Why Kate Middleton always dresses Prince George in shorts

No matter the occasion or the weather, Prince George is always seen in short pants. There is a reason why the 4-year-old future king of England would never be caught in long pants as long as he is still half dad Prince William’s height.

While other children his age already wear trousers, George has a different approach to fashion. Apparently, George’s wearing of shorts is what separates him from other classes. According to etiquette expert William Hanson, it’s a “very English thing” to do.

“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,” Hanson told the Harpers Barzaar. “And no self-respecting aristo or royal would want to be considered suburban, even the Duchess of Cambridge,” he continued, referring to George’s mum, Kate Middleton.

William and his younger brother, Prince Harry, were also dressed in shorts when they were about George’s age (see picture above). Their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, dressed them in such until they were deemed old enough to wear long pants.

“This is, historically, perhaps due to the practice of ‘breeching,’ which dates back to the sixteenth century. A newborn boy would be dressed in a gown for their first year or two (these gowns have survived as the modern Christening robe) and then he was ‘breeched’ and wore articles of clothing that more resembled shorts or trousers than dresses,” Hanson explained.

Kate may care more about following tradition than separating her royal family from other classes, though. Hanson said she probably dresses George in shorts out of habit. “The British upper set are always keen to hold on to tradition, and this one also silently marks them out from ‘the rest,’” he said.

Prince George, who recently accompanied his parents and sister, Princess Charlotte, on a five-day visit to Poland and Germany, turned 4 years old on Saturday. He has about four years more before he is allowed to wear long pants because, according to Hanson, boys graduate to trousers normally around 8 years old.