As Prince George’s 12th birthday approaches, reports suggest that Prince William is beginning to feel the pressure—especially when it comes to a long-standing royal rule that will soon affect his eldest son.

A Big Birthday with Bigger Implications

George, the firstborn child of Prince William and Princess Kate, will turn 12 on July 22. His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, recently celebrated their own birthdays—Charlotte turned 10 in May and Louis turned seven in April.

But George’s birthday this year holds a deeper significance. As heir presumptive to the throne after his father, certain royal customs will now start to apply to him—customs intended to prepare him for a possible future as monarch, no matter how distant that might be.

Tradition That Comes with Responsibility

Though it’s hoped that both King Charles III and Prince William remain in good health for many years to come, royal tradition requires that contingency plans be in place for any unexpected events.

One of these long-held customs is the travel separation rule. Once a royal heir reaches age 12, protocol dictates that they should no longer travel with the next in line to the throne—typically for safety and succession reasons.

This measure is designed to protect the royal lineage in case of a disaster, like a plane crash, ensuring that at least one heir to the throne remains safe and the monarchy remains intact.