Prince William travelled with his eldest son Prince George to a Champions League match in Spain earlier this month, a move that breaks a long-standing royal rule designed to protect the line of succession. The decision has reportedly caused concern within the Royal Family.
Father and Son Attend Champions League Match
William, 44, made a surprise appearance alongside George, 13, on November 3. The pair watched the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between FC Barcelona and Aston Villa FC in Spain, with the teenager appearing delighted to spend time with his father.
The two are known to have travelled on the same plane to Spain, a move that is usually forbidden within the Royal Family. They are also understood to have flown home together.
Royal Succession Rule Explained
Once royal children in the direct line of succession reach the age of twelve, they are discouraged from flying with fellow direct heirs. This is to protect the line of succession, as an aviation disaster could result in multiple future monarchs being lost at the same time, jeopardising the future of the monarchy.
George, who began his journey at Eton College in September, marked his 12th birthday in July 2025. His younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, remain unaffected, as they are only 11 and 8 at present.
Previous Concerns Over Flying Habits
According to royal biographer Robert Jobson, the King previously raised concerns about William's 'stubborn refusal' to take his advice on safeguarding the succession. Writing in his 2024 book, titled Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography, Jobson reported: "Earlier this year, the King had raised concerns with his son about the wisdom of William using his helicopter to fly his entire family around the country."
An experienced pilot, William had upset the late Queen when he defied her request not to pilot his family the 115 miles from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall, their home in Norfolk. The Queen, haunted by the 1967 crash that killed the Captain of the Queen's Flight Air Commodore John Blount DFC (although no royals were on board), "did not hold back", one aide said.
The late Queen Elizabeth's former pilot, Graham Laurie, noted that William was allowed to fly with his parents and Prince Harry until June 1994, when he turned 12. He previously told HELLO!: "After that, he had to have a separate aircraft."
Commercial Flight Choice Praised
While William and his son could also have easily taken a private jet to Spain for the game, they instead opted for a commercial flight, which appeared to be a British Airways flight. A video of William and George about to board the plane was shared on X, with royal fans praising them for their decision to take a commercial flight rather than a private jet.
One fan wrote on X: "It doesn't even look like first class." Someone else said: "William does as his future people do. Commercial and in economy class."
