Prince Louis granted special privilege by Prince William and Kate as he follows in Prince George’s footsteps
Prince Louis received this special privilege from the Prince and Princess of Wales last year and he's not the only one to have it

Prince Louis was granted a special privilege by Prince William and Kate and it means he’s following in Prince George’s footsteps.
Last year was a major year for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s youngest child as whilst Prince Louis still doesn’t accompany his siblings to every major event, he made several high-profile appearances in 2023. This included his grandfather King Charles’s coronation and his debut in one of his best winter coats at Kate’s Together at Christmas carol service. However, it was at another family occasion that five-year-old Prince Louis was granted a special privilege.
Stepping out alongside the rest of the Royal Family on Christmas Day, Prince Louis might well have astonished some onlookers with his checked trousers. It was a moment that couldn’t have been a greater contrast to 2022 when he made his debut walking to church on Christmas Day in shorts.
Gilded Youth: An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family by Tom Quinn | £15.83 at Amazon
Exploring what it's like to grow up in the Royal Family, Tom Quinn brings together historical sources with testimonies from palace staff. There are tales of royal mischievousness, including surprising anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth and Prince William, and it's shocking, funny and insightful all at once.
Shorts are a traditional choice for royal boys and getting to wear trousers instead is very new for Prince Louis - even in colder weather. According to etiquette expert William Hanson, royal boys traditionally wear shorts as this is apparently one of the “silent class markers” in England. Back in 2018, he claimed to Harper’s Bazaar that it’s a “very English thing” to do and that “trousers are for older boys and men”.
William went on to express his belief that a young boy wearing trousers is “is considered quite middle class – quite suburban” and in his opinion, “no self-respecting aristo or royal” would “want to be considered suburban”. It's also been suggested that boys traditionally start wearing trousers like we saw Prince Louis wear at Christmas when they're several years older than he is.
Editor-in-Chief of Majesty magazine, Ingrid Seward, claimed in the past to People that, “It is shorts until you’re 8 and then ‘woo, you’re in long trousers. They suddenly feel very grown up.”
It seems that Prince William and Kate have now relaxed this supposed royal rule for five-year-old Prince Louis. This is something that he might appreciate in the colder months especially and Prince Louis being granted this privilege means he’s also following in his big brother Prince George’s footsteps.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Prince George was five when he was first seen wearing trousers instead of shorts for the Prince and Princess of Wales’s highly-anticipated 2018 Christmas card photo. This was taken by photographer Matt Porteous outside, seemingly in autumn, and so wearing trousers makes complete practical sense, even if it breaks with tradition.
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
He then went on to wear trousers for his first ever Christmas Day walk to church - something Prince Louis didn’t get to do. The decision for Prince Louis to be allowed to swap shorts for trousers more freely in 2023, though, indicates that Prince William and Kate are now happy for both their sons to do so in the winter at least.
Just a few weeks earlier Prince Louis attended his mother’s carol service for the first time and also wore trousers that chilly December evening. Known for his mischievous antics at royal occasions, Prince Louis displayed a lot of confidence there too, but according to author and body language expert Judi James, he now limits his playfulness at events a bit more.
"Louis is still hugely playful, even blowing out his sister’s candle, but the expression on Charlotte’s face is one of shared fun and total indulgence here," she previously told womanandhome. "Charlotte will happily step in to check her two brother’s behaviour at formal events and the fact that she was smiling suggests Louis has gone past his super-playful stage and now keeps his fun within limits."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
'Life doesn't end at 40. We keep living' - Alison Steadman's honest approach to ageing is just as incredible as her
Alison Steadman's enthusiastic stance on getting older is an attitude we should all take on board
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Is Apple Cider Vinegar a true story? The real tale behind Netflix's influencer scam drama
Apple Cider Vinegar tells the story of Belle Gibson, an influencer who claimed a healthy diet plan cured her cancer - but how much of the drama is true?
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Lady Louise Windsor could step up to be vital support to Prince William in 'years to come'
Lady Louise could potentially be 'willing' to help out her cousin Prince William one day even if she doesn't become a working royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The chunky boot trend Kate Middleton comes back to every year effortlessly blends comfort and style
The Princess of Wales's chunky boots are perfect for the colder months and there are three designs she particularly loves to wear
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William make poignant appearance as a duo for first time this year
The Prince and Princess of Wales paid their respects as they attended a service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published