Prince George milestone highlights 'worrying' Royal Family protocol issue

Prince George turning 12 has highlighted a "worrying" problem with one aspect of Royal Family protocol, an expert has claimed. In a chat about the young prince's celebrations on a recent episode of Palace Confidential, royal experts weighed in on what was described by host Jo Elvin as an "interesting bit" of protocol around travel.

They discussed whether George, who turned 12 on Tuesday (July 22), would follow in his father's footsteps and no longer travel with him, a royal protocol that reportedly occurred when Prince William passed the same milestone.

Richard Eden, diary editor for the Daily Mail, said he had learned this from a "former pilot of royal helicopters". He explained that it was implemented to secure the line of succession, but it would be "interesting" to see if it also applied to George.

READ MORE: Prince George's hidden detail in 12th birthday snap hints at secret family tradition

READ MORE: Prince George and Princess Charlotte's playful act with Louis 'speaks volumes about bond'

When asked if the royals planned to continue this, Rebecca English, royal editor for the paper, told the podcast that she'd spoken to the palace, but got the "impression" that the family "won't be changing" their travel arrangements.

Jo then chimed in to note that she had been aware of the protocol when she was a child, as Richard shared his thoughts on why the fact wasn't more common knowledge.

He pointed out that they "don't like talking" about security or their travel plans, but went on to highlight what may happen in the event of a tragedy, despite it not being a "tasteful discussion".

Richard continued: "But I have to say, you know, I mean it's not a very, sort of, tasteful discussion, but it's the future of our Royal Family, and I personally find it very worrying. You know, look, after the Wales family, we have Harry and Meghan."

He added: "The fact is that, you know, Prince Harry and Meghan could be on the throne, and that's something which would be a threat, I would say, to the future of the monarchy."

In the UK, the line of succession is regulated by both descent and Parliamentarystatute. Prince William, being the oldest of current monarch King Charles' two sons, is the first in line to the throne.

William and Kate have three children - George, Charlotte, 10, and Louis, seven - so they're next in line in this order (descending by age). However, sitting in fifth place is William's brother Prince Harry.

In the event that the Waleses were unable to take the throne, Harry would be next in line, followed by his own children, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, and then Charles' younger brother, Prince Andrew, Duke of York.

Meanwhile, to mark Prince George's birthday, Kensington Palace released a new photo of him. Unveiled on social media, the snap (which shows a smiling George) was accompanied by a message from his parents.

The message, which also featured a birthday cake emoji, read: "Happy 12th Birthday to Prince George!"