Prince George: The bizarre rule the prince must follow after turning 12

Prince George turned 12 yesterday, and his birthday marked the beginning of a strange succession tradition.

Now, George and his father Prince William will not be allowed to travel in the same plane together.

As George is second in line for the throne, the rule aims to protect the heirs from any potential life threatening air travel accidents.

It is a tricky one for his parents to follow, as it will require King Charles III to give special permission for family travel.

The royal family must already adhere to scores of bizarre travel rules, including a ban on drinking alcohol to avoid potential poisoning plots.

They must also pack a mourning outfit in case there is a sudden death.

William followed the plane travel rule when he was second in line, so it may be a reality for his son, though The Sun reported that it is unlikely the parents will enforce the tradition.

They have broken some rules in recent years by skipping some traditional royal events, including holiday appearances, but this was largely due to prioritising Princess Kate’s health as she underwent treatment for cancer.

The rule was only waived for William on sparing occasions when Queen Elizabeth II allowed him to travel with the rest of his family.

This comes after a birthday portrait was released of George, taken by photographer Josh Shinner.

The photograph shows George dressed in checkered light blue shirt and an olive green vest.

His golden locks and warm smile have sent royal fans into a spin, pointing out the birthday boy is a clone of young Prince William.

George was born was born at 4.24pm on July 22 in 2013 in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, where his father was delivered 31 years earlier.

He was famously introduced to the world just hours later on the hospital steps.

George was last seen publicly when he and his little sister Princess Charlotte attended the Wimbledon men’s final with their mum and dad on July 13.