The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined by their three children in a rare public family moment, as they greeted well-wishers outside church in Sandringham in a walkabout
Prince Louis seemed to subtly break a long-standing Royal dress code during the traditional Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham this morning. The seven-year-old was seen sporting smart tailored trousers, a departure from the traditional shorts usually worn by young Royal boys at public events.
Accompanied by his mother, Princess Catherine, and older siblings Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10, Prince Louis greeted well-wishers outside St Mary Magdalene Church. Despite the brisk Norfolk weather, the children were all smiles, warmly waving to the public who had gathered to see the Royal Family.
It’s customary in Royal tradition for boys to wear shorts to official engagements until they turn eight – a practice that has been passed down through generations and is steeped in aristocratic convention.
However, it seems that the Prince and Princess of Wales are maintaining a more relaxed approach to protocol, as Prince Louis was also spotted wearing trousers during last year’s Christmas outing and recent Easter services.
This tradition originates from early childhood dress codes, where young boys were often dressed similarly to girls until they were deemed old enough to “graduate” into trousers, reports the Express.
Etiquette guru William Hanson shed light on the age-old dress code in a chat with Harper’s Bazaar, stating: “Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England.”
He went on to say, “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.”
This year, Prince George and Prince Louis were seen sporting matching ties and suits, a charming display of brotherly solidarity.
While tradition still holds sway in the monarchy, instances like these underscore how the younger generation is subtly reshaping Royal norms for a new era.
Senior royals congregated at Sandringham House, King Charles’s private country estate in Norfolk, for festive celebrations.
The King took possession of the estate following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and has upheld her cherished Christmas customs, before making his way to Balmoral for the New Year.
The Christmas Day public appearance is one of the few times each year when the extended Royal Family comes together in public view, providing a rare peek into their private family festivities.
It’s thought that the family exchanged presents on Christmas Eve, a custom believed to echo their German roots.
After the morning church service and walkabout, the family are anticipated to head back to Sandringham for a formal black-tie dinner later in the day.