That’s because royal boys have long followed a tradition of wearing shorts during childhood. Prince Harry once joked about this in a documentary, recalling how he and his brother were often dressed in what he called “the most bizarre outfits,” which almost always included short trousers.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to share three new photographs of Prince Louis ahead of his first birthday tomorrow 🎈
The photographs were taken earlier this month by The Duchess at their home in Norfolk. pic.twitter.com/VOJ7rhKthz
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) April 22, 2019
Etiquette expert William Hanson has also explained that this custom typically lasts until around the age of eight. In traditional British upper-class culture, young boys wear shorts, while trousers are seen as something for older boys and men. Wearing shorts was once considered a subtle marker of status, distinguishing aristocratic families from more “suburban” styles.
The practice has roots going back centuries, linked to the old custom of “breeching,” when young boys would transition from wearing dresses to short trousers as a sign of growing up.