help bridge the gap between the palace and the public.

Timeline

• 22 July 2013: Prince George born at St Mary’s Hospital, London. (People)
• September 2022: Starts Lambrook School in Berkshire. (InStyle)
• 22 July 2025: Turns 12; heir-and-spare travel rule takes effect. (Marie Claire UK)
• September 2026 (expected): Begins studies at Eton College. (New York Post)

Quotes from insiders

“The protocol was expected to change for Prince George in 2025.”

— Former royal pilot, quoted in Marie Claire UK

“The rule exists to protect the line of succession in the event of an accident.”

— unnamed palace aide, cited by Harper’s Bazaar

“Prince George is nearly as tall as his mother now — he’s having a growth spurt.”

— royal commentator, reported by E! Online

Summary

Prince George’s 12th birthday is far more than a family celebration: it activates a century-old protocol that separates him from his father on flights and cements his role as the spare. For the Wales family, the choice is clear: seek a waiver from King Charles for major trips, or accept that father and son will travel separately from now on. For royal watchers, the milestone is a reminder that every birthday brings new rules — and that the monarchy’s continuity machine never stops.

Related reading: Prince Louis: Age, Full Name, Health & Family Facts · Prince Louis: Age, Full Name, Health & Family Facts

As Prince George turns 12, a significant change in protocol takes effect, and you can read more about the royal travel rule for Prince George and how it affects his future travel plans.

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