Prince Louis breaks strict royal protocol during Christmas Day walkabout
Prince Louis stepped out alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales during the annual Christmas Day walkabout this morning.
Prince Louis appeared to quietly break a long-standing royal dress code during the traditional Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham this morning. The seven-year-old was spotted wearing smart tailored trousers rather than the traditional shorts typically worn by young royal boys at public engagements.
Prince Louis joined his mother, Princess Catherine, alongside his older siblings Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 10, as the family greeted well-wishers outside St Mary Magdalene Church. Despite the chilly Norfolk weather, the children appeared in high spirits, smiling and waving warmly to members of the public who had gathered to see the Royal Family.
Royal tradition usually dictates that boys must wear shorts when attending official engagements until they turn eight – a custom that dates back generations and is rooted in aristocratic convention.
Prince Louis attended the Christmas Walk About with the Prince and Princess of Wales (Image: Getty)
However, it appears that the Prince and Princess of Wales are continuing a more relaxed approach to protocol, as Prince Louis was also seen wearing trousers during last year’s Christmas outing and at recent Easter services.
The tradition has its roots in early childhood dress, when young boys were often dressed similarly to girls until they were considered old enough to “graduate” into trousers.
Etiquette expert William Hanson explained the origins of the long-standing clothing rule in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar. He said, “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 continued, “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.”
The Princess of Wales was snapped holding Prince Louis's hand (Image: Getty)
This year, both Prince George and Prince Louis coordinated their looks, wearing matching ties and suits, creating a sweet display of sibling unity.
While traditions remain important to the monarchy, moments like this highlight how the next generation is gently redefining royal norms for a new era.
Senior members of the Royal Family gathered at Sandringham House, King Charles’s private country estate in Norfolk, to celebrate the festive season together.
The King inherited the estate following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and has continued her long-held Christmas traditions, before heading to Balmoral for the New Year.
Prince Louis smiled to onlookers as they greeted the royal family (Image: Getty)
The Christmas Day walkabout is one of the few occasions each year when the wider Royal Family comes together publicly, offering a rare glimpse into their private family celebrations.
It is believed the family exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve, a tradition thought to reflect their German heritage.
Following the morning church service and walkabout, the family are expected to return to Sandringham for a formal black-tie dinner later in the day.