ROYAL fans were left gushing as Prince Louis joined his older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte for his first Christmas walkabout yesterday.
The four-year-old prince looked adorable dressed in a blue wool coat and purple shorts and socks.
Royal fans were quick to remark on Prince Louis’ outfit worn to church on Christmas Day
Many were concerned the four-year-old would be cold in his shorts
And while his outfit was certainly sweet, royal fans were all saying the same thing, expressing their concern about Louis’ exposed legs in the December chill.
Taking to Twitter one wrote: “Prince Louis looks adorable except for the shorts
“Absolutely ridiculous to use such an outdated and classist style convention on a freezing day. People are sitting with blankets.”
Agreeing another added: “Why is Louis wearing shorts on such a cold day?”
“Poor Prince Louis in the cold in lil shorts,” agreed another.
While the choice in outfit might seem a little odd, according to etiquette expert William Hanson it is all down to tradition dating back to the 16th century.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, he explained: “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.”
King Charles, 74, and Queen Consort Camilla, 75, led a large portion of the Royal Family for the traditional church service at Sandringham — their first without the Queen.
Hundreds of onlookers were delighted to see Prince William and Kate, both 40, with their three kids.
Some called out, “We love you, Louis” while the four-year-old waved back.
It was the royals’ first traditional family walk to St Mary Magdalene Church since 2019 due to Covid restrictions.
According to etiquette expert William Hanson shorts are traditionally worn by younger royal boys, as they were previously by Prince George