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Prince Louis Breaks Royal Tradition with Trousers at Christmas Walkabout
Sandringham, Norfolk – Prince Louis, the youngest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, made a subtle sartorial statement this Christmas Day, appearing in smart tailored trousers during the traditional Royal walkabout at Sandringham. This choice marks a departure from the long-standing Royal dress code that typically dictates young boys wear shorts for public engagements until they reach the age of eight.
The seven-year-old prince joined his mother, Princess Catherine, and his older siblings, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10, to greet well-wishers outside St Mary Magdalene Church. Despite the crisp Norfolk weather, the children were all smiles, waving cheerfully to the gathered crowd eager for a glimpse of the Royal Family.
Royal tradition, deeply rooted in aristocratic custom and passed down through generations, has historically mandated shorts for young Royal boys at official events. This practice dates back to early childhood attire, when boys were often dressed similarly to girls before “graduating” to trousers. Etiquette expert William Hanson previously noted to Harper’s Bazaar that “shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England,” further explaining that trousers on a young boy were historically considered “quite middle-class, quite suburban.”
However, it appears the Prince and Princess of Wales are embracing a more relaxed approach to these age-old rules. Prince Louis was also seen in trousers during last year’s Christmas outing and at recent Easter services. This year, he and Prince George sported matching ties and suits, showcasing a charming display of brotherly unity.
While many traditions remain central to the monarchy, instances such as this highlight how the younger generation is subtly reshaping Royal norms for a modern era.
High-ranking members of the Royal Family convened at Sandringham House, King Charles’s private country estate, to celebrate the holiday season. The King, who inherited the estate after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, has continued her cherished Christmas customs before heading to Balmoral for the New Year.
The Christmas Day public appearance is one of the rare occasions each year when the extended Royal Family gathers publicly, offering a unique insight into their private festive celebrations. It is speculated that the family exchanged presents on Christmas Eve, a custom believed to reflect their German heritage. Following the morning church service and walk, the family is expected to return to Sandringham for a formal black-tie dinner later in the day.