During a recent appearance at Princess Kate’s annual Christmas carol service, young Prince Louis broke with a long-established royal tradition – and it wasn’t the first time

Whenever Prince Louis attends royal events with his parents Prince William and Princess Kate, he always steals the show.

A firm favorite amongst royal fans, the adorable six-year-old recently stepped out with his siblings Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, nine, to attend the Christmas carol service that Kate puts on each year at Westminster Abbey.

Royal watchers are always delighted when the three Wales children accompany their parents to official engagements – and it doesn’t happen that often, because the future King and Queen work hard to ensure that their three youngsters get to enjoy as normal a childhood as possible.

When Louis appeared at the carol service it also marked a break with somewhat of a royal tradition – and this isn’t the first time Louis has been spotted doing this. Generally speaking, when male royal children are young they are rarely seen in long trousers, instead opting for shorts that are deemed more age-appropriate – however for the second year in a row, Louis wore full-length trousers to the festive event.

Louis looked adorable in a full suit – something he hasn’t worn before at an official engagement – and he was perfectly coordinated with big brother George and dad William, with all three sporting bright red ties that were in the same shade as Kate’s festive coat.

As reported in Hello magazine, before the age of seven it’s quite unusual to see a royal child in a full suit, with George donning one for the first time at that age, when he attended the Euro 2020 final in London, so Louis has been allowed to do so a whole year earlier than his big brother.

A protocol expert and etiquette coach – William Hanson – has previously explained to Hello why the royals err towards short when it comes to dressing their children: “Today, young boys usually transition into trousers around age seven. Prince George is always seen in shorts because upper-class and upper-middle-class parents believe that little boys should look like little boys, and so try to keep their offspring looking as cute and innocent for as long as possible.”

The expert continued:”It’s one of the many silent class indicators we have in Britain. Trousers on young boys is considered a tad suburban and lower market.”

In 2023, Louis did sport a pair of full-length trousers for the Christmas carol service, but instead of a full suit, he wore a cosy double-breasted coat and a checked shirt beneath, showing that Prince William and Princess Kate may have been transitioning him slowly toward a full smart suit.

Given the cold weather at this time of year, it’s no surprise that the couple were happy to let Louis wear long trousers – whatever established etiquette amongst the upper classes is. Kate and William are said to be hands-on parents, who put their responsibilities towards their children above all else – so breaking with this tradition to ensure their youngest son is nice and warm is a clear indicator of their priorities.