Prince William and Princess Kate have once again stepped away from royal tradition, embarking on their second family holiday of 2025. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their three children

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are currently enjoying a luxurious getaway on the private Caribbean island of Mustique.

A Winter Escape to Mustique

While the royal couple’s absence from the BAFTA Awards made headlines—marking the first time in three years that Prince William,

as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, missed the event—their latest vacation is now drawing attention for another reason. 

The Wales family’s travel plans may have breached a long-standing royal protocol that dictates how heirs to the throne should travel.

According to The Mail on Sunday, the family flew via British Airways from London to Saint Lucia before taking a private flight to the secluded island of Mustique. The question many are now asking is: Did King Charles grant them permission to travel together?

Breaking a Longstanding Royal Rule

Traditionally, royal heirs are prohibited from flying together due to the possibility of a tragic accident that could endanger the line of succession. This rule was particularly enforced when King Charles was younger; he was required to seek approval from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, before traveling with Prince William.

The same regulation likely applies now that Charles is King. On a 2024 episode of HELLO!’s A Right Royal Podcast, former royal pilot Graham Laurie shed light on this protocol, revealing that William was allowed to fly with his parents and Prince Harry until he turned 12.

“Interestingly, we flew all four: the Prince, the Princess, Prince William, and Prince Harry, up until Prince William was 12 years old,” Laurie explained. “After that, he had to have a separate aircraft, and we could only fly all four together with the written permission of Her Majesty.”

This means that with Prince George turning 12 in July, the Wales family may only have a few months left before they must abide by the same rule, requiring separate flights for William and his eldest son.

A Destination Loved by Royals

Mustique has long been a favored destination among members of the royal family. In 2019, Prince William and Princess Kate reportedly stayed in a luxurious villa called Villa Antilles, which costs an estimated £27,000 per week. The opulent retreat features four bedrooms, a 60-foot infinity pool, a jacuzzi, private staff, and breathtaking sea views.

During that vacation, the couple was joined by Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, as they celebrated Prince George’s sixth birthday on the island.

The late Princess Margaret was also known for her love of Mustique, often retreating to the island for private getaways away from the public eye. The serene Caribbean retreat continues to be a go-to spot for royals seeking an escape from their formal duties.

Royal Travel Rules May Soon Change for the Wales Family

While William and Kate have taken multiple trips as a family in the past, including visits to the Isle of Scilly, Jordan, Germany, and Poland, their ability to do so may soon change. When William and Kate traveled to Australia and New Zealand in 2014 with a then nine-month-old Prince George, William reportedly had to ask Queen Elizabeth for permission to bring his son along.

With George quickly approaching his 12th birthday, similar restrictions could soon be enforced, preventing future family travel arrangements where he and his father fly together.

Prioritizing Family Time Amidst Royal Duties

While their decision to take a second vacation in 2025 has raised eyebrows, William and Kate’s break from tradition suggests their commitment to prioritizing family time. With increasing royal responsibilities, including stepping in for King Charles amid his ongoing health concerns, the couple appears to be making the most of private moments with their children before duty inevitably calls them back.

For now, the Wales family is basking in the Caribbean sun, but as royal protocol tightens, future travels may require more careful planning to comply with the rules governing heirs to the throne.

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