A royal expert has explained why Prince Louis wore shorts to church on Christmas Day, as fans say that he "must be freezing". The four-year-old joined his parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, for the church service at St Mary Magdalene Church.
It was the young prince's first Christmas Day walkabout. The Royal Family usually spend Christmas at Sandringham, the country retreat in Norfolk. King Charles III is continuing his mother, the Queen's, tradition of attending the Christmas Day church service.
Louis sported a navy collared coat, plimsolls with black socks. But, unlike his older brother who was wearing navy trousers, Louis wore a pair of burgundy shorts. Royal Family fans were quick to comment on the youngster's outfit, saying he "must be freezing".
Etiquette expert, William Hanson, told Harper's Bazaar: "It's a very English thing to dress a young boy in shorts. Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England.
"Although times are (slowly) changing, a pair of trousers on a young boy is considered quite middle class – quite suburban. And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban. Even the Duchess of Cambridge," Mr Hanson added.
According to the expert, boys wear shorts until around eight years old. But Prince George was seen wearing trousers at the earlier age of six. This year’s gathering at Sandringham is the first time the Royal Family have spent Christmas at the residence in Norfolk since 2019.
The late Queen had spent the festive period at Windsor Castle for two years in a row, in 2020 and 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, before her death in September this year. The royals usually have a turkey lunch at Christmas, and then settle down to watch TV.
King Charles made his first Christmas broadcast as monarch. He sympathised with families struggling with the Cost-of-Living crisis and praised charities and individuals supporting those in need.
