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Louis waving from balcony© Getty Images

Why Prince Louis broke with tradition and didn't wear shorts at Trooping the Colour

The Prince and Princess of Wales's son turned seven in April

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
3 days ago
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The Prince and Princess of Wales's children joined them at Trooping the Colour to mark the King's official birthday on Saturday.

While Princess Charlotte matched her mother Kate in an aquamarine and white dress, Prince George and Prince Louis coordinated in suits and red ties.

In a first for Prince William and Kate's youngest son, Louis, seven, wore trousers for the first time at Trooping the Colour.

The Princess is always looking out for her children© James Veysey/Shutterstock
Louis wore trousers for Trooping the Colour for the first time

In previous years, the youngster has donned shorts and knee-high socks.

There has been a longstanding tradition for male members of royalty and aristocracy to wear shorts until the age of eight. 

Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Louis of Wales walk from a horse drawn carriage during Trooping the Colour in 2023© Getty Images
Louis wore shorts at Trooping The Colour 2023

But Louis actually wore his first pair of trousers in public when he was much younger than George.

The Prince was just two when he wore trousers to watch a Christmas pantomime in December 2020.

George, Charlotte and Louis attend a Christmas panto in 2020© Getty
Louis wore trousers for the first time at the age of two

For much more recent high-profile events, such as the walk to church on Christmas Day and VE Day, Louis has also ditched the shorts for trousers.

Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince William attend the Military Parade to Mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day© James Veysey/Shutterstock
Louis on VE Day in May

In comparison, George was five when he donned a pair of chinos for the family's Christmas portrait in 2018.

George sets an example

The Wales children shared a carriage with their mother as the royals travelled down The Mall to watch the military parade at Horse Guards Parade in central London, before returning to Buckingham Palace for the flypast.

Royal brothers George and Louis were seen chatting animatedly and waving to the crowds together.

Prince Louis (left) and Prince George leave Buckingham Palace ahead of Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London as King Charles III celebrates his official birthday.© PA Images via Getty Images
George and Louis during the carriage procession

George was seen nudging his boisterous younger brother Louis to wave more calmly at the crowd following the ceremony.

George nudges Louis while he's waving© Getty Images
George was seen correcting Louis

As the youngsters appeared on the palace balcony for the finale, Louis began enthusiastically waving at the crowd, drawing big cheers from those standing in the Mall to watch the Red Arrows fly overhead.

He briefly stopped to turn around and address his father, then continued to wave and grin until George gently nudged him to stop by touching his arm.

Prince Louis of Wales waves from the balcony at Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour 2025© Getty Images
Louis waved to the crowd one last time

But the youngest prince could not resist giving the crowd one last wave as his family retreated into Buckingham Palace after the flypast ended.

LISTEN: Do Kate and Meghan have access to Princess Diana's 'five dresses'?

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