Seven-Year-Old Breaks Tradition by Wearing Trousers Instead of Classic
Royal Shorts
Prince Louis drew attention at this year’s Trooping the Colour by stepping out
in trousers — a notable departure from the traditional shorts typically worn
by young boys in Britain’s aristocracy.
The seven-year-old was seen leaving Buckingham Palace in a carriage with their
mother, Catherine, and siblings as they took part in King Charles’s official
birthday celebrations on 14th June.
His choice of outfit marked a clear shift from previous Trooping the Colour
appearances, where he had followed royal convention by wearing shorts and
knee-high socks.
Traditionally, boys in aristocratic circles wear shorts until around the age
of eight, with trousers seen as a milestone of maturity. Louis, however, was
first seen in trousers as early as age two, during a Christmas pantomime
outing in 2020 — suggesting a quiet but early move away from the norm.
This stands in contrast to his older brother, who followed tradition until the
age of five before debuting chinos in the family’s 2018 Christmas portrait.
Since then, Louis has made trousers his go-to for formal appearances,
including Christmas Day services and VE Day commemorations — subtly
modernising royal children’s fashion without fanfare.
