Latest news with #royalprotocol
Fox News
29-07-2025
- General
- Fox News
Prince William and Prince George to be separated by ‘morbid rule' for monarchy's protection: experts
Prince George recently turned 12 years old, and according to royal experts, one "morbid rule" is now expected to go into effect. Royal protocol advises that George will no longer be allowed to fly with his father, Prince William. Heirs are required to fly separately to preserve the line of succession should an accident occur while they are traveling. William, 43, is heir to the throne. "The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are the future of the royal family," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "Accidents do happen, and this seems like a sensible precaution which ought to be observed, as it was with King Charles and William during Queen Elizabeth's reign." "There are reports that the king and William, who is a pilot, disagree over this," Fitzwilliams shared. "But it should be necessary to point out that Harry is fifth in line to the throne... and only four working royals are under 70… The need for Prince George as second in line to the throne to fly separately from his father surely makes sense." Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM ADAMANT ABOUT GIVING HIS CHILDREN A NORMAL LIFE: AUTHOR The king's former pilot, Graham Laurie, previously confirmed on "A Right Royal Podcast" that he initially flew Charles, William, Harry and Princess Diana together, but that changed when William turned 12, Us Weekly reported. "After that, he had to have a separate aircraft, and we could only fly all four together when they were young with the written permission of Her Majesty," said Laurie, as quoted by the outlet. "When William became 12, he would fly normally in a 125 from Northolt, and we would fly the 146 out with the other three on." British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard claimed to Fox News Digital that the king had made it known that he expected George to travel separately from his father. She noted that father and son will have to "adjust to the change." "Traditional royal travel protocol expects a future heir to travel separately from their father, especially when 12 years old," Chard explained. "Direct heirs should not fly together. Previous generations left children at home with governesses when traveling. This, however, caused a lot of upset for the children. King Charles can vouch for this; he desperately missed his parents when they were away on tour." Still, Chard said that it's likely George and William will ease into the change. "This important matter is being debated as it could impact the future of the monarchy," she claimed. "Travel arrangements for the heir to the throne are important at any age. And the Wales family have always traveled together… There are many rules, expectations and traditions that the royal family is expected to follow." British royals expert Hilary Fordwich pointed out to Fox News Digital that the rule isn't set in stone. However, she noted that it's a travel protocol that monarchs have taken seriously over the years. "Rules, such as not traveling by plane or car together, now that Prince George is 12, are unwritten but a tradition," she explained. "This ensures that the next in line and heir are not lost. It has, on occasion, been relaxed or bent. Now, with the king's health issues, combined with his advanced age, it is considered extremely important to ensure Prince George's safety." "Prince William and Princess Catherine are adhering to many rules, especially those protecting the succession," Fordwich shared. "But to a certain extent, they've reinterpreted other rules, relaxing or even disregarding others, in an admirable attempt to become a more relatable modern family. Every royal generation has likewise updated traditions, thereby remaining relevant." "The restrictions on William and George flying together are a decades-long edict to ensure continuity should one die in a travel accident," added royal expert Ian Pelham Turner. "Whether this will change or be challenged by William in the future and break decades of tradition is not known," he said. "But these days, with the royal family, that is not uncommon." Royal author Robert Jobson previously wrote in his biography, "Catherine, the Princess of Wales," that the king "raised concerns" with William over his helicopter use with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children. William had expressed a strong desire to fly with his entire family. Not only did this reportedly spark a tense disagreement, but the king presented William, an experienced pilot, with "a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking full responsibility for his actions." A spokesperson for Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace declined to comment. "There have been several royals who have perished in plane crashes," Fordwich previously explained to Fox News Digital. "As a result, Queen Elizabeth II was particularly sensitive regarding who could and would be permitted to fly together. Rules were put in place years ago regarding the prohibition of royal heirs from flying together." "Much of the royal protocol was insisted upon by the late Queen Elizabeth II," Chard pointed out. Still, the Prince and Princess of Wales aren't afraid to bend the rules on occasion, she said. "[In the past], Prince George would have endured certain rites of passage," Chard explained. "However, the Prince and Princess of Wales do not agree with some of the old-fashioned traditions, such as the 'blooding ritual,' especially when these traditions are not etched in stone. This makes perfect sense as some expectations, especially trivial and old-fashioned etiquette, are no longer relevant in today's modern world." "A few traditions that the Prince and Princess of Wales have broken tend to be fashion-related. I imagine not complying with some of the protocol is a much-welcomed shift." "The royals are far more touchy-feely these days, selfies are occasionally permitted, especially by William," said Fitzwilliams. "The king is a hugger, and William and Catherine communicate by video. The succession to the throne is pivotal to the future of the monarchy, and the deep rift in the royal family underlines its importance. [Still], George should not fly in the same aircraft as his father." Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," previously told Fox News Digital that once George turned 12, he and his father would mark the beginning of a lifestyle change after the "morbid rule" kicks in. "Starting at age 12, heirs to the throne are required to take air trips separately to preserve the line of succession should an accident occur," said Andersen at the time. "When William turned 12, he began flying in a separate royal jet apart from his father and brother Harry," he shared. "It's a morbid rule, but then again, when they turn 16, all senior royals are also asked to help plan their own funerals."
Daily Mail
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
People praise 'fabulous' mystery girl who broke royal protocol with Prince William on Euros podium - as her identity is finally revealed
A young girl who joined Prince William on the Euros podium yesterday has been praised as 'fabulous' - as her identity is finally revealed. In his role as patron of the Football Association (FA), the Prince of Wales, 43, had jetted to the stadium in Basel, Switzerland, to watch the final - and was even accompanied by his daughter Princess Charlotte, 10. As he congratulated the players following their victory against Spain, William was joined by a young girl wearing a white sweatshirt looking overjoyed to meet the star players. In her enthusiasm, she appeared to accidentally break royal protocol in her eagerness to shake the players' hands, including Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang. She has since caused a storm on social media, as delighted onlookers called her the 'real star of the show', having been impressed by her love of the game. One person wrote on TikTok: 'Bye, who was this kid and why was she trying to push Prince William's hand away, I'm crying!', while a third added: 'I was genuinely confused.' One more joked: 'I was so busy watching her, I hadn't even noticed it was Prince William' and another said: 'She was fabulous, totally the most thrilled person ever to be there!' The young girl has now been revealed as 12-year-old Greta from Switzerland, who has a genetic form of epilepsy, diagnosed when she was just six months old. She was attending the event with UEFA Foundation For Children, as part of a tradition inviting children with disabilities or special needs to participate in official ceremonies. Since its official launch as an independent charity in 2015, the foundation has invested in football and other sports to provide opportunities for vulnerable children. As part of its work in helping 4.9 million children, the Foundation has focused on local initiatives, meaning the children can walk onto the pitch hand-in-hand with the players, or join in the medal ceremony. Greta and William were seen sharing a sweet moment together, as they chatted during the trophy ceremony, with the prince placing a hand on her shoulder. One person wrote on social media: 'I think this girl is a breath of fresh air! The absolute joy on her face, and I'm sure William would have loved having her by his side.' 'Greta is a cheerful, open-minded, and determined young girl with a great passion for sport,' UEFA said in a statement. 'Her enthusiasm, perseverance, and love of sport made her a fitting and inspiring choice to participate in the medal ceremony alongside UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.' The Lionesses last night won their second consecutive Euros title after defeating Spain on penalties 3-1. It was Chloe Kelly again who scored the decisive goal after coolly slotting the crucial penalty into the back of the net, following two huge saves from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. The win came after an initial scare when Beth Mead slipped on the opening kick. Things had been looking touch and go when Mariona Caldentey put Spain 1-0 up at the end of the first half, before Arsenal striker Alessia Russo managed to pull the game back to equalise the score in the 57th minute. Princess Charlotte meanwhile was barely able to watch at some points and was seen with her hands covering her face as she conveyed her shock and excitement in what made for a very animated display. And her enthusiasm was particularly reminiscent of her mother Kate, who was seen with an almost identical expression on her face as she attended Wimbledon tennis tournament in 2019. Like her daughter, the Princess of Wales was also so invested in the match in front of her that she could barely watch - this time watching Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the men's single final. Eagle eyed royal fans were quick to make comparisons, with one writing: 'She's her mother's daughter!' A second added: 'Even if Princess Charlotte is her dad's mini-me, I can see Princess Catherine too.' Charlotte was wearing a chiffon polka dot dress from Guess - which she also wore to attend Wimbledon last year. Leah Williamson lifts the Euros trophy after England's victory in the final The royal was also given a winners medal to keep after the presentation ceremony - which she was seen holding on to reverently. After the final whistle, Charlotte has signed off her first official message from the Waleses, which was posted on social media, congratulating the Lionesses on their win. The post on the Prince and Princess' of Wales X account read: 'What a game! 'Lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. 'Enjoy this moment England. W & Charlotte.' The atmosphere in William and Charlotte's spot in the stands was electric upon the final blow of the whistle. In one picture, William and FA chair Debbie Hewitt were seen exchanging a double high-five over Charlotte standing between them, who looked on smiling. The princess even had her mouth open in shock at one point in the game, astonished by the exciting events on the pitch. The game was far from plain sailing, as the young royal's reactions showed - wincing along with her father at a particularly tricky moment. The princess seemed confident speaking to those around her, at one point leaning forward to chat to Princesses Leonor and Sofia, the daughters of Spain's Queen Letizia and King Felipe, who smiled back at her. Other adorable pictures of William and Charlotte at the match showed their close father-daughter relationship. They put their heads together to discuss the action in front of them at several points, with Charlotte seemingly just as engaged as her football fan father. As the presentation ceremony took place, the Prince of Wales was among those to congratulate star striker Michelle Agyemang on being named young player of the tournament. William exchanged words with Agyemang, appearing to say: 'Well played, fantastic, well done.' Agyemang, 19, who had one England cap before the tournament, scored crucial equalisers in the Lionesses' quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. The Prince was given two winners medals to keep after the presentation - and starstruck Charlotte could not wait to get a proper look at them. Before the match, the Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), applauded the national anthem as he stood next to Charlotte in the stadium. He was also joined by Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria. An image of Charlotte and William was also posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales's X account shortly before kick-off, captioned: 'Let's go, Lionesses.' King Charles, along with his son, offered the team his most 'heartfelt congratulations' in the wake of their win. His post on X read: 'This brings you, your manager and all your support team my most heartfelt congratulations on winning the EUROS 2025. 'For more years than I care to remember, England fans have sung that famous chant "football's coming home". 'As you return home with the trophy you won at Wembley three years ago, it is a source of great pride that, through sporting skill and awesome teamwork, the Lionesses have made those words ring true. 'For this, you have my whole family's warmest appreciation and admiration. 'More than that, though, you have shown through your example over past weeks that there are no setbacks so tough that defeat cannot be transformed into victory, even as the final whistle looms. 'Well done, Lionesses. The next task is to bring home the World Cup in 2027 if you possibly can!' In a show of support ahead of the final, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed Three Lions on the Buckingham Palace forecourt. The royal family's official X account also posted: 'Let's go girls! Wishing the very best of luck to the @Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said, ahead of the match: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.' Sir Keir was then the first to congratulate England on their win after the game, posting on X: 'Champions! Congratulations Lionesses - what a team. What a game. What drama. 'You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' Speaking after the match Chloe Kelly gushed that she was 'so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge' and 'so proud to be English'.
Daily Mail
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Experts: The royal protocol Prince William and George may not follow
Prince George turned 12 on July 22 - an important milestone for the future king in more ways than one. Citing a former royal helicopter pilot, Richard Eden, the Daily Mail's Diary Editor, said: 'When Prince William reached the age of 12, he stopped travelling with his father so they had separate flights. Obviously, that is to guarantee the line of succession. 'It will be very interesting to see whether that's the case with George and William because we know they have travelled together either via plane, helicopter or car.' But this is when Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's Royal Editor, who has been covering the royal beat since 2004, interjected. 'I spoke to the Palace this week,' she said, 'and they were like "Well, it's kind of news to us." 'I get the impression that the family won't be changing their travel arrangements at all.' Jo Elvin, who hosts the hit YouTube show as well as making regular appearances on ITV's Lorraine, was puzzled by the Palace's response. 'I remember being a kid and my father telling me about that as a bit of royal protocol,' she said. 'It's weird.' 'Yeah,' Richard said. 'They don't like talking about security and talking about travel arrangements. But I have to say, I mean, it's not a very tasteful discussion, but it is the future of our royal family and I personally find it very worrying. Look, after the Wales Family, we have Harry and Meghan!' he exclaimed. 'I'm sure this isn't true but there were some rumours that Meghan had said something about "we're only one plane crash away from being on the throne." 'I am sure she didn't as it's a very tasteless comment but the fact is, Prince Harry and Meghan could be on the throne and that is something, I would say, would be a threat to the future of the monarchy.' Pleading to the Wales Family, he said: 'Come on, even though it's not great for the environment, please put George on a separate flight and a separate helicopter from his father. My understanding is that he would still be able to travel with his mother,' Jo added. To which Rebecca replied: 'Yeah, but as I say, I don't think the family will change their travel plans at all.' This does not seem to align with the wishes of King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth II - both of whom expressed their concerns about the Wales Family flying together. 'Not only do they travel together,' Richard explained, 'Prince William, who is a qualified helicopter pilot, actually flies the helicopter. According to Robert Jobson's book, the King didn't like William flying the whole family and urged him to stop. It is something that Queen Elizabeth expressed her concerns about as well. I think she was always keen to make sure that she did travel separately from the heir-to-the-throne Charles. It is a matter of some importance, I would say,' he added. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams added important historical context as to why this rule was followed so ardently by the late Queen. The experienced royal commentator told MailOnline that the bizarre rule was established following a string of tragic deaths in the family involving aircrafts. 'The unexpected can happen, as with Prince William of Gloucester's tragic death in 1972, though this was in a competition,' Richard said. 'Prince George, Duke of Kent also died in a plane crash in 1942, which has become controversial. Prince Philip's sister, Cecile, died in a plane crash in 1937, giving birth to a stillborn child,' he added. These tragedies have only served to reinforce the Royal Family's belief in ensuring the heirs travel separately. Richard noted that a similar policy exists across the pond where the President never travels by plane with the Vice-President. Whilst this new royal protocol may be one that the Wales Family choose not to follow, it is just one of many rules George and his siblings are subject to. These include always travelling with a change of black clothes should a member of the family die unexpectedly. On top of this, they can never eat shellfish while on a royal tour to avoid food poisoning. For more fascinating insights from the Mail's team of unrivalled experts, watch the latest episode of Palace Confidential in full now, subscribe to the Daily Mail Royals YouTube channel and sign up to the FREE Palace Confidential newsletter.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Macron makes another faux pas: French president pats the back of the King's Guard while inspecting the troops with Charles
Emmanuel Macron came under fire yesterday for walking in front of King Charles during a ceremonial inspection at Windsor Castle. Now the French President, who is on a three-day state visit to the UK with his wife Brigitte, appears to have broken yet another royal protocol while he was inspecting the troops in the Upper Ward of Windsor on Wednesday. While Macron walking alongside the Grenadier Guard, and ahead of the King, the president patted the guards captain on the back. People are not supposed to touch the guards, especially while they are on ceremonial duty, if a guard is touched they are thought to shout 'hands off the King's guard!' In a clip, the guards captain can be seen quickly wiping his head around to see who had touched him. Lucky, he decided to bite his tongue on this occasion and continued the walk through with the French president. The moment caused a brief pause in the otherwise smooth procession, as the unexpected gesture took the guard by surprise. Royal fans claimed that while the president's move was likely intended as friendly, it subtly underscored the cultural differences in formal ceremony. It comes after royal fans noticed another protocol breach after Macron walked in front of King Charles during the ceremonial inspection- prompting comparisons to US President Donald Trump. In a GB News livestream of the event, Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker noted the potential breach and drew a pointed comparison. He said: 'On your screens now you'll see the King is walking behind the President of France. 'If you remember a few years ago where Queen Elizabeth II invited President Trump of the United States, during his first term of office, to inspect a guard of honour, President Trump was heavily criticised for walking in front of Her Majesty the Queen. 'And as you can see on your screens here, President Macron is walking in front of His Majesty the King. 'Now, I understand that there shouldn't really have been perhaps so much of a hoo-haa with what President Trump did, as this is perhaps custom - that the King, as the host, gives way to the foreign head of state which is the honoured guest at Windsor Castle.' Despite Walker's attempt to clarify the tradition, many viewers were unimpressed by the optics of the French President striding ahead of Britain's sovereign. Social media erupted with criticism, with some users suggesting Macron's behaviour was a deliberate snub. One furious commenter wrote: 'He's doing it on purpose. He's French, he doesn't believe in monarchy and he's an absolute narcissist trying to feel like Napoleon for 5 minutes.' Others echoed the suspicion, with one saying: 'I bet Macron is doing it on purpose. I bet he won't get as much criticism as Trump did.' Another added: 'At least Trump corrected his error by waiting for the Queen to catch up, Macron thinks he is the supreme ruler there.' In the video clip, Macron is seen conversing with members of the King's Guard as King Charles walks a few paces behind - a detail not missed by eagle-eyed royal fans. One remarked: 'And conversing with the King's Guard, as though the King was not even there! Unbelievable.' Some royal watchers placed the onus on the monarch himself, suggesting King Charles had failed to assert his position during the formal proceedings. One commenter argued: 'I don't like it but The King has not asserted himself or held any position. 'By speaking at the WEF, he is basically a pawn in the game and positions himself on par with people like Macron… the King should not be aligning himself with such degeneracy.' Avid royal fans took to social media with a flurry of opinions, with speculations emerging of tension between the King and Macron While criticism of Macron dominated much of the online chatter, a few more diplomatic voices suggested that the order of walking may have simply followed longstanding custom in which the host monarch steps back to allow the guest head of state to lead during troop inspections. One person said: 'I think he is leading the way as he is the host.' Another agreed: 'He knows royal protocol.' But the spectacle struck a nerve with many royalists, who viewed it as an example of a foreign leader failing to respect British traditions. Though there is no evidence of any personal tension between the King and the French President, the moment added fuel to the reactions, with critics keen to draw links between Macron's perceived arrogance and what they view as a lack of deference to the Crown. Whether Macron's move was a diplomatic faux pas or a customary gesture remains up for debate but, for many, the optics alone were enough to spark outrage.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Queen's Mick Jagger knighthood snub: EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE
Emmanuel Macron 's touchy-feely approach breached royal protocol at the start of his state visit. Inspecting the guard of honour with the King at Windsor, he chummily patted the Grenadier Guards captain on the back. That you should never do. Guards on ceremonial duty are taught that should any tourist touch them, they should instantly shout 'Hands off the King's guard!' Fortuitously, the captain turned to see who was interfering with his person and bit his tongue. Apparently, the King couldn't resist a chuckle. Having done away with the role of Mistress of the Robes, Queen Camilla fetched up at the Macron state banquet improperly dressed. She arrived wearing only the Royal Family Order of the King and not that of the late Queen. All the other royal ladies present wore both – and wore them (correctly) on the left shoulder, whereas Camilla wore hers on her right. At least she made an effort. Keir Starmer forgot to pack the badge and star of a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, awarded to him in 2014, which would have set off his white tie and tails nicely. The late Queen might have had a royal harrumph if she'd seen the name of Mick Jagger on the banquet guest list. HM was so irked by tax exile Jagger's repeated postponing of his 2003 knighthood that she declined to gong him. The job instead went to Prince Charles. A courtier later recalled: 'The Queen looked at Mick Jagger's name on that list and there was absolutely no way in the world that she was going to take part in that.' When Norman Tebbit's thuggish Spitting Image puppet liquidised TV inquisitor Robin Day's hand in a blender and began to drink the contents, the Independent Broadcasting Authority told producer John Lloyd: 'You can't broadcast this.' Lloyd explained: 'But it's Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal.' As soon as the IBA heard Swift's name, it went: 'Oh, it's proper satire then, we'll let it through.' Did ITV political editor Robert Peston let his hair down at Wimbledon? Er, no. On ITV's Talking Politics podcast he boasts about drinking non-alcoholic English sparkling rose at the tennis. What a blameless life he leads! Ozzy Osbourne, in a new documentary, expresses no remorse for biting the head off a bat thrown at him during a Black Sabbath concert. 'I thought it was rubber and crunched down and realised it was real,' he explains. 'I had to go to hospital and get my rabies shots.' Do we know if the treatment worked, Ozzy? Thursday's National Geographic Channel tribute to Steven Spielberg's Jaws at 50 contains an observation from late comedian Richard Pryor. 'I loved Jaws,' he remarks. 'I really did because he didn't eat up no black people.'
