3 strange protocols the Royals follow when travelling abroad

Being a member of the Royal Family comes with many many perks but as one of the most famous families in the world, there are also many customs, traditions and etiquette that must be followed. There are also many protocols in place in case something happens to a member.

The Queen doesn’t need a passport

This one may seem strange, but Her Majesty doesn’t have a passport. Why you ask? Well, it’s because in the UK, passports are issued in her name. Therefore it wouldn’t make sense for the Queen to issue herself a passport.

However, just because the Queen doesn’t have a passport it doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have to go through security clearance.

The rest of the Royal Family have passports, and when the time comes, Prince Charles will no longer have a passport as they will then be issued in his name.

Heirs cannot fly together

This is a long-standing security measure ensuring that the royal line is safe. As of now

• The Queen cannot fly with her son Prince Charles
• Prince Charles cannot fly with Prince William
• Prince William cannot fly with Prince George

This is to make sure that there is always an heir to the throne in case something happens during the travel.

Depending on the circumstances, this protocol can waver. It happened once in 2014 when Prince William and Prince George flew to meet Kate in New Zealand and also in 2016 when the father and son duo met Kate in Canada.

Read more:

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⋙ The Queen taught Kate Middleton these important life lessons before marriage

⋙ Royal family: Prince Louis doesn't have to follow the same rules as his brother

There’s an emergency supply of blood

This may be one of the strangest security measures the Royals have. When members of the Royal Family travel abroad, there is usually always an emergency supply of blood. This is to ensure if a Royal ever needs a blood transfusion urgently, they have some.

According to Royal expert Duncan Larcombe, they would have their own bag of blood as part of the emergency medical kit ‘just in case something happens.’

Gordon Rayner, who attended more than 20 royal tours, said their doctor would have the backup supply in case there was ever a shortage and they needed some.